In a recent post, I shared a picture of my temporary sewing basket…
On its own, this is a fine little basket, but with no lid, little space, no pockets, and holes, it is usually empty. The woven surfaces are quite rough and hazardous to fine fabrics, and those open spots allow small pins and other notions to sneak through.
Obviously, a genuine sewing box was in order. I wanted a small, tidy box for transporting project bits and bobs from room to room. Searching through craft and fabric stores resulted mainly in frustration; there was just nothing that took my fancy.
What to do?
If you are reading this, you probably know Lynn, from Tialys. And you are probably aware that she makes the most beautiful sewing boxes. A cruise through her Etsy site convinced me one of her boxes was what I needed. We had many conversations as she patiently listened to my desires, and suffered through my myriad of mind changes. (A saint, she is.) Finally we ended up with a beautiful black/white toile with red lining.
So, let me introduce you to my beautiful new custom sewing box.
Shall we open the box together?
Lynn did a lot of fussy cutting to place a different illustration on each side piece. I asked for florals, and a cow…..and here she is! Oh, and just look at that cheery cherry lining!
Each side has either an elastic strap or a pocket for notions. Most of them were filled with surprises, hand-picked for me by Lynn.
A large vintage button (maybe for a coat?), some fine black wool (to repair a hole in my old cashmere sweater?), some lovely brown thread (look at that sheen!), and a teeny tiny vintage baseball bat. No, of course it’s not really a bat, I believe it’s a lace bobbin? The lovely lady in the red swing coat and stylish hat is Lynn’s business card. A perfect vintage French card for her.
The only thing left to do is fill my lovely new box with the accoutrements of my current project: baby girl bib and little boy neck pillow for my great grands.
That is beautiful, just beautiful. What a joy it will be to use, I’m sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Deb. I am so pleased with it, every little detail is perfect. And it’s been called into action already – filled to the brim with notions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So beautiful! Love what she’s put into it too. Enjoy filling it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I do love it, the little goodies were a sweet surprise! And I forgot to mention that she also kindly included the tutorial, so one day I’ll be making up another one myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How incredibly beautiful and practical. Lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I couldn’t agree more. 😀
LikeLike
A little bit of beautiful is such a joy…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It truly is a little bit of beautiful.
LikeLike
What a special thing! She did a beautiful job, and it’s going to make you smile every day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is special – a smile inducer indeed! (It makes even my pedestrian orange tape measure look good!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s just lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m so happy with it. 🙂
LikeLike
That is so lovely, Toile is one of my favourite fabrics!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh mine too. But, poor Lynn, I changed my mind every day. Finally ended up with my original choice, and couldn’t be happier.
LikeLike
It was a pleasure to work with you Jen. I’m so pleased you like it and I love the way you’ve incorporated the little goodies into your header. I hope it gives you many years of use.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Lynn. My little box is a thing of beauty. And apparently the jury is unanimous, to no surprise, isn’t that wonderful?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful box. I do love Lynn’s boxes. Something else I keep promising to make myself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh it is lovely! And yes, you must make one! I know some other talented who’ve made them following Lynn’s tutorial and they are also spectacular. I hope to give it a go, too, before too long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, it’s the before too long that’s the real challenge 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Ain’t it the truth….
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful box. How nice to have exactly what you wanted made for you. I’m off to check out her site.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, it was a happy day when my package from France arrived! You’ll love her site, so many wonderful things.
LikeLike
I will be following in future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness. How lovely. And all the nice things inside too. You lucky person Jen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am lucky indeed! She did a beautiful job and I’m so pleased. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! It’s stunning! I love mine too and I think they’d make lovely keep sake boxes for new baby presents. 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh they would be perfect as a new baby gift! And so many other possibilities…I have a feeling one will not be enough. 😉
LikeLike
Oh how lovely! I know from experience the work (and hours) that goes into making these and keep meaning to make one for myself as well as for other people:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh you must have one for yourself! I’ve seen your baskets and they are lovely. Mine is like a little jewel and always makes me smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person