My dad recently sent me this great antique sewing box.
It has seen better days, I'm sure. Above is supposed to be a pin cushion. There are two little holes at the front - I have no idea what those are for. The little nubs on the back are filled with a gritty substance, so I can only guess that they were for sharpening.
There are four drawers. The top three are just boxes. The bottom one has pegs for spools.
The drawers are stacked in a way that it makes sort of a pyramid shape. Look at those great little carved details at the top.
There are no markings on the bottom. But you can see here that one of the feet was replaced. I love the idea that this piece was so well-loved.
And now it will continue to be well-loved.
Should I try to repair/replace the pin cushion on top? What about the little spool pegs that are broken off? Should I use this piece for it's intended purpose, or keep it as a show piece? Lastly (I know, so many questions), can anyone tell me anything about it? When was it made, where, etc? I'd love to research the history of it a little more.
What a great piece! I would totally redo the pin cushion. Do the holes on top open into the top drawer? I wonder if it was a thread catcher? Or maybe you could put some little pegs in it and have it hold two thimbles.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great addition to your space! Redo the pin cushion in something you love! The piece was loved before and maybe it should be loved now.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the feedback! By the way, you're a no-reply commenter, so I can't respond to your comments via e-mail.
DeleteI love it! I'd use it. I'm a use it type of person. I don't think redoing the pincushion would take away from its charm or anything.
ReplyDeleteOh what a treasure! I wouldn't change a thing ; )
ReplyDeleteWow! That's an incredible and unique piece. I'm not sure I'd do anything to it. I'm not usually a "keep i in original condition" type of girl, but this thing seems different. I'd try and find out more about it before making alterations.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely piece, think of the sewing it may have seen! I would want to use it, and if that means repairing or replacing parts, I would. The piece was made to be used, I'd feel you take from it if you were to leave it in the corner just looking on...
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