8 vintage sewing tools to buy - and ONE to AVOID

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  • Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
  • I love buying vintage sewing tools!
    Those old #sewing notions, gadgets, trims and tools are wonderful pieces of history, and often they have a lot of life left in them. Plus, they're often inexpensive and can help you #sewonabudget. Take a look at 8 #vintagesewingtools that I use in my sewing room. PLUS: Find out which item I NEVER use.
    What's your favorite vintage or #antiquesewing item? Tell me in the comments!
    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you don't miss a thing on this channel You can also follow me on instagram: @crmarble
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  • @ColleenMarble
    @ColleenMarble  2 роки тому +37

    I use a lot of vintage and antique items in my sewing room! Here are 8 of my favorite vintage sewing tools, plus one vintage item I NEVER use. What's your favorite vintage sewing notion?

    • @pennyskelton1851
      @pennyskelton1851 2 роки тому +4

      My Scissors. I thrift some so I am still looking. I love your channel.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  2 роки тому

      @@pennyskelton1851 thank you!

    • @vedastark1334
      @vedastark1334 Рік тому

      Qqàà

    • @AniBAretz
      @AniBAretz Рік тому +7

      The Wiss scissors are what I've had since 7th grade Home Economics class. My mother, may she rest in peace, left me her Wiss scissors and her pinking shears, too. They are most prescious to me, as she made our play clothes when we were little, 60-odd years ago.

    • @TorchwoodPandP
      @TorchwoodPandP Рік тому +7

      My greatgrandmother’s ivory awl. And my relatively modern Lucet - great for strings for anyting, even stays!

  • @dr.rosilynovertoncfpmrfc5911
    @dr.rosilynovertoncfpmrfc5911 Рік тому +65

    This was a great video. I'm now 80, and recently started sewing again after not having time for years due to 40+ career in finance. Since I was brought up with the mantras of "Use it up, wear it out, ,make it do ",, and "Waste not, want not.", I still had my sewing basket from when I bought my supplies as a young married woman. Amazingly, I have most of those items you treasure in that basket. The tailor's chalk holder with sharpener, a darning egg, several books of needles, Wiss scissors and pinking shears., and even the tailors ham and sleeve roll -- all look like new. What made me particularly nostalgic was my Aunt Mae's button box, which was a metal Ponds Cold cream tin from the 1920s or 30s. When I was a little girl, I would spend hours sorting the buttons and drawing pictures of dresses that I would make "someday" using some of the more unusual ones. I never knew that these sewing items had disappeared. Perhaps demand just wasn't enough to make it worthwhile to keep manufacturing them. A lot of people gave up sewing for many years because it became necessary to have a two earner family to make ends meet, and there just simply were not enough hours in the day. Now they don't have the skill or the tools to do it right. I will say that my granddaughter can design and produce fabulous things on a 3D printer.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +9

      I love that you now have time to sew again! It's such a valuable skill to have. I save a lot of money for my family by being able to alter and mend our clothing as needed. I too have a soft spot for buttons and have fond memories of sorting my grandma's buttons as a kid. Her tin was the butter cookie tin that lots of people used. My boys (now young adults) both know how to sew, but I don't think they'll ever do more than mend clothes. But at least they know! And my son is a whiz with the 3D printer too. :-)

    • @joysoul4089
      @joysoul4089 Рік тому +7

      If you're 80 and started to sew again, then I should, I'm turning 68 soon, but thought I'm getting too old. No idea why I thought that. I remember being happy when I sew ...as soon as I get my sewing room cleared out and set up, I'll sew again.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +3

      @@joysoul4089 Oh I hope you do! Sewing is such a wonderful hobby.

    • @joysoul4089
      @joysoul4089 Рік тому +1

      @@ColleenMarble Oh yes, I also want to mention I have several of those vintage items. didn't realize they are vintage. Didn't realize my giant scissors might could be sharpened

    • @harriettpettus2934
      @harriettpettus2934 Рік тому +1

      Where have you been? Come back real soon. Vintage patterns Where can I find them?

  • @lindajohnson7838
    @lindajohnson7838 Рік тому +17

    I’m 75 yrs old. Learned to sew on my grandmother Singer treadle machine. I still have it, ALL extras, her hemming tool, dress makers mannequin, button hole attachment, leather thimbles, tailors beeswax….many cards of needles given away as premiums from businesses, at least e-thimbles of all sizes, colors, materials. My favorite are her button boxes……she saved everything ….old zippers, empty spools, buttons, bib overall clasps…..everything. They are on display in my craft room when I am not using them. Wouldn’t part with any of it.🧵🪡

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      What a treasure!

    • @jangerston
      @jangerston Рік тому

      This comment and the one from @dr.rosilynovertoncfpmrfc5911 show that the workaday tools our antecedents relied upon are true heirlooms. They are a direct legacy from and connection to our moms, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and truly, all sewists.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      @@jangerston So true! I'd rather collect and inherit this kind of stuff than fine art or jewelry.

  • @meganmills6545
    @meganmills6545 Рік тому +58

    Vintage thread that's not good enough for construction is usually still great for hand basting, thread-marking etc so no need to waste it. And I have some old stuff that is in lovely condition - especially some thicker linen threads. I've even got some older cotton thread that, once I've "gone down a couple of layers" is good and strong. It probably depends on the original quality of the thread and the conditions it's been stored in over the years.
    Edited to add: Oops - I didn't see JoJo Sewist's comment before I posted mine. So this is like a thumbs-up for what she said. :-)

    • @petersdotter1
      @petersdotter1 Рік тому +4

      Agreed. "vintage" thread is usually degraded enough that it will break in a machine. Ok for basting by hand.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +4

      Yes, I think I said something about using it for handwork, but anything that needs to have strong seams, like pants or a shirt, should be made with new thread. And yes, I think storage conditions make a huge difference!

    • @ml1049
      @ml1049 Рік тому +6

      When you held up the packet of needles I got a rush of nostalgia. That was the very same and very familiar packet of needles from my grandmother's sewing basket. I'll be 62 in a few weeks, but those memories are still just as fresh as when she pulled her sewing kit out one rainy afternoon and taught me how to thread a needle, knot my thread and sew my very first quilt block from a box of surplus scraps. I think I was nine or ten. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +4

      @@ml1049 What a wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing!

    • @PetroicaRodinogaster264
      @PetroicaRodinogaster264 11 місяців тому

      @@ml1049I am 71 and I have just made a needle pouch…all hand sewing with blanket stitch and some bead work.
      Not perfect But I like it.

