CHARM ABOUT YOU

I wish there was a before, I really thought I had taken a photo some time ago but it can't be found (maybe I didn't!).  **EDIT - I found it...

Anyway the after turned out well and hope you'll enjoy this look at my sewing box.

It's a cantilever sewing box that belonged to my Nan (paternal grandmother). Sadly she passed away last year and it's taken me a while to get to a point where I felt I could sort through some of her things. Over the past few years I went to stay overnight at her house quite often. Though there came a point where she could no longer see well enough to stitch, she enjoyed looking at my projects and I always took 'work' (as she called it) with me. We had picked out thread from this box together on occasion and as an avid crafter she knew I would appreciate it. I thought about just leaving all her things in there but then I wouldn't touch it and I really think she would be happier knowing I am going to make use of the box in the same way that she did.

My Nan told me she'd had the box for years. A quick google shows up similar boxes that are listed as being from the 1960s. From those images I can see that the stain on the handle, arms and legs has faded. I know she used the box a lot and you can tell it was moved around from the feel of the handle. I do wonder if I should re-stain it, I'm tempted to leave it as it is because do love the worn look. Would staining it protect it more over time though? If anyone has experience working with wood or knows how best to look after this box, I would really appreciate your advice.

Late last year I designed and made some projects that I can finally share because they are in this month's Love Patchwork & Quilting: Issue 46!

Since I was feeling playful I also designed two makes that you could decorate your bag with or actually wear yourself. The lawn scarves are really whimsical and have a nice vintage feel with the angled edges, super cute and comfortable as a neck scarf but also sweet tied onto the handles of a bag.