tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post8531699007376537790..comments2024-03-16T10:01:48.154-07:00Comments on Chronica Domus: Relics Reimagined: A Sewing Kit Chronica Domushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-11896891891691786062015-03-04T07:51:38.308-08:002015-03-04T07:51:38.308-08:00Yes of course, I'd be nothing without my sewin...Yes of course, I'd be nothing without my sewing kit! It's not nearly as nice as yours looks though! Serviced Apartments Guyhttp://www.thearmitage.com/locations/hyde-park/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-37488804444162488662015-03-03T19:08:14.023-08:002015-03-03T19:08:14.023-08:00Hello Lord Cowell,
I just adore that little pair ...Hello Lord Cowell,<br /><br />I just adore that little pair of scissors and they work so well too. How funny that you should mention darning a hole in one's sock. I have had occasion to repair socks over the years but honestly cannot recall the last time I did.<br /><br />The hyacinths (at least some of them) are coming along splendidly and I shall report on them in a few weeks. Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-40992707459699988522015-03-03T17:18:00.946-08:002015-03-03T17:18:00.946-08:00What a beautiful little pair if scissors! I have a...What a beautiful little pair if scissors! I have a little wooden box full of needles and thread, buttons and bits, and a little darning mushroom. Now there's a lost art, When was the last time anyone darned the hole in their socks?<br />I am looking forward to seeing your hyacinths when they bloom. Please do share some pictures. David.<br />Lord Cowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08022567039394790375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-23890119622155997632015-02-28T09:15:52.305-08:002015-02-28T09:15:52.305-08:00Dearest Dani,
I'd be delighted, and humbled, ...Dearest Dani,<br /><br />I'd be delighted, and humbled, if you found any of my photographs worthy of a pin, something I really ought to look into for myself as I hear it is all the rage (although I've never been one to lead the way, technologically speaking). <br /><br />Your dress disaster sounds as though it was an utter nightmare, especially when surrounded by so many people at a public event with nowhere to hide - heavens! It seems as though you've found the perfect solution in avoiding these little clothing emergencies by carrying a small sewing kit in your handbag. I've found that the kits supplied in hotel rooms are excellent for such emergencies and I keep one in my suitcase and bag at all times.<br />Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-51178622770322197822015-02-28T04:54:21.786-08:002015-02-28T04:54:21.786-08:00What a lovely post! Your sewing box is so darling...What a lovely post! Your sewing box is so darling and I love the history behind it. Your Granny sounds wonderful.<br />I do have a wee sewing basket for quick repairs. My husband is quite hard on his clothes and is always pulling buttons off of things, just a couple of days ago I had to sew a button on his tweed coat. <br />I also try to carry a small sewing kit in my handbag. Years ago at a James Taylor concert the strap popped right off of my dress, I could have used a needle and thread that evening as I held up my dress at the concert...which was also outdoors in the pouring rain... it was all a bit too Woodstock for my liking. <br />I hope you don't mind but I'd like to pin a couple of your photos, that really is the ideal sewing kit!DaniBPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02633155240779845497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-57991931587047868212015-02-27T08:02:26.952-08:002015-02-27T08:02:26.952-08:00Dearest Jane and Lance,
How fascinating to learn ...Dearest Jane and Lance,<br /><br />How fascinating to learn of your POW wooden box and that it now houses your sewing accoutrements. I too would be wondering what became of the prisoner.<br /><br />It appears that many of the commenters of this post have connections to family members through their sewing boxes, which haveI found rather captivating and quite unexpected. Perhaps our parents and grandparents did not sew as much as they had anticipated when amassing their little troves of thread.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-16496975245132065032015-02-27T04:51:07.698-08:002015-02-27T04:51:07.698-08:00Hello,
So many intriguing connections in this pos...Hello,<br /><br />So many intriguing connections in this post. How delightful that your grandmother's cigarette tin is now being put to good and practical use. You clearly have very fond memories of her which will be rekindled on each occasion that the sewing kit is put to use.<br /><br />We have a comprehensive selection of threads, silks, buttons, needles and pins all handed down ( as is virtually everything we possess) by an aged parent many years ago now. Indeed, the concertina type wooden box in which the sewing paraphernalia is kept was made by a prisoner of war when they were stationed in a camp near Romsey where aged parent used to live. We cannot thread a needle but when Tímea, our housekeeper, needlewoman, cook and all round genius goes to the sewing box we often wonder about who made it and what became of them. These connections are so intricately woven over the decades and we are all, surely, only a step away from being bound together in some convoluted way.Jane and Lance Hattatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16831890261259302647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-27740217921660410572015-02-26T19:39:31.113-08:002015-02-26T19:39:31.113-08:00Hello slf,