  • @simonederobert1612
    @simonederobert1612 Рік тому +11

    I learned to sew in Home Economics (HomeEc) class in 9th (I think) grade, when it was a science requirement for graduation. Subsequently, I sewed my way through the rest of High School, College, and beyond. I made my first wedding dress in the late 1960s. Much later in life, when my sons were courting, I made both of my future Daughters-In-Law's wedding dresses as well as one son's Middle Ages-themed wedding costumes for the bridal party and in-laws. However, all things must come to an end. It was a very sad day for me when I found my body could no longer take the strain of larger machine sewing projects. In the interest of not letting stuff go to waste, the notions, material and patterns I had went to the local community theater's seamstress for costumes. The treadle Singer sewing machine went to Sierra Leone, Africa, to help the women there for their needs. My more modern electric sewing machine went to my best friend, whose old machine had finally died after serving her needs for decades. I kept the newer sewing machine for patching and made masks for the family during the height of the latest pandemic, but bigger projects are out. Now, at 76 I have picked up knitting again.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I'm so sorry to hear you had to stop sewing big projects. I can identify a bit - I had a car accident that left me with neck issues, and I can't sew for too long without having to stop and take breaks. I also injured my wrist and that makes it hard to do a lot of hand sewing without having to stop. It's part of why I made this UA-cam channel. It helps me get something more out of my hobby now that I've had to change the volume and type of sewing I do. But it sounds like you changed a lot of lives with your sewing and with your donations! Good for you!

  • @KittyHannah
    @KittyHannah Рік тому +32

    I bought a industrial treadle sewing machine and it came with a leather bound box with multiple Wiss shears and pinking shears. They are amazing!

  • @katiestover8954
    @katiestover8954 Рік тому +23

    I’m 71 years old and have my mother’s waxed tracing paper that she used when I was a little girl. It still works very well even though it’s been used over and over again. Tracing wheels are something else that may be hard to find. Part of the problem with poor quality sewing tools may be that few people sew any more.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +3

      Yes, people don't sew like they used to, and they also don't want to spend the money on items that are well made and meant to last. The companies have figured out that people will buy more at the cheaper price point and replace everything when the items wear out. The same is true with sewing machines. They are made with cheap parts and aren't worth repairing when something goes wrong. "Planned obsolescence" is the name of the game.

    • @cherylhopton2060
      @cherylhopton2060 Рік тому +1

      I wonder if you could use a pizza cutter in place of a teaching wheel. Is try it but the most I do now is crochet. My son, a trucker, sews so much better than I ever did and prefers to create his own patterns. Once he stops driving, I expect him to start playing with 3D printers too.

    • @loisruthstrom8143
      @loisruthstrom8143 Рік тому +1

      @@cherylhopton2060 No, a pizza cutter cannot be used as a tracing wheel!! 😮❗

    • @cherylhopton2060
      @cherylhopton2060 Рік тому

      @@loisruthstrom8143 As one who doesn't sew but does have an unusual imagination, perhaps it would be helpful to explain your response to people like me who have no idea why you are so upset. Educating me with your obvious knowledge would perhaps be a better use of time for both of us.

  • @FranNyan
    @FranNyan Рік тому +37

    As a thrift store addict who's gotten so many batches of "Grandma's sewing basket" supplies, this was super helpful for IDing what some of those things were. I had no idea what on Earth the tack chalk was or how to use it, and I think I have at least 2 set of them now! And agreed on all the trims. I can get packets of bias tape at the thrift store at 5 for $1, including blanket binding, some completely unused/unopened! It's so nice...

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +4

      I'm glad my video was helpful to you! I may do another video on some other less-common items in my sewing room.

    • @FranNyan
      @FranNyan Рік тому +4

      @@ColleenMarble That'd be wonderful. There certainly are plenty of mystery items I've wound up with that I'm sure would be useful if I could figure out what they were designed for.

    • @lynbrown7142
      @lynbrown7142 Рік тому +4

      Hello, I am Lyn from South Africa.i am 091, still sewing.
      70 years ago I bought a pair of Wiss shears from a dear Jewish man who had a small shop. Still using them, but I'd like them serviced, but don't know where.
      Also had a hem marker exactly like yours. My late husband would sit on a chair, while I climbed on a sturdy chest,and he marked my hem line
      Thank you for an informative clip I found on utube
      Regards and best wishes,Lyn

    • @marysommers2299
      @marysommers2299 Рік тому

      What is a tailors ham? I've never heard of such a thing

  • @hrhosmer
    @hrhosmer Рік тому +18

    What fun! I guess I’m vintage too because I have all those goodies bought new when I was a teen. I grab a handful of girls each summer from church and we learn to sew from a pattern. I am so sad home ec is no longer taught in junior high. Cooking and sewing are great examples of practical application of science and math. Love your video

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +5

      I love that you teach young people how to sew! But don't despair! My boys (now 18 and 20) both took home ec (they call it 'family and consumer sciences' these days) in junior high, and my older son continued with culinary classes all through high school. His school also had fashion classes where the students designed and made the costumes for the school plays. My guys can both cook and sew! :-)

    • @soniatriana9091
      @soniatriana9091 Рік тому

      @@ColleenMarble Hello Colleen! What a fantastic video! I too cherish vintage items & sewing item’s in particular!! They all bring back so many of my childhood memories!! All the women in my family knew how to sew incredibly well, my mom made my wedding dress! My grandmother was a private professional seamstress for a very wealthy woman. She had 2 full time seamstresses sewing for her for over 30 years full time; that also meant they designed, sewed, beaded & embroidered everything they made, usually with expensive fabrics, silks, & threads from around the world(including read gold & silver threads).
      I’m glad to discover your channel; I just subscribed 👍🏻🤗👍🏻🤗!! Looking forward to more of your videos!! Thank you!! 16:54

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      @@soniatriana9091 thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing! Your grandmother and mother sound like amazingly skilled women! The best part of having a UA-cam channel is hearing people's stories in the comments and finding like-minded people to share a love of sewing.

  • @edgarchambers4397
    @edgarchambers4397 Рік тому +22

    I found it interesting that you said Ginger scissors were not good. I have both Wiss and Ginger shears/scissors and I actually prefer my Ginger scissors. My sharpener definitely sharpens and adjust Gingher scissors

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +5

      Yes, that comment seemed to ignite some debate here in the comments! I didn't mean to imply that all Gingher are bad. I mean that not everyone will sharpen them. And I've heard that older Ginghers are much better than the newer ones. If you have someone who will service them, then that's great!

    • @lordsgirl1123
      @lordsgirl1123 Рік тому +1

      Absolutely. 40+ years of professional sewing and I still refer my Ginghers. I’m still using my first pair.

    • @bonniestearns2965
      @bonniestearns2965 Рік тому +3

      I agree! Ginger makes beautiful cutting tools. And there is no need to hunt for someone to sharpen them... if they are dull or damaged Gingher will sharpen them for a nominal fee. Very handy for anyone who can't find someone local to sharpen their Ginghers. I treated myself to a new pair of Gingher dressmaker shears to make my daughter's wedding dress 27 years ago. Someone dropped them tips down on a concrete floor and they were done for. I returned them to Gingher for repair and I swear the pair they returned to me was brand new. They certainly cut as if they are new. I also have their embroidery scissors -- the stork scissors are classics. Please don't put them in the same category as cheap scissors (although Gingher was acquitted by Fiskars in 2005.). I also have my MIL's pinking shears. They must be over 50 years old. Still fine but today I only quilt and have no use for them.

