Tools of the Trade ~ Sewing

I thought it might be interesting to start a new series of occasional posts called Tools of the Trade, on the innate beauty of objects connected with everyday activities. The first subject I picked was Sewing. I also thought that it would be fun to use these posts to experiment with different kinds of photo editing techniques. I started out thinking that the following photos would all look best in sepia, as you can see that didn't work out, maybe next time. Instead on most of the pictures I used Cross Process, it gave them just the touch of age that I wanted.

Sewing has been a big part of my life ever since I made...or I should say, 'ill-made' my first dress in the eighth grade; for some reason I picked out plaid fabric, I shudder now to think how it must have looked, all of that mismatched plaid! But I gradually improved and throughout the years being able to sew has not only provided me with clothing at a reasonable price and, very important: clothing that fit, but also allowed me to decorate my home with draperies, pillows, and other accouterments that I never could have afforded to have custom made.

This was my Aunt Lolly's sewing machine, it was a graduation gift from her parents, she sewing with it, and only it, for her entire life. The clothing that she made was exceptional and her craftsmanship was superb. I don't sew with it, but I keep it in my workroom to remind me of her.



Lolly's sewing machine, circa early twentieth Century

 



My Grandmother's iron and one of my Grandfather's tailoring aids



Does any one that sews ever have the right colored thread?



one of my antique pin cushions



Doing this post was a lot of fun and I hope that you enjoyed seeing it as much as I enjoyed doing it. Now what will be next...maybe kitchen gadgets, or gardening tools...hmmm....





This post has been linked to: http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/, http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/, http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/