What a fascinating story you tell of y...Hello slf,<br /><br />What a fascinating story you tell of your treasured pincushion. To me, stuffing it with human hair makes perfect sense. I collect mourning hair art and unlike your daughter am not "grossed out" by your pincushion.<br /><br />I can see the logic in a thimble now that you've explained how it is helpful to push through layers of fabric and batting. That is probably why my father found his so essential in his profession as a tailor.<br /><br />Thank you for dropping by and adding to the discussion.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-67274743640800187812015-02-26T18:31:46.828-08:002015-02-26T18:31:46.828-08:00When I lived in Hawaii, I took quilting lessons an...When I lived in Hawaii, I took quilting lessons and found that a thimble was essential to push the needle through all those layers of cloth and batting. It was also during this period that a friend gave me a beautiful pincushion made from Hawaiian print fabric and stuffed with human hair. The pincushions were sold from a barbershop. My daughter was grossed out by the hair stuffing but there was a logic to it all. The natural oils from hair kept the needles from rusting! I kept that pincushion and it is a treasured memento as well as an essential tool in my sewing basket.slfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04405972029307714164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-58988650224080310752015-02-26T15:22:53.339-08:002015-02-26T15:22:53.339-08:00Hello Karen,
How extraordinary that you too maint...Hello Karen,<br /><br />How extraordinary that you too maintain a connection to your grandmother through your very own sewing box. I've not heard of a musical sewing basket, but why not!<br /><br />I too remember taking Home Economics and one of our assignments was to make an article of clothing using a pattern. I chose to make a pencil skirt (still my favorite style of skirt), and was lucky enough to procure a length of camel colored cashmere that my father had laying around for this project. I was so very proud of that skirt and held onto it for quite a number of years. Alas, it is now gone, as are my sewing skills.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-2806551858741668812015-02-26T15:18:05.001-08:002015-02-26T15:18:05.001-08:00Hello Spud,
I'm happy to read that you held o...Hello Spud,<br /><br />I'm happy to read that you held onto your grandmother's sewing bits and bobs, and that you use them to this day. It is a wonderful way of maintaining a connection don't you think?<br /><br />Now I really do have to see Now Voyager as you too are a fan.<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by and commenting today.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-20484749167161918752015-02-26T15:06:54.748-08:002015-02-26T15:06:54.748-08:00CD,
I love your stories of finds and family. The ...CD,<br />I love your stories of finds and family. The box is charming and now I'm sure you'll pull it out more often than when it was stored without use. I have a little red woven musical sewing basket that my grandmother bought for me sometime in my middle school years when we all were required to take Home Economics and one of the quarters involved making a piece of clothing from a pattern. The little box still plays its tune when the lid is lifted. I love it and the memory of my dear grandmother is with me each time I use it.<br />Thank you for sharing this story, it reminded me of my grandma.<br />xo,<br />KarenKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08064699521293763744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-88088245932296058182015-02-26T15:05:46.848-08:002015-02-26T15:05:46.848-08:00Hello CD,
What a lovely connection to your Granny...Hello CD,<br /><br />What a lovely connection to your Granny. <br /><br />My grandmother kept her sewing and crochet paraphernalia in an aluminium jug. While the jug is long gone, I did keep it's contents when she passed away and think of her every time I use them. <br /><br />And 'yes!' to KL Gaylin's question above about 'Now Voyager' (one of my favourite films). Would love to know your thoughts should you get around to watching it.<br /><br />Spud.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-7303139543777573332015-02-26T13:51:31.466-08:002015-02-26T13:51:31.466-08:00Hello Lindaraxa,
How funny that you too have a se...Hello Lindaraxa,<br /><br />How funny that you too have a sewing kit in a tin box. I know the item you mention (a metal needle threader), and I have one in my box too, seen tucked beneath the thimble in the last photograph of my box in this posting. I think the thimble looks darling but is quite useless, at least that is my experience of the thing. My father always had great big fat ones without a top, so they must do something useful if you know how to use them correctly.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-32491214845051168402015-02-26T12:46:39.307-08:002015-02-26T12:46:39.307-08:00For my generation a sewing box was de rigueur. Th...For my generation a sewing box was de rigueur. The container of choice was one of those fancy round biscuit or cookie boxes made of tin? Some of them had beautiful designs. I still have mine and it has all the things you have mentioned including a gadget to help you thread the needle. Boy, the things you come up with....lindaraxahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15721286284279902181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-52243172314784321612015-02-26T11:16:08.479-08:002015-02-26T11:16:08.479-08:00Hello KL Gaylin,