  • @pegasusquilts
    @pegasusquilts Рік тому +22

    Thanks so much for endorsing vintage buttons, hooks and snaps. I am a huge fan of these, which usually come to me via people saying, "my great aunt died, do you want this stuff?" You betcha. I get sad when I use up a set and have to recycle the packaging, but there's only so much space.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +3

      The rule amongst sewists is to never say no if someone offers vintage stuff! You can always sort it later and donate what you can't use, but I never pass up the chance to pick through a pile for some goodies!

    • @debrasedgwick4697
      @debrasedgwick4697 Рік тому +2

      I am having a big ugh moment right now, I just got home from a big box store where I spent $4 on 2 large snaps for my new winter coat. There are 3 plastic snaps on it that do not work and since I am in Maine and it is snowing RIGHT NOW, I have to do something now. I have been grumbling about it, I am hoping that 2 will be enough, because I am NOT paying for another package. I remember playing with some of the items you mentioned, when I was a child. I remember buying my mom a NICE pair of scissors for her birthday with my babysitting money when I was like 13 years old. She still has them and they are now being used by me. (they are almost 50 years old now) Your video brought back some wonderful memories, thank you.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +2

      @@debrasedgwick4697 Those do sound like great memories! Sorry you had to pay full price for snaps but sounds like you really needed them! Stay warm!

    • @debrasedgwick4697
      @debrasedgwick4697 Рік тому +2

      @@ColleenMarble Thank you! If it hadn't been snowing, my 16 year old daughter and I would have gone to Goodwill to see what they have. I never know what we are going to find and I am lucky that I have a kid that LOVES thrift stores.

    • @peggypuckett6986
      @peggypuckett6986 Рік тому

      I recently inherited a long sleeved, floor length, champagne colored Lillie Rubin gown. Every square inch is literally covered in glass tubular beads. It must weigh 3 pounds. It is not in perfect shape but could be salvaged . Size 8 made in Hongkong. When I die my sons will throw it in the garbage. What can I do with it?

  • @lisadyer5151
    @lisadyer5151 Рік тому +2

    I've been sewing for many years. I watch a lot of youtube sewing channels, but yours is the first one I've seen that encourages buying vintage tools and notions. After watching this, I'll look for sewing supplies in thrift and antique stores. Thank you for sharing!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Oh isn't that interesting? I figured others would encourage it as well. It's a great way to save money on a hobby that can be quite expensive. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @kaygibbs8639
    @kaygibbs8639 Рік тому +2

    Loving this episode!! I'm a sewer from the 1960s, and was gratefully schooled in HomeEc. To this day I still only use vintage (1920-1960s) sewing machines and tools/notions. I absolutely agree there are tons of vintage tools/notions discontinued for whatever reasons, that should be re-made for today but Co's won't because of our throw away culture(s). I went from seamstress to quilter to doll maker and my creative passion (happy place) revolves around everything sewing related. Hint(s): old thread(s) is good for temporary basting(s), wad & stuff inside handmade pin cushions. When I make miniature dollhouse dolls, I use old spooled threads 1) slice vertically down the whole spool length with an Exacto knife or single-edge razorblade 2) uncurl it gently 3) drape it all across onto a 1/2" strip of (one's choice of) foundation or a strip of cooking wax paper and machine sew across twice 3) one can also "warm iron" press the paper & thread wig (is) easier to tear away warmed paper, wahlah you have a wig to now trim/ style! Use a vintage alabaster egg (for kids/tots small sock mending), a small empty "thick glass" mayonnaise/jelly jar, etc is better for mending/daring because the needle easily glides off the glass and the needle gets sharpened and lasts longer. I always darned kneehigh socks with an empty glass green olive (longer) jar :)Thanks so much for these uploads I truly enjoy! Ye Olde Quilt Lady :)

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for watching and commenting! I love the idea of making little wigs from old thread! Brilliant!

  • @annfranzen6080
    @annfranzen6080 Рік тому +3

    I have had my Gingher scissors for 30 years and they have been sharpened several times. They are still great shears!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      That's great! I've heard from many people that the new Ginghers aren't the same as the older ones, which is probably why some places won't sharpen them. That said, if a pair of scissors work for you and can be serviced, then the brand doesn't matter!

  • @robintheparttimesewer6798
    @robintheparttimesewer6798 Рік тому +9

    This just popped up in my feed. I’m so pleased to find someone who thinks very much like I do! I’ve found so many sewing items while thrifting. Yes it takes time but there’s also a thrill when you find something you’ve been looking for for ages!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +2

      Yes, the thrill! My husband teases me about it, but I can get more excited about a $2 sewing find than just about anything else.

    • @daralynncameron3290
      @daralynncameron3290 Рік тому

      Know the sleeve "ham" as a sleeve roll. Bourht it & the pressing ham decades ago new.

  • @jeanorr3629
    @jeanorr3629 Рік тому +13

    I inherited my mom’s button collection from pre1990. Probably many from the 50s and 60s. Just recently went through them to refresh my memory as to what is in my stash. Nice video. I will not rule out buying vintage anymore, especially scissors.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I really love old buttons! I have quite a collection and did a video about sorting them that you might like. And yes, buy vintage stuff! It's a great way to save money and find quality items that will last forever.

  • @ShemsuHor1403
    @ShemsuHor1403 Рік тому +8

    old cotton thread is sadly weakened by time. I found that old silk thread is still alright. Also I mostly use it for decor. Also inheriting a button collection through generations is really fun. I have some from my mum and grandma and even sewing machines from my great grandma from around 1910-1920. Still working fabulous.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      The thread comments have been really intriguing on this video. I heard there are ways to save old, weak thread and I may try it on an upcoming video. I agree about old silk thread - I recently found two spools of very old silk thread and it's so strong! I won't have to worry about using it. And I just love old buttons!!

    • @becpennington7470
      @becpennington7470 Рік тому

      I have also been gifted older spools that were still useful, especially the silk. It can really depend.

