Oodles and oodles: Where it all began

July 25, 2008

Where it all began

My yard-sale purchases sometimes make me gleeful or giddy, but they don't usually make me teary-eyed. Today, one did.

I bought a bundle of sewing booklets for a dollar. Most of them were Singer Sewing Library booklets from the 1960s. It wasn't until I got home that I realized this one was in there:

My very first sewing book. I got it the year I got the little hand-cranked sewing machine on the cover. I still have it, of course. The first picture on this post is the inside cover of the book. See the case the sewing machine came in? I still have that, too. But somewhere along the way, I lost my copy of the book.

I spent hours reading it. I learned to sew lines and curves like the ones on the left, practicing with pieces of brown paper that my mom cut from grocery bags. I memorized the list of sewing tools I needed. I loved shopping at the notions counter with my mom. My affection for a fresh pack of straight pins and a new spool of thread started then.

I admired this crisp white collar ...

and this smart ribbon belt, but I don't remember making either one.

This apple pincushion looks so familiar, though, that I'm certain I must have attempted at least one of them.

I've been trying to buy more things lately that I can resell this fall. But this baby book is awfully sweet.

And so is "Creating Charm When Sewing for Girls." Sigh. I might not be able to part with them. But I know for sure I will not part with the little book that taught me how to sew.

Posted at 03:54 PM | Permalink

Comments

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Barbara, I wish you were treasure hunting with me today we would have had loads of fun! I love those books, so sweet!

Posted by: Susan | July 25, 2008 at 05:16 PM

What a sweet story.

Posted by: kim | July 25, 2008 at 05:26 PM

I love treasures that bring back memories!
Have a great night!
Kim

Posted by: Kim V | July 25, 2008 at 06:03 PM

You find the best stuff, it really is amazing!
I think you should keep ALL of those treasures!

Posted by: Wendy | July 25, 2008 at 06:19 PM

You find the best stuff, it really is amazing!
I think you should keep ALL of those treasures!

Posted by: Wendy | July 25, 2008 at 06:19 PM

How fabulous that you found something so special. The illustrations... sewing straight lines and curves...I still do that with my students today.

Posted by: Pauline | July 25, 2008 at 07:00 PM

You experienced the magic of shopping for treasures. It's so much more than most people can imagine. It's a shame that there are generations of girls that have no idea of the memories that sewing, crocheting, knitting, and baking can have for the rest of their lives. I made sure that I taught my daughter all of these things.

Enjoy the memories.

Posted by: Connie | July 25, 2008 at 08:18 PM

Isn't it delightful when you find something like that and it takes you on a sentimental journey!? I recently ran across my first sewing book, 'The Lucky Sew- it-Yourself Book' from 196...well the year doesn't really matter now does it... ;) I won it on e-bay! It now once again sits proudly on the bookshelf in my studio. It makes me smile. Lucky you to have/had one of those groovy sewing machines!

Posted by: mona | July 25, 2008 at 09:52 PM