Sewing Notions On Memory Lane
The unopen pack of quarter inch bias tape may not have been made in 1931. The date, I think, is closer to the 1950s. It was in a box of vintage sewing notions.
The Kmart close out sale prices are a stunning reminder of the old days of circa 1990s.
The beautiful peach satin blanket binding is waiting for a special project. The offer on the back is interesting.
Click to enlarge for easier reading the out of date offer from Wm. E. Wright & Sons Company. (The company merged into Simplicity Creative Group.)
Remnants packages are sold today for fabric, felt, trims and such.
In the box of vintage sewing notions were threads on small wooden spools. They appear to be the oldest. My guess is the items range from 1940s to the 1990s.
For authenticity, using materials from the correct year is important when restoring quilts and other antique fabric items.
There is a sort of magic in sewing with thread that was made in the old 20th Century factories we see in black and white photographs.
I look forward to seeing what you create. I really need to get back to sewing. Maybe the future will give me some time to do that again. I love old sewing notions. I would not be able to pass up looking and browsing through those.
ReplyDeleteSandy,
DeleteI always check the thrift store bin for hem lace in odd colors and other notions.
A shelf is near cleared for fabrics only.
That offer is very interesting. And kind of amazing. It's hard to imagine what kind of profit a company made on binding tape sold for what today feels like pennies, and for simply the price of postage the company would mail out leftovers of trims. I would have so done this! I wonder what the equivalent cost of them doing something like that today would be.
ReplyDeleteRegarding vintage thread... I inherited some spools of vintage thread from my mother-in-law's things. I have mixed feelings about using it. Firstly, I think they're kind of cool and I don't want to not have them anymore. Secondly, I wonder if these threads have begun to rot - in a way I can't see just looking at it. I don't know the answer to that. I should google it. Google probably knows the answer.
Becki,
DeleteAs for thread rot, cheaper cotton thread on plastic spools has not held well when I've used it hand sewing, frays and breaks easy. I haven't used the vintage threads yet.
I spoke to a quilt restorer years ago that said she goes to yards sale in search of vinyage clothes to restore quilts. I imagine thread would be needed as well.
I remember that old bias tape and the old sewing patterns. That's cool that you still have this from the 1950's. I so wish I kept some of my mom's old sewing stuff. She was a great seamstress, and made my wedding dress, and all the bridesmaids' dresses! She made many of my clothes growing up too! You have a talent for sewing, and it's nice to work on different projects. My sister used to sew quilts.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri,
DeleteYour mother making your clothes is a treasure memory to have. You can build up your own sewing stuff.
Sewing is super relaxing. Hand sewing is also very calming.
I love your blog, Maywyn. Love looking at notions and older fabric. Love even looking at photos of them!
ReplyDeleteI have a few things like that! It's fun looking at the old prices!
ReplyDeleteJeanie,
DeleteOld prices make me giggle.
Prices today make me wince, and let out an ouch for the budget.
Debra,
ReplyDeleteThank you. This template is easy to work with. I like the comment set up as well.
The old Ben Franklin by far had thee best floral prints I've seen. Sad they closed around here.
Old prices really underline the expensive days in which we now live! I have a collection of vintage notions including beautiful threads on wooden spools that belonged to my husband's grandmother. I have them in a glass bowl in my sewing room to admire, not use. They have a glossy look to them that is very attractive.
ReplyDeleteLorrie,
DeleteA bowl of vintage threads is a beautiful way to display them.
Nowadays, once a price rises, it doesn't go down much, even after supply issues are resolved.