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.
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
unbelievably cute and sweet...so glad the right person found them.
Posted by: julie | July 25, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I love that you found your first sewing book! (I'm giving you an award. http://pipstitch.blogspot.com/2008/07/another-award.html )
Posted by: Patty | July 25, 2008 at 11:30 PM
How absolutely wonderful - I am feeling vicariously "restored" for you.
Posted by: Vicki K | July 26, 2008 at 01:30 PM
how sweet. I love your little story... and I'm so glad you found that little sewing book. :) xoxo, Joanna
Posted by: Joanna {sweet finds} | July 28, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Isn't it wonderful when you find such great stuff! Oh...very sweet story too!
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara @ Southern Lady's Vintage | July 29, 2008 at 10:58 PM