I had basically ignored the two small brass turtles on a tray in the jewelry case. Instead, I had asked the auctioneer to pull out trays with more interesting-looking items. The three glass shelves (and…
Tag: Sewing
There was a time when I sewed some of my own clothes. It worked out well, especially because I could make slacks that reached beyond my ankles – no more high-water pants – and didn’t…
A slew of antique sewing boxes
Posted in collectibles, and Sewing
As I turned the corner into another section of a new auction house I was previewing, a well-lighted case caught hold of me. From where I stood, I could make out small spools of thread and…
The auctioneer looked closely at the framed piece he had just retrieved from the top of the glass case and then held it up high. It was tatting from 1822, he eagerly announced. Right, I…
I instantly fell in love with the small framed needlepoint of the little girl. She lay there on the auction table, her eyes looking to the left. I assumed she was Native American by the…
There was a time when some girls stitched designs on sheets, pillowcases and tablecloths for their dowries. These could be either simple or intricate designs on household items they’d take with them into their marriage.…
Baseball has traditionally been seen as the national pastime, but for women that may be sewing. At least that’s what it feels like to me, based on the amount and types of vintage sewing items…
Whenever I spot a sampler at auction, I always pause a minute to look it over. I wonder about the girl behind it – boys didn’t often stitch them – and what it says about…
New looks for old fabric
Posted in Sewing
I saw the pieces of fabric peeking out from the box on an outside table at auction this week and recognized them immediately. Quilting scraps. In a box next to it was another project I…
A floral needlepoint purse
Posted in Sewing
I don’t buy vintage clothing or personal items at auction. Out of curiosity, I’ll stand back and watch the bidding but I never participate. Until recently, when the auctioneer at one of my favorite auction…