Thank you for the reminder of Fa...Hello KL Gaylin,<br /><br />Thank you for the reminder of Farrah's of Harrogate toffee boxes. I remember those creamy toffees well, and I'm happy to read that you are making the most of the discarded tin, a "Relic Reimagined" to be sure!<br /><br />I absolutely agree with you, those old Hollywood types sure made smoking such an alluring pastime. I don't recall Mr. Henreid's lighting abilities but will add Now Voyager to my list of must see films (who doesn't love an oldie?).<br />Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-78937471098152790192015-02-26T11:10:16.931-08:002015-02-26T11:10:16.931-08:00Hello Meg,
Old sewing kits are so charming in all...Hello Meg,<br /><br />Old sewing kits are so charming in all their detail. I often find myself thinking about who owned and used them, and why they are now being sold at garage sales or given away to charity shops. Surely, the items are still useful, even for very basic sewing tasks.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-13330208135461260982015-02-26T11:06:26.291-08:002015-02-26T11:06:26.291-08:00Hello AD,
Well, good on that fourth grade teacher...Hello AD,<br /><br />Well, good on that fourth grade teacher! As you state, being able to sew on a button is indeed a useful task, especially as I'm finding more shabby button sewing on newer clothing. The first thing I did when I purchased my daughter's winter coat last November was to re-sew the buttons as they were literally hanging by a few threads.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-44517404569678314012015-02-26T11:04:03.694-08:002015-02-26T11:04:03.694-08:00Hello Jim,
Make no mistake. Although the DNA for...Hello Jim,<br /><br />Make no mistake. Although the DNA for sewing does come down from both families, it lays dormant within me and has certainly skipped a generation. My hopes now lay with my daughter. <br /><br />I'm glad I've given you something to think about with regards to your empty boxes. I'd be interested to learn what you end up storing in them.<br /><br />Oh, and as for those sea shanties, thank you. I now have you to blame for firmly planting (on repeat) in my little brain, "What do we do with the drunken sailor", which will drive me to distraction for the rest of the day.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-19928751778860044452015-02-26T10:56:06.610-08:002015-02-26T10:56:06.610-08:00Hello Naomi,
If my husband lacked his mariner'...Hello Naomi,<br /><br />If my husband lacked his mariner's knowledge there would be absolutely zero chance of me ever having identified the graphic on the tin's lid as being a capstan, which ultimately led us to unearth the origins of the tole box. I do so enjoy a little detective work every now and then. <br /><br />I too keep the little hotel sewing kits and place one in each of my suitcases. So handy to have on-hand when traveling.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-87761475590804099292015-02-26T10:50:59.309-08:002015-02-26T10:50:59.309-08:00Hello Heidi,
How wonderful to learn that your sew...Hello Heidi,<br /><br />How wonderful to learn that your sewing box has a connection with your granny too, and that you used to do embroidery work at the tender age of twelve, which was probably the last time I did any. I must take the time to teach my own daughter the basics of embroidery as I'm certain the act of attempting to get every stitch just so instilled in me a love of detailed handiwork.Chronica Domushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732224119040843337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-59313629811694905552015-02-26T07:24:32.065-08:002015-02-26T07:24:32.065-08:00Dear CD,
I do indeed have a sewing kit and it resi...Dear CD,<br />I do indeed have a sewing kit and it resides in a tin box that once contained Toffee made by Farrah's of Harrogate. I have more than a few spools so the box is bulging a bit but I just love the container.<br />Although it is definitely not politically correct, the old Hollywood movies did make smoking glamorous. Does anyone remember Paul Henreid lighting two cigarettes; one for Betty Davis and one for himself in "Now Voyager"?<br />Best,<br />KL GaylinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-13060154898329268282015-02-26T07:11:56.147-08:002015-02-26T07:11:56.147-08:00i am such a sucker for old sewing kits.i am such a sucker for old sewing kits.Pigtown*Designhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13775512940294150252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-605453161110071272015-02-26T05:45:19.317-08:002015-02-26T05:45:19.317-08:00such a nice reminder to have! I Have the same sort...such a nice reminder to have! I Have the same sorts of sewing materials on hand in a pretty vintage tin I picked up at an estate sale. Neither of my grandmothers were really 'homemakers' in any sense of the word, haha! I learned how to sew on a button though from my 4th grade teacher -a most useful task!ArchitectDesign™https://www.blogger.com/profile/01481754380363676771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454554472800124620.post-78123079447406646662015-02-26T01:55:56.520-08:002015-02-26T01:55:56.520-08:00Hello CD, Apparently you get your sewing skills f...Hello CD, Apparently you get your sewing skills from both sides of the family. In the most dire emergency, I can manage a button or a few distinctly Frankenstein-ish stitches.<br /><br />It's funny, but even though I collect many old boxes, I rarely keep anything inside, either old and interesting or newer and useful. I'll have to take a page out of your book and put some to good use.<br />--Jim<br /><br />p.s., Good detective work on that tin, but thanks to your discussion of capstans, I now have old sea shanties running through my head!Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.com