Throw-Back Thursday: Vintage Sewing Books, Stitch By Stitch

Today my thoughts are revolving around these vintage sewing books my Granny gave me, many years ago, as her and my Grandpop began downsizing to move to Florida. There are 20 total books in the series. Unfortunately I have books 2 through 20 and am missing the first one. I even have the index booklet. I'm sure the first one gave all the basic of sewing, knitting, crocheting all all the other crafts featured, and therefore must have been used so often it was displaced from the rest! But of course - I can't be too sure of that. All I know is, it's gone.

Commadore keyboard Image from wikipedia

These books remind me of the days when I sat on a Commodore 64 playing "pong" before my brother took the keyboard apart thinking he could put it back together. Or of the salesmen that would walk door to door and town to town selling sets of Encyclopedias because we didn't have the internet for research homework. And reminds me of the Craft kit projects, you could pay for through the mail, one project a week or month that came with a binder to put it all in (and divider tabs). Those were the days. And those days are gone, but at least I still have the books. Something to remember "those days" by!

I wonder if my girls will remember going to book store and libraries when they are older. I wonder if their children will ever walk through the doors of a book store or library?! Wouldn't that be so sad.

These books are treasures to me. Sure they are so severely outdated...but everything old becomes new again right? Like wearing a belt on top of a plaid shirt and Farrah Fawcett hair! I can't say I look through them often, nor do I gain much inspiration from them for current projects, but they are just so cool to have. A long time ago, my Granny used these books to make things for herself, her children, her grandchildren, and friends too! Somethings are worth holding onto! What are you holding onto? Do you have special treasures from the past that tell a story? Please share it!

Have a great day, minute by minute and stitch by stitch!

These Stitch by Stitch books were printed by Torstar Books, in Belgium 1984, 1985

Throw-Back Thursday: My Little Doll

Today's throw-back thursday is this adorable little doll from when I was a little girl. I know it's Friday - but I've been sewing like crazy and typed it last night thinking it was Wednesday night! Oh well!

She sits on my craft room shelf and inspires me to create that childlike joy in all I make at my sewing machine! The sad thing is - I can't remember her name. My twin sister has one too (maybe had one too - I'm not sure she knows where it is).

This is one of those toys or dolls I look at often and say "They just don't make things the way they used to!" She has velcro on the inside tips of her hands so when you put them together she would be praying. The hat didn't come off, because her hair didn't cover her head. She has some craft pellets in her arms, legs and belly, so she would always sit just right! She was sewn so well!

Oh I just love looking at her. Do you have a favorite doll or toy from your childhood that you still have? Share your story in the comments below! Inquiring minds want to know! Have a great weekend - I'm still sewing for this awesome project - I just can't wait to tell you all about it!