  • @christinem8966
    @christinem8966 Рік тому +16

    Really enjoyed this, thank you for sharing! One additional reason the old tailors ham is better: the wood inside the old ones performs better. They used old growth hardwood that simply isn't available anymore! It pull the heat more effectively. And again, thank you for sharing this I enjoy your presentation and opinions.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      That is so true. I also don't think a handmade one could measure up to the old ones. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @donigoodwin3580
    @donigoodwin3580 Рік тому +5

    I remember all too well my mom using the hem marking tool on me as a fidgety little girl... She was so delighted when the one came out with powdered chalk and a little ball to puff it on in place. Much faster for both of us! When the little puffer ball wore out, she'd put the tube in her mouth and puff it that way.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +2

      Hey that was thinking! I never would have thought to do that. Of course, I'd probably inhale it, with my luck. LOL

  • @marggagnon329
    @marggagnon329 10 місяців тому +2

    Dear. Colleen: Just found your channel and must say how I enjoyed this topic. I recently went through my thread stash and eliminated the wooden spools that I brought home to Toronto from New York City where I lived from 1960 to 1965. These threads were used to make my young children's clothes and it was certainly a trip down memory land to try to recall which items I had used them for. I still have the needle sets, the hook and eye fasteners and buttons and zippers from clothing that were to be discarded or recycled, s we never tossed anything out that could someday be used again. lol These children are now retiring from their careers -- so that tells you what hoarders we become. In 1965 a friend gifted me a wonderful pair of scissors for Christmas. Every year they go for a tune-up at the sharpener's store. You've absolutely right about the scissors. So I thank you. For giving me a heads up on what to be on the lookout for as well as remembering the sewing I did for my young children.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  6 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much for sharing your story! I love to hear stuff like that. And I adore vintage sewing stuff. It can last forever and be so useful for so many years.

  • @nanjunkster
    @nanjunkster Рік тому +3

    I have a great deal of thread both from my mother and my grandmother. Like old fabrics, old thread will remain strong if properly stored. I'm glad that you mentioned the tug test. Some of it lasts, some of it doesn't, and you never know the history of something you buy.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Exactly. You just can't know for sure. If a project is really important, I will always choose new thread.

  • @fjolliff6308
    @fjolliff6308 Рік тому +10

    I love the vintage thread jar! I have a pack of various vintage threads and just keep them in a drawer. I really need to put them in a jar or make a garland of them! I could stack them end to end and make faux supports for my shelves...
    Look what you've done! Now the ideas won't stop!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I love using old stuff for decor! I think anything that lets those beautiful items be seen is a great idea!

  • @martimoore740
    @martimoore740 Рік тому +9

    I'm really happy I found your channel! I had never seen some of those notions-- I come from a sewing family and married into one as well, so I have a stash of things to start with, but the hem marking stand was new to me. I promptly went on ebay and found one like yours. $20 later it's on its way to my house. I think it will be worth every penny. I liked and subscribed.
    In my town (Nashville) there is a wonderful second hand craft store that benefits adults with intellectual challenges called SmartArt. I go through all my stuff, donate things that no longer interest me, and shop for things that are interesting to me now. I love it when things work out that way!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I love that you found a hem marker online! I hope you enjoy it. I love stores that do good. The place I go distributes a lot of stuff free to schools, churches and nonprofits that need fabric, and sells the excess to the public. It's all based on donations, and the sales pay for the overhead. I donate a lot but buy a lot more! They also teach classes. It's just a wonderful organization.

  • @megwilcox2878
    @megwilcox2878 Рік тому +3

    omg, that pleater!! I agree entirely about using vintage tools. I have an adorable little tracing wheel with a red wooden handle, and a very handy brass thumb rest. It's quite short, and I find it really easy to use. I also buy vintage needles and pins when I can find clean ones. Modern ones suck so badly! The vintage hooks and eyes are also vastly superior to what's being made today.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      That pleater is a star! LOL! I love it and I'm so glad one wandered into my life (literally - it was in a box of stuff given to me by a friend).

  • @anneblohm8731
    @anneblohm8731 Рік тому +1

    I love antique sewing anything! They are little treasures and most people don't have a clue what they are. Your pleater was very interesting, I have never seen that, thank you

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  6 місяців тому +1

      Yes they are small treasures!! The pleater is the BOMB, and I've since come across a second one. If you ever find one, grab it. I use mine all the time! Sorry for my delayed response, by the way. I had an unexpected absence from this channel, but I'm back now!

  • @bun04y
    @bun04y Рік тому +3

    After many years of making costumes for theater, I've become a old clothes hoarder. I'll check the clearance section of my thrift store for items that have good notions on them. Take out the buttons, hooks, zippers for reuse and sometimes even reuse the material depending on how it looks. We were doing the show Mulan and I needed costumes for that...we bought several cheap PJs and used that material... I even used some PJ pants material to recover a red & black hat to make it blue for the show.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +2

      I've done a little theatrical costuming too and it makes you get really creative when you have a small budget! Thrift store clothing is a great base for a lot of cool costumes.

  • @kimmcamp
    @kimmcamp Рік тому +3

    I started sewing 50 years ago in home ec class and I have a number of things You just demonstrated but the thing I still use when I’m sewing is my chalk holder with the sharpener lid they are awesome And my wax transfer papers there isn’t anything that works as well anymore. But the funniest part of watching this was me not realizing they were vintage. I guess I’m vintage.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I started sewing in home ec too (38 years ago), but didn't sew again until after I got married. Since then, I'm entirely self taught, which has been a fun journey! I guess we all become vintage eventually. I turn 50 this year, so I can't deny it anymore.

  • @elaineyoung74
    @elaineyoung74 Рік тому +2

    Some of these take me back 60 or so years. Some are still available today in original form. Never see a pleat maker though and would love one. As for the thread though, you can still use it. It just needs the moisture to be put back. I damp paper towel in a zip lock bag and into the freezer will restore it. I still have threads that my mother still had when she was young. She passed away at 96 6 years ago. I have used them in my dressmaking business, doing bridal and tailoring etc. Never had a complaint. Try it. You'll be surprised.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      I saw a few other comments that mention this about moisture, and I will definitely try it! I heard steaming or freezing like you shared. I see an experiment in my future!

  • @lorettafoster783
    @lorettafoster783 Рік тому +11

    I had and used faithfully the “tailor tacker”. I have looked for because it was probably the best tool I ever bought. I agree, the waxed papers was the best. I still have the tailor. Chalk with the sharpener

  • @ArtistInNewHampshire
    @ArtistInNewHampshire Рік тому +11

    Excellent video! As a housekeeper, I often repaired/ darned sweater holes, having learned hand sewing at my grandmother’s knee when I was 3. Of course I have a darning egg at home, but at the place I worked, I ended up grabbing an Architectural Digest (La-di-Dah!) and making that into a cylinder, selecting a light cover or a dark, to contrast with the knits. Great in a pinch, perfect for sleeves. Thanks for a trip down memory lane, via my mother’s button (etc) box!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Hey, Architectural Digest works! LOL and brilliant to use it for a sleeve!

    • @buslady3705
      @buslady3705 Рік тому

      The darning egg would be great for repairing socks as well.

    • @loisruthstrom8143
      @loisruthstrom8143 Рік тому +1

      @@buslady3705 I have my great grandmother's black enamel darning egg. She called it a sock darner, so I never knew it was called anything else, until years later. 🧦🧵🥚

  • @bodyandsoul17
    @bodyandsoul17 Рік тому +18

    I think it's a separate hobby of mine to thrift/collect vintage sewing items. My mom just gave me a darning egg from my great grandmother, which is well used and I love it. I particularly love to thrift vintage patterns. And I have become obsessed with vintage sewing machines lately. Those buttons you found are amazing! I'm going to be looking for some Wiss scissors and pinking shears now! As well as a tailor tacker! New subscriber here :).

