There used to be a 'strawberry' looking little thing attached to the pin cushion that was a needle sharpener. It had something like sand in it and just a few jabs with your dull needle would sharpen the tip. Funny, the things we remember. My Mom couldn't sew a stitch but my Grandmother would make my entire school wardrobe every year when I was in elementary school. She lived in Ohio and we were in Michigan. She would have my Mom measure me, and sometime in August, my new wardrobe would appear. She would make doll clothes from the scraps. I still have a few of those packed away awaiting grandchildren - but that's not happening anytime soon. ;o((

Several of the gals in my group are wonderful jewelry makers. So, they do all the beading, etc., and I watch. But, the bracelets were buttons attached to a chain. Some were also on elastic - but the more buttons they could hook on the better they looked. I have been looking for jars of buttons at tag sales and you would not believe what they want for them. I saw one jar in Canada for $35. Buttons - who knew?!?!?

I think I picked up a jar of buttons at a thrift store for a couple of dollars, but that was several years ago. $35? Wow!

Well you know they do say the older something gets the more valuable it becomes. All except for us, we just get old...ugh!

No, Chatty, I don't believe we just get old. I believe we 'weather' and gain valuable insight and wisdom. Now, if people would just listen to us we could fix everything!

I have a tin of buttons..memories of garments,collect ribbons notions and like a squirrel have a stash of haberdashery!!! thats a lost word..

I love that word Mountain Ash.."haberdashery" It conjures up so many memories of my handsome father..memories of tweed jackets, argyle socks, gold cufflinks, silk ties with a golden tie bar, monogrammed hankerchiefs..

wow..I really miss my dad tonight!!!

Thanks for reminding me my dear friend...:)

I agree Yonuh completely..........
I can't believe how much attention this thread has gotten. I've started so many over the years but this one seems to be a real winner. I am so happy its conjured up so many happy memories.

A thread about thread? Now there has to be something profound
in that. I also have a strawberry type pin cushion and I open
my sewing kit, once every 3 years or so, mostly to re attach a button.

IN my sewing kit I still have the original measuring tape that came with it when I received it as a shower gift in 1957. The strawberry is original as are many of the gadgets I can't remember what they are for anymore. The stick pins with round colored ball heads. Guess no one can say I don't take care of my stuff.

1957, those were the days, my friend.


Remember, "Silver Threads and Golden Needles?"