Thursday, November 5, 2009

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Sewing Basket

My first sewing basket I found in the trash when I was living in Verdun on 2nd ave (1992-1995). It was a diminutive version of the one in the picture.

And with time it became super cramped...I sew, I craft...I kept asking for a new one at Xmas....But my family didn't seem to think it was a good idea for a gift....


This one was my mother in law's. It probably dates from the 60's. When I first saw it, I was amazed by the size....It is a small piece of furniture! Some time later she offered it to me, I said yes but life being what it is....I didn't get it. First thing I knew she was placed in a long term care facility because the lights were on, but Elvis had left the building....Alzheimer is such a sad disease (don't get me wrong all diseases are sad one way or the other), you loose yourself, you change personality,you don't care about anything, SCARY!

When my mother in law had to change floor to get better supervision, her children and spouses pitched in to move her. And there it was...the big sewing basket! It was obvious she wasn't going to use it anymore so I asked if anyone was going to used it and can I take it please, I need one!


I took it home and cleaned it. One knob was missing...Hum! What to do?

I removed the other one and glued vintage wood spools....Nice!

And what better reminder of that sweet lady. Every time I use it I remember all the good times and the laughter! I love you R

Be sure to visit the always delightful Colorado Lady and participate in VTT! www.coloradolady.blogspot.com

15 comments:

Postcardy said...

That is a nice sewing basket. Using spools for knobs was a cool idea.

Unknown said...

I love these. I can't wait to paint mine. I love to take old things and give it new life. Thank you for sharing this lovely piece with us.

LV said...

I am glad you kept the sewing basket. It is a very nice one and you did a good job on cleaning it up. I am sure your mother-in-law would be pleased you cared so much for it.

Unknown said...

I love how you replaced the knob its adorable. And I love that you got this... One of the saddest things about estate sales is that this doesnt happen.

Strangers root though beloved stuff and there is never this feeling - and as much as I try to honor the things I get, its never the same feeling. Thank you for sharing this.

You did good, cookie

Keetha Broyles said...

I know I've seen one of these before, now if I could just remember where or when!

CC said...

What a wonderful sewing basket and such lovely memories it will bring.
Happy VTT and have a lovely weekend.

Coloradolady said...

What a great sewing basket, you are right, that is a great size, and you did a great job cleaning it up. I have not seen one like it around here in a long time.

Have a great VTT and a wonderful weekend.

Unknown said...

I have seen these a few times in the past, adn I wish I had one now....they are so unique and great storage! Lucky you! :)

viridian said...

Thanks for sharing. I want a basket -er box with so many compartments too.

★Carol★ said...

I'm so happy for you that you eventually got the sewing basket! Those things have an amazing amount of storage. I recently saw one at a barn sale, for $3 I think. I really should have gotten it! What a great keepsake this is for you!
Happy VTT!
Carol

Life Goes On said...

I love the sewing basket and Ilove the knob idea. Perfect addition . You are so clever

Allison said...

How nice this sewing basket found a home where it is appreciated. I've seen smaller versions of yours. You are lucky to have one with so much storage.

Marie said...

I love creative fixes for vintage thingy problems, good for you!

concretenprimroses said...

What a great sewing basket!
I think the family conneciton is neat too.
Kathy

Anonymous said...

it's just like mine which was a gift for my 17th b'day & i still use it!..btw i love the wooden reels for handles :)