    • @annamarielewis7078
      @annamarielewis7078 Рік тому

      Darning eggs👏👏👏

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Oh I agree - it's a whole separate hobby! I have as much fun collecting the notions and machines as I do actually sewing. It's the perfect intersection of history and craft, for me.

    • @Cassandra-..-
      @Cassandra-..- Рік тому

      Lots of pinking shears in need of sharpening on eBay at the moment. I went there looking for tailor’s shears and found so many pinkers!

  • @susanbrillhart5815
    @susanbrillhart5815 10 місяців тому +1

    I have many of the things you showed, but my favorite is my 1950's Vintage Singer 401a Slant needle sewing machine. I'm 69, (still teaching in the classroom) and have used that machine since I was in grade school and my dad rigged a crank out of a coat hanger and a large spool so I could sew when I was too young to plug it in and use the electric. Besides it's durability and flexibility I love that I can repair it myself when it does occasionally need some help. Love the better vintage stuff. I guess I better quit telling my students I'm old and just tell them I'm vintage.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  6 місяців тому +1

      The old machines are really superior to the new ones. You can't go wrong with a 1950s Singer. It will outlast any modern Singer for sure, and yes, it's great to be able to repair them. I've enjoyed bringing some vintage machines back to life.

  • @jojosewist8921
    @jojosewist8921 Рік тому +8

    The vintage thread is great for hand basting.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Yes it is! Or mockups if it will go through your machine without breaking.

  • @wandachadwick843
    @wandachadwick843 Рік тому +7

    I really enjoyed your video. I scour the secondhand shops for sewing supplies. I started sewing doll clothes in the 50s and have also inherited sewing notions from my grandmother. I am always on the lookout for vintage items in thrift stores and estate sales. I wish we had stores that sell dead stock and supplies by the pound. I am always looking for lace and other trims that are from natural fibers. I want to make pretty things that will last for my great-granddaughters before my arthritis gets too bad.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Secondhand shops are the best for sewing supplies! I can't remember the last time I shopped at a place like Joann. I love that you want to make beautiful things for your family. I know they will treasure them!

  • @tarisamples
    @tarisamples Рік тому +4

    I will definitely be keeping my eye out for those scissors!
    Years ago I was lucky enough to find a pressing ham and what I believe is a sleeve ham (?) at a yard sale. Both looked like they'd never been used! I've purchased lots of snaps, hook and eye sets from garage sales and thrift stores. I haven't been to many lately, but I think I will be checking them out again, especially since I'm now retired and have more time on my hands!
    Thank you for the video!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      I found a sleeve ham (from the 70s, made of wool and sawdust) at a thrift store still new in the package! I forgot to show it in this video.

  • @lindamcgehee7216
    @lindamcgehee7216 Рік тому +2

    Hello Colleen,
    You have a gift for presenting with a nice voice and pace throughout. It was nice also to hear of someone else who appreciates sewing and vintage tools. I happened to inherit a small eight drawer chest handed down from a great aunt who had a sewing shop in Ellensburg, Washington. It is mostly full of buttons and some other notions like the tracing paper. I love it! I have been sewing more years than I can say without giving away my age! Thank you for your inspiration!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Thank you! That's a kind thing to say! I agree that it's nice to find others who have similar interests! Thank you for watching and commenting.

  • @elainelott9644
    @elainelott9644 Рік тому +1

    I enjoy the vintage tools !!! They are so cool !!! The pleat maker is especially unique!!!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  6 місяців тому +1

      That pleat maker is the BOMB. I love it and use it all the time!

  • @triplewinlin5576
    @triplewinlin5576 Рік тому +8

    I have now, have had, or have used, every item in your list. Great to see you teaching others what these things are and where to get them. :)

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! Sewing has become kind of a lost art and I do hope people start returning to it. It's a useful skill to have, and a lot of fun to boot!

  • @ciennarose007
    @ciennarose007 Рік тому +3

    This is the first of your videos I’ve seen, and I am super impressed by the quality of editing and overall video. I thought your channel would have had a lot more subscribers than you do! I can definitely see your channel blowing up soon, good job! 😄

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Ha! It's blowing up now! My subscriber count has doubled in the past two weeks from this video, which suddenly hit the UA-cam algorithm! It's kind of shocking! But thank you for watching and for the kind words!

  • @lakcurious
    @lakcurious Рік тому +1

    I inherited her scissors from my grandmother. She was a master tailor and of course had professional tools. I am happy with my scissors and the perceived disadvantage of being heavy has turned out to be an advantage.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  6 місяців тому +1

      Exactly! Heavy is an advantage, especially with heavy fabrics. It gives you more control.

  • @yvonnegarza6414
    @yvonnegarza6414 Рік тому +1

    I love old sewing items. Grandma would let me use her way old one. No electricity, just ran when you moved your foot up and down on the metal grate.Such cool old stuff she had. Don't miss the outhouse though! jajaja ☺✌🖖

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      I love treadle machines, but agree on the outhouse!

  • @frans3474
    @frans3474 Рік тому +8

    I used to buy Butterick marking paper. It came in the same size envelope than the paper patterns. It had two sheets of orange, white and blue/black papers. I used it a lot for marking darts. I probably still have some in my stash… if I was to look! ❣️🌹

    • @rangelady4362
      @rangelady4362 Рік тому +1

      I have my grandmother's darnining egg. I treasure it

    • @frans3474
      @frans3474 Рік тому

      @@rangelady4362 sometimes you can also find darning mushrooms. I have kept my mother’s sewing box. Because we are Swiss, it is decorated with carved edelweiss. When I was a child. It reminded me of an accordeon… because of the way it opens into all those compartments! 🤣😁🌹❣

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I love that old tracing paper! And the darning eggs. Also I have one of the accordion style boxes (it's shown in my sewing machine collection video) and I adore it.

  • @shannabauer
    @shannabauer Рік тому +6

    I have been finding wonderful vintage/antique sewing supplies at yard sales and estate sales. Loved seeing what you have. I have some displayed in my sewing area with other antiques but most I still can use. Love them. (my kids loved my "chicken leg" when I would use it.)

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      What in the world is a chicken leg?? LOL! Maybe a pressing ham? I really do love using vintage and antique notions. It just makes my heart happy to have a bit of history in each project.

    • @shannabauer
      @shannabauer Рік тому +1

      @@ColleenMarble It's a darning egg. It looks like a chicken leg.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +2

      @@shannabauer Oh it's obvious now that you said it. LOL! How fun!

  • @charlottehonse7420
    @charlottehonse7420 2 місяці тому

    I'm 72. You described my favorite things in my sewing room!

