Upcycled Sewing Kit

Can you spy the bow shaped button? It's one of my favorite elements.

Here is another example of a beautiful, functional upcycling project. I made this for Scout for Christmas, 2007. My inspiration came from an unusual place. Arlington, MA has an old school 5 & 10. Seriously. And many of the items for sale have been there since the mid century. If they haven't sold, they remain until they do. Imagine that. Take that quality control. Things I found there include: pink famingos from the 60s ~ oh, yes, the price tags stay intact, too, a Buster Brown chocolate toned turtleneck for Scuppie {baby beatniks anyone?}, metal rack shelves...I must take photos as these need to be seen to be believed, and TADA! {tribute Pearl} ... peeking out from behind all the new packets that sport Made in China {and a most unattractive package, at that} a vintage package of sewing needles. This packet labeled SINGER and Made in U.S.A. was so superior, I knew it was a sign. It's been waiting for Scout all these years.


It is made from a thrift store french style bandana with an alphabet theme, lined with high quality muslin remnants. There's a little pocket for the darning needles and that navy blue bandana pocket holds a needle threader/slicer. The buttons are from my collection and the yarn bits are leftovers as well. Some of you who have received packages from me or bookmarks from the flying housewife may recognize that yarn. I have wristwarmers knit from it. I love them. In no small part because I accomplished a rather difficult project for a beginning knitter. And I needed teeny {8"} round needles, which snooty yarn shop owners told me ~ complete with haughty sniffs ~ 'don't exist'. Well, I won that fight, too. But that's a story for another time.

Scout loves it and, lucky me, she shares. :) til next time.
Be inspired.
Because environment is everything.
ox joon