We all know a handmade gift is different, right? The idea that someone took the time to create something just for me makes a person feel special and valued.
When I first saw these sewing cases, I couldn’t believe how neat and perfectly designed they were. But then, when I heard their story, the cases were elevated to a “whole nother level,” as we say at my house.
I came across five or six of these, all within a couple of years, at garage sales. They were all made of wood and designed to hold and organize sewing supplies. Some were large, some smaller. All had handles on top so the cases could be carried. Some had fabric panels on the outside, some fake leather, and one a heavy, sort of coated cardboard. They were very similar but customized in special ways.
Finally one of the garage sale women told me the story—that the pattern for the cases had been a project offered by the Cooperative Extension and designed for husbands to make for their wives.
The Cooperative Extension Service system was created by the U.S. Congress as a means of educating the average citizen of rural America in skills needed for farming, household, and community work. The system was formalized in 1914 and, in addition to providing resources for farm men and women, instituted 4-H programs.
Much of the work of the Cooperative Extension has been directed to providing people with the skills and information to make the things they need and do for themselves. They’re still very active today, even though the rural population has dropped dramatically; they provide information for gardeners and do-it-yourself-ers, in addition to farmers.
So, apparently, one set of plans that was made available in the 1950s was for these compact sewing cases. Men made them as a gift for their wives, daughters, or girlfriends to stow their sewing supplies. They all have little dowels to store spools of thread; on one of these the shelf with the dowels tilts out for easy access.
They all have pockets in which to tuck scissors and other tools and some of them have screw lids attached to the underside of a shelf so that jars of buttons or pins could be attached. Several of the ones I got had old sewing paraphernalia still in them.
I just love the levels of “loving hands” represented in these cases—a man making something for a woman, to make it easier for her to make items for the family and the home. A man and woman, working together, to customize the case so that it is both attractive and as fully useful as it can be. How cool is that?
I kept only two of these cases, thinking I’d find more. But, weirdly, after that flurry of finding several in a couple years, I’ve not seen another. Have you ever seen one of these before? Wouldn’t you love to have one made just for you? I’m still searching, to see if I can find those old plans—if I find them, I’ll be sure to share them here!
What a cool project. And it’s amazing that there are so many hand made ones floating around and being passed down. I’m going to keep my eye open for them.
Let me know if you find one–like I said, I saw a lot and then, lately, nothing!
Ooh, I love these and the story behind them. In fact, I could use one of these 🙂
They really are very handy. I saw one for sale on Etsy . . . for $135! A bit steep, I think–maybe you’ll see one at a garage sale!
Great story, and I like the pop of colour on the inside.
Yes! The variety was pretty cool. The dark red fake leather didn’t move me but I liked all the others I saw!
Great story and lovely sewig cases. Never heard of it and never seen one. Defenitely keep my eye open now, I could use one!
I think anyone with a hobby could use one. It’s weird to me how they just seem to have disappeared from sales. Maybe the younger generation wised up!
Wow, I have never seen one of these but I would love one myself 🙂 Annie
I saw one for sale on Etsy for $135! Too rich for my blood! I wish I could get my hands on the original pattern.
What a great story. The cases are very cool by themselves, but the story behind them makes them even more special!
I thought so, too! I was so glad that I met the woman who could give me the background–her husband had made one for her.
I’ve never seen anything like it either. Did you ever find one that still had sewing bits and bobs inside?
Yes, the bigger one, with the green fabric, was full of all kinds of odds and ends, as was one of the others I no longer have! That just adds to the fun!
so cool!..thanks for sharing!
And thank you for stopping by!
What a great story! I’ve never seen one of these, but they look wonderful.
Every one I’ve seen is a little different and all very neat–I keep looking for more!
How wonderful..and what a great design..beautiful and practical.. x
I think I need to contact the local Co-op Extension and see if they have the pattern hidden in their archives!
What a lovely idea.
I’m glad you checked it out–thanks!
I have never seen them before…….love that you got to the bottom of it at a garage sale! the cooperative extension. great story!
Thanks! I wish I could find a few more–I saw one on Etsy, selling for $135! REALLY?? LOL
I have one! I thought it was really unique and had no idea about the story – other than it obviously being homemade. Then when I saw another at a sale, I was really surprised! If I had known I could sell them on etsy for $135, I would have picked that one up too! lol Thanks for the info. Did you try contacting the Cooperative Extension?
Oh, cool–I don’t know that I’ve ever talked to anyone who had one of these! Can I ask where you live? I don’t know how widespread they are and, no, I never did contact the Co-op Extension–I got distracted . . .
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