  • @brendak5486
    @brendak5486 6 місяців тому +1

    Well, I've found out that we both have some of the same antique items. I've been sewing for over 57 years and my Mom sewed before that. A few of my precious gifts are one that I bought in the early 70's and others were Mom's or I got a sale. Some I use and some; I just like to see them on a shelf in a container. I especially like the tracing paper and wheel that I learned to use in Home-Ec class and still have quite a bit. Thanks for a very good video with lots of useful info.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  6 місяців тому +1

      I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I recently bought a vintage copy of the Lutterloh patterning system that's as old as I am, so I'm going to do a video on that soon. I just love vintage stuff.

  • @momistaken
    @momistaken Рік тому +4

    I am so happy that your video appeared to me somehow! I am familiar with your items and agree about collecting buttons and wood spools, with or without thread, they are fun to have!
    I sorted out my jars of buttons about ten years ago, matching up sets of all sorts, using nylon carpet thread to tie the sets up, so now the jars are by color or material, wood or brass, etc. what a long project that was!
    I collect darning eggs, although I hardly ever find one that I don’t have now. My favorites are two black ones with silver-plated handles. I was told that they were made to match silverware.
    I am a new subscriber, and glad to have found you!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      I did the same thing to organize my buttons! Check out my button-sorting video. Thanks for subscribing!

    • @loisruthstrom8143
      @loisruthstrom8143 Рік тому

      Wow!!! How lucky to have found a silver handled darning egg!!! 😀

  • @nancydavis4459
    @nancydavis4459 Рік тому +3

    Thank you! I have a pair of Wiss just like the silver ones. They were my husband’s’ Norwegian Grandmother’s. He is 77 and I have had them since about 1976. They are still incredible. No knowing how old they really are.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      That's wonderful! The pair I have from my MIL probably are 60 years old. She was married 60 years when my FIL passed and I think she had them before or just as they got married.

  • @floatinglotuswomenswellness
    @floatinglotuswomenswellness 11 місяців тому +1

    I have my grandmother's darning egg. She's been gone since the mid-70s and I'm 75 now, so have had it close to 50 years! I have a newer one, but the hand--me-down is the one I go to regularly.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  6 місяців тому +1

      I have some of my grandma's stuff and it's such a wonderful connection to the past. Good memories every time I use something she used.

  • @hambeastdelicioso1600
    @hambeastdelicioso1600 Рік тому +1

    I inherited a lot of stuff from my husband's grandmother and the bulk of it was vintage fabrics, buttons, thread (already pitched out; I learned that lesson from trying to use my mom's old thread years ago) and notions. I have a set of the marking chalks, the ones with the holes and had no idea what they were for and now I know! I must have enough needles to supply everyone in my state, though, and no fewer than six or seven pair of pinking shears as well as many other scissors. I'm thinking of donating some of what I have to a local high school that has a very popular fashion design course because of a certain alumna of theirs here on the 'Tube (coolirpa, if you want to check her out).
    I used to work at a fabric/craft chain that you may have mentioned, so I had a lot of sewing supplies and fabric already! I do have to say that I still love my Ginger lightweight shears because I have carpal tunnel and lighter tools are key to allowing me to be able to sew and craft. I'd never be able to use your enormous shears for more than a few minutes, wonderful as they are!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      I love the idea of donating to a local school (and yes, I love coolirpa's videos!!). I did that with patterns when I did a big purge when I first started my channel. It feels good knowing someone else can benefit from those things I can no longer use!

  • @debrariley2057
    @debrariley2057 Рік тому +7

    What a great video, as a sewer of many decades I have inherited many sewing boxes from relatives and friends parents who have passed away, and it is such a private gift, to look through another sewists box, like you I use lots of items from these boxes daily as I sew. I also inherited a stash of buttons from an aunt, many people used to recycle buttons from one worn out garment and some of them are just so beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share.

    • @nancyhinds3821
      @nancyhinds3821 Рік тому

      Since my HS creative Stitchery class, I knew more than the teacher and I helped finish several projects my disinterested friends were working on, so they let me have all of the leftover threads, yarn, and notions. That's when my hoard/sewing/crafting supplies started coming in. I have a few things of my mom's, a great grandma-in-law, an aunt-in-law, and friend's who are downsizing their relatives things! I have my limits and keep a few things and find homes for the rest. Before we moved, 20yrs ago, I went through fabric, towels and blankets and posted them on a local site to give away to people, charities or places that could give me an idea why they needed my stash. Had a cancer unit needing fleece for 'coughing pillows', animal shelters for towels and blankets, cottons for an elderly quilting group! I answered their inquiries and bagged them up on my porch and labeled them for where they were going. Only had one person asking if I had a few yards of Navy Blue something... No response to her as I was not a fabric store-just downsizing to move bulk usable goods.

    • @EsmereldaPea
      @EsmereldaPea Рік тому +2

      I have both my grandmother's and my mother's button boxes! I use the vintage buttons sparingly. Most recently I found enough metal domed buttons to use on a Victorian-era jacket made for a play.

    • @jeanorr3629
      @jeanorr3629 Рік тому

      @@nancyhinds3821 what is a “coughing” pillow? I would love to know how to use fleece.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      It's for people recovering from heart surgery. They can hold the pillow to their chest when they cough to lessen the pain of coughing. It's a really thoughtful gift to someone recovering from surgery!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I love to hear all of the stories about people's vintage finds, particularly those from family members. I love what you said about it being a 'private' gift - yes, it feels that way, like you are rifling through someone's secret stash. But in a really good way. :-)

  • @barbolson8768
    @barbolson8768 2 роки тому +4

    Hi Colleen, this was certainly a trip down memory lane. I recognized a lot of items you showed from my mom's sewing room. Thanks for the video.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  2 роки тому +2

      I love these old sewing items. It's like holding hands with people from the past, especially when they were owned by a loved one, like my grandma. :-)

  • @annseabolt6645
    @annseabolt6645 Рік тому +1

    I love to find the vintage hand sewing needles. The needles are much better than the needles produced today. I have that exact needle package.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I totally agree! Those needles are far superior!

  • @scmom745
    @scmom745 Рік тому +2

    Awesome video!!! I recognized many if the items you highlighted and am glad to say that I still Own some of them. You’ve inspired me to go antiquing to look for more vintage sewing tools for my collection.

  • @aliceannjo
    @aliceannjo Рік тому +3

    I have the chalk and wondered how to use it with the hole and pin. Now I know. Thank you. I also use the tailors with the sharpener , although I lost the top with the sharpener. I have learned my lesson about the thread so I do pass it up. The thrift stores around me don't have a lot of sewing like most of the ones seen further up north. I'm in Fl. My guess is that when people retire and move down here they get rid of their stuff up there. LOL

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      You are probably right about that. I used to live in Florida as a teen and I don't remember seeing much sewing stuff. I shopped at thrift stores exclusively because I didn't have money for new clothes, and I would have noticed sewing stuff because I was into crocheting at that time.

