Once I mentioned here one of the earliest things I made that I still have, a pincushion. And I thought maybe it deserved a post of its own as it is so funny to me to look at it now!
I made this when I was about seven, a gift for my grandmother. Each wonky stitch is lovingly and painstakingly hand done by me; two fabric squares joined together with overstitches of different shades and thicknesses of green thread. The word “PINS” is done in double running stitch, alternating the dashes in pink and green thread.
It is stuffed with a rather scant amount of something that has gone a bit lumpy, probably cotton wool or something like, knowing me and my “make-do” crafting ethic.
When my grandmother passed away I inherited her sewing basket along with everything in it, and I rediscovered this little thing that she had obviously kept and used for the twenty or so years that she had had it. Granny used it for needles not pins, so I do too now. The fact that she lovingly preserved and treasured it has imbued it with an extra specially important significance to me.
What’s the earliest thing you remember making, and do you still have it?
I love this…the early evidence of how far your skills have come. In thinking about my first projects, I initially thought a pillow, but then i remember that my mother started me on cross-stitching tea towels before I ever started kindergarten. It is amazing to think of now as I cannot imagine giving a child that young a needle.
One of the earliest things I sewed was also a pin cushion with elastic so it could sit on your wrist, made in sewing class at high school. It actually turned out really well.
I had forgotten all about it until recently I espied it on my mother's wrist. She insists that I made it for her, but she can't explain why it has my initials embroidered on it!!
A lovely story. It's always nice when something travels full circle.
I love your pincushion – and the memories. I posted my "first stitches" almost two years ago, if you'd like to have a look: http://el-little.blogspot.com/2009/05/first-stitches.html
How sweet! Not a bad job for a seven year old!
This is lovely….One of the earliest things i made was a 'Tarka the Otter' out of pom poms :/ ??
I was that upset after watching the film i tried to make my own to help me get over it!
I remember wanting to be a brownie (little girl scout) with their sashes and badges – but we didn't have $ for that, no sir … so I begged scraps from my mother and made my own – a bit like your embroidery efforts. 🙂 Then of course there was the making doll clothes! And darning socks and sewing patches. I don't have any of it though, not even any pictures … 🙁 What a sweet story and years of memories.
How wonderful that your grandmother cherished it so carefully and that you now have it back. I used to make little drawstring pouches to keep my treasures in, usually a couple of old half pennies, or a special bead or shell. Sadly none of them lasted.
Your golden skirt is gorgeous, in fact at first glance I was sure you were off to a red carpet event, you looked so glamorous.