What is it that makes a vintage sewing basket so irresistible? The sheer variety of styles available is quite remarkable. My favourites are the small round or rectangular boxes that are woven in straw with raffia flowers and other decorations on the top.

 

 

And it’s not just the exteriors of these little boxes that are beautiful to behold. The interiors, with their coloured satin cushioned style make them delightful to open.

 

 

From the recent vintage fashion fair stall that my friend and colleague Tami and I had at Round She Goes in Sydney, it was apparent from all the admiring glances that the sewing boxes received, that we’re not the only ones who just love these domestic treasures from the past. Quite a number of visitors stopped by to tell us about their own collections or a particular sewing box that they have had for many years.

 

 

The more rare examples in our collection include two unusual sewing boxes from the United States. The one with the poodle gracing the lid receives many favourable comments. And there’s no mistaking the pleasure on the face of a little girl who took to one small sewing box in particular and was determined to have it. We had to coax it back out of her hands!