  • @Fg4e
    @Fg4e Рік тому +4

    I just found this video and I couldn't help but think we are such kindred spirits lol
    I love finding vintage anything but especially sewing items! I learned how to sew on a treadle, and old White Rotary lol. And I use my darning egg for my socks lol. I have two or three. Thanks for putting up ur videos!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Kindred spirits! Yes, I think many people who sew are happy to find 'their people' when they learn others enjoy the same things. Thanks for watching and commenting! I really appreciate it.

    • @Fg4e
      @Fg4e Рік тому

      @@ColleenMarble Your very welcome ❣️

  • @nancyhinds3821
    @nancyhinds3821 Рік тому +2

    I have quite a few Wiss scissors-both shears and 2 sizes pinking shears, too. I have 2 different shaped hams and I never did figure out how to use them, BUT I have them! The tailor chalk in the case, tracing wheel, the wrist pin cushion, the wheel case of needles, tape measure, and a few more goodies were parts of a sewing kit we were asked to buy for our 7th grade home ec class in the late 60's. I have so much fabric, and notions starting from the 70's and I do collect antique notions, too. Needle books are a favorite collection of mine. I have vintage threads on wood spools. I should display them as you have in that cute birdie jar. I appreciate all the goodies you showed! I learned to sew on my grandma's treadle Singer when I was 8 and I haven't stopped yet at 66. I have had a home crafting and sewing business since I was 18 and made a fake fur teddy bear for a friend having a baby shower. I had so many people making orders and that was my beginning!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I love everything to do with sewing and textile art. It's just so satisfying to make something from scratch, and I really appreciate the skill and artistry of others who do such beautiful work. I have had a business to raise money for charity, but now I prefer to sew for myself, although I will help friends and family with alterations at times.

  • @spider1g5
    @spider1g5 7 днів тому

    This is brilliant, I've been sewing for a while, and also love yard sales, estate sales and random places like that. Learning about all these vintage tools is really cool!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  7 днів тому

      It's so fun to hunt for vintage supplies! Glad you enjoyed the video.

  • @BubbasChibi
    @BubbasChibi Рік тому +3

    Thank you for a BUNCH of great advice. I recently picked up gallon bags of thread at a thrift store for really cheap, but I just am too afraid to use it. Now I know why. That was a great help. And the scissors!! WOW!! Great tutorial.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Oooh I would have bought the thread too, though. Just for the fun of going through it! Even if you only find a few spools worth keeping, it can still be a great deal. Thanks for watching!

  • @barbaraferron7994
    @barbaraferron7994 7 місяців тому +1

    I love the way the hem marker holds the cloth so that the pin goes in perfectly, but my problem with it is I don't have a helper and you cant use it by yourself.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  6 місяців тому +1

      That is true! I often do minor alterations for friends and family, so it comes in handy for that. For myself, I just pin, look in a mirror, adjust, repeat until I get it right. It's tedious for sure.

  • @mardellgrayhek9958
    @mardellgrayhek9958 Рік тому +2

    What a lovely video! I still have my Wiss shears, both right-handed and left handed. I have my ham, and shoulder roll, and so many of the items you have shared. I love the Tailors Chalk. It was a game changer over other marking tools, even the waxed transfer paper and tracing wheel. I remember so well when we used to pin up the hems in our sewing class. We would hop up on the big table and and help each other out. Thanks for good memories. I now need to go down and peek in my old sewing box to see if I still have my chalk. Good points about the old thread too. I can't part with the wooden spools, nor the gold plastic ones from when Coats and Clarks introduced the Dual Duty thread in the early '70's. Keep sharing your hints and tips.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Thanks for sharing your story! I have really enjoyed hearing everyone talk about their sewing history.

  • @nancy-katharynmcgraw2669
    @nancy-katharynmcgraw2669 2 роки тому +3

    I have my Nana's egg, for darning holes closed. Now, using Sashiko stitching, they are just not a darned hole!!!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  2 роки тому +1

      That's great! I would like to learn Sashiko.

  • @cliftonmcnalley8469
    @cliftonmcnalley8469 2 роки тому +2

    Old thread is not useless if you can get it cheap. I hand baste quite a bit. The older thread is perfect for temporary basting because it doesn't knot and tangle as easily as modern thread. I wax all modern thread for alloermanent hand sewn work because it tangles so much, but who wants to waste time waxing temporary basting thread? Plus weird colors are easy to pick and pull out. Also I do still use my thread from the 80's and have found none of it to be problematic. But I agree that the cotton thread on wooden spools is only for temporary usage. That stuff is a minimum of 50 years old if not 70 or more.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  2 роки тому +2

      Oh yes, the stuff from the 80s/90s isn't too bad, depending on how good the quality was to begin with. I went through my grandma's thread and kept about half of it for things like basting. The other half went straight to the trash or into my wooden spool jar. But I don't bother using anything on a wooden spool, not even for basting, since I have so much other stuff for that. I just keep it in my jar for decoration. My collection has spilled over into another box, but don't tell anyone. :-) Thanks for watching!

  • @barbaraa6098
    @barbaraa6098 11 місяців тому +1

    I really loved this video, love seeing all the things people forgot about. I hang on to my old sewing products, so glad I did since now I use them all. Thanks for sharing.

  • @peggyfuller5594
    @peggyfuller5594 Рік тому +1

    I was so happy to come across this video. Thank you. I have one of each of the items you demonstrated and I acquired them in the way you have. 😊
    I love my vintage Gingher shears. They rival my Wiss shears in every way. I'd like to suggest in your treasure hunt, look for Solingen steel scissors. They are German steel and hold an edge for long time. My hams (I have 2 sizes) have a wool side for heavy fabrics and a muslin side for light weight. I have thousands of buttons, I have been gifted most of them from estates from family members. Keep up the good work in exposing beginners and casual sewers to helpful, time saving and easier ways to enjoy sewing.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      From the comments on this video, I gather the vintage Ginghers are much better than the modern Ginghers. I'm glad you love yours! And I will keep an eye out for the Solingen scissors! I've never heard of that brand before. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @pennyskelton1851
    @pennyskelton1851 2 роки тому +3

    I saw a video today of a lady using a fork to make pleats!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  2 роки тому +2

      I've heard of that trick but haven't ever tried it! It's pretty clever!

    • @TeresaBearCFP
      @TeresaBearCFP Рік тому

      @@ColleenMarble I’ve done fork pleating, and it works great, but you have to be happy with the size of the fork. I do it on kid’s clothes. It’s fast but not fancy. Your pleater is superior.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Yes, you're limited to what your fork can do. I do like having one tool that can do multiple sizes.

