Cloth Treasures From a Farmgirl Hero

I was looking for some thread to match a torn sweater the other day. And in desperation the Future Farmkids and I started digging through our Aunt Margaret’s sewing basket.

In addition to being a feisty spinster Farmgirl, Aunt Margaret was a talented seamstress and quilt maker. [My favorite pictures are of her and a group of women who literally moved an old farmhouse, jacked it up, put it on wheels and toted it by tractor across the road…while the men were at War.]
We ended up with quite a few of her quilts. But it’s always fun to dig through a treasure box.

First, we found a bunch of wooden spindles, which were a marvel to my kids. So were the thimbles, which I attempted to define. Then there were more needles — nickel with gold eyelets — than I’ll ever use.

We also found pinking sheers and other sewing implements in their original boxes, probably from the 40s or 50s.

But buried near the bottom was a real treasure. In an old Penny’s brown paper bag was what looked like cloth remnants. But when I pulled out the cloth, I could see that it was the beginnings of a dress or apron.

I’d like to say I’ll finish it…but I’m no Aunt Margaret. The last time I did any serious sewing was in Jr. high Home Ec. I distinctly remember making a pair of sweatpants in my school colors. They were meant for me, but my measurements were off. The were well made, but they fit my dad.