  • @LaurinGarcia
    @LaurinGarcia Рік тому +1

    I worked at a theatrical costume company here in NYC called Barbara Matera Ltd for 12 years before they closed their doors for good in 2010. Even though I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a fashion degree and a second degree in Accessories design I was very shocked to see the method of marking and cutting that they trained all their workers to do when I first got my job there in 1997. This method was so good that to this day I still swear by it and refuse to do it any other way ever again.
    What we did at Matera's was on a cutting table with a homasote top we laid several giant sheets of tracing paper side by side. Then on top of that we laid the two layers of fabric with the wrong sides out. On top of the fabrics we laid another layer of tracing paper with the wax side laying on top of the fabric. Then on top of the top tracing paper we laid the pattern and we pinned all the layers down to the table with push pins. We always made sure to put the pins on the seam allowance side of the pattern so not to have any holes on the garment showing. After everything is pinned down to the table and secured then we would mark/trace out every single line on the pattern with a tracing wheel and ruler. And I do mean everything. When we made custom patterns we always added the seam lines as well as seam allowance lines and darts and notches. This is so the stitchers could be even more exact in their sewing. After we were absolutely sure we had traced everything then we removed the pattern and top layer of tracing paper. We would then pin the fabric patterns together right on the seam allowance along the bias of the fabric so not to have puckers. After all the pinning is done we would finally begin to cut along the seam allowance line.
    All of this seems like a lot of work but it does guarantees that nothing will move when marking lines and the fabric doesn't move until after it has been cut. Everything comes out exactly they way it's supposed to. It has to. Some of the Broadway costumes we use to make use to cost up to $7,000 or more. So it better be an exact fit. LOL! Why my fashion college didn't teach us this method is beyond me. Like I said, I still use it and swear by it.
    📏📐✂️👍💖

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Another UA-camr, Angela Clayton, uses a homasote board on top of her work table. It's so practical! But I haven't seen anyone mark and cut patterns like you do. That's really smart! I'll have to try that some time!

    • @LaurinGarcia
      @LaurinGarcia Рік тому +1

      @@ColleenMarble You should try it. It's good. Right now due to lack of room in my NYC apartment I use one of those folding cardboard with a measurement grid on it. I lay it on the floor when I am cutting anything long. Then I pin the bottom layer of the large 39"x26" inches sheets of tracing paper to it in order to keep it secured. I do miss the homasote table top that I use to work on at my old job. But for now the folding cardboard cutting surface has worked fine and has lasted years for me. It has held up well.
      📏📐✂️👍

    • @kaygibbs8639
      @kaygibbs8639 Рік тому +1

      My Tailor/Dressmaker instructor from Italy taught us the same method and I too still do the same way. Only I use a 2" thick 4' X 8' sheet of (Home Depot) high density styrofoam with T-pins in selvedges to hold the layers, then slide around a small cutting mat (beneath all the layers) to use the tracing wheel. This same styro-foam board I also use to sandwich my quilt tops anchored with T-pins, then hand baste. Two folding plastic sawhorses ($25) support the board while I'm using, then it all folds/stores away till needed again. I can quickly set it up alone. I also ran a centered (permanent marker) line vertical & horizontal for aligning my quilts.

  • @EsmereldaPea
    @EsmereldaPea Рік тому +1

    Oh my gosh!! Those buttons!!
    And I remember the vintage needle books. I wish I had mine still.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I love old buttons and have quite a collection! I posted a video about sorting mine, if you are interested in that sort of thing. The needle books are super easy to find and really inexpensive, so check your local antique malls!

  • @barbaramason7636
    @barbaramason7636 2 дні тому

    Great video! I also prefer the waxed tracing paper, and it’s hard to find. I often use tracing paper on a multi size pattern, or to mark darts. To save my tracing paper from being chewed up by the sharp prongs of the wheel, I put a piece of heavy clear plastic overtop and use the wheel on the plastic. The coloured marks still come through. Some of my oldest sheets of paper must be 50 years old!😅

  • @user-mw2ph9mg3i
    @user-mw2ph9mg3i 3 місяці тому +1

    I enjoyed your video. I have a couple of vintage tools given to me by a friend. One of them happened to be your hem marker. I wasn't sure how to use it, but thanks to you, I now know. The other thing I have that my friend doesn't remember what she used it for. It looks like a clothes hanger bent in half with a loop at one end and the other ends are separated with a hook on the end. There is a yellow piece of something, I want to say plastic, maybe it's not, but it moves up and down on the wires. I'll keep watching your videos and maybe you might have one. Thanks for your video...I'll start looking for vintage tools in the local thrift stores. :)

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  2 місяці тому +1

      Boy, I sure don't know what that could be. The only thing I've seen that comes close is used for making fringe or other decorations out of yarn - you loop it around the wires and slip it off the ends as you go. I can see it in my head but I don't recall the name nor can I find anything like it online. But I remember seeing it at a thrift/antique store. If I think of it I'll come back here and update you. :-)

  • @shawnlandreth2779
    @shawnlandreth2779 10 місяців тому +1

    The needle book is what my mom had when I was little

  • @rachaelb9164
    @rachaelb9164 Рік тому +1

    They still sell the Taylor’s chalk with the sharpener. I love old vintage tools though. The quality is so much better.
    Lol I think I have that same needle book. I just got a bag full of quilting materials that belonged to my great grandmother. Some quilt blocks that were hand sewn and a lot of vintage fabrics that were cut along with the patterns she saved to make the quilt. My grandmother just passed away at the age of 95 so much of this stuff is even older than she was. I imagine the hand stitched stuff at least. I’m going to have fun piecing it together. I imagine pillowcases will probably be more practical than a full quilt.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Yes, I added a note in the video but it may have been easy to miss. I realized you can still buy the chalk with sharpener but I checked the prices and it's way more expensive than plain tailor's chalk online. I love love love old sewing stuff and old textiles. I have quilts and quilt pieces from my husband's grandmother. She never used a machine, EVER. Every single stitch was by hand. Such a skill! I treasure all of it,

  • @sandramazer3387
    @sandramazer3387 Рік тому +1

    I am 76yrs. old and still use my waxed tracing paper from 7th. grade I have several vintage items including my great grand mother;s gold thimble with her initials on it. It is the only thimble that has ever fit my finger.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      That waxed paper lasts FOREVER, doesn't it? That's great about your great-grandmother's thimble.

  • @kerry5586
    @kerry5586 9 місяців тому +1

    Threads was the reason I nearly gave up machine sewing: they always broke and I assumed that I was just useless as I spent all of my time threading the machine up again. I asked person after person what I was doing wrong and no one had an answer until one lady told me to do the snap test on the thread: it was all useless for machine sewing! I wish we had thrift shops near us like you have near you: ours are all so expensive!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  6 місяців тому +2

      90 percent of machine sewing problems have to do with thread - how the machine is threaded, whether the thread is right for the fabric, or the quality of the thread itself. Also, I've found thrift stores have gotten more expensive, and Goodwill is kind of a joke these days. I do better with smaller, independent thrift stores. But we live in a large city, so there are lots to choose from. I'm sorry your shops are expensive. That's frustrating.

  • @MoovinOnEstateSales
    @MoovinOnEstateSales Рік тому

    We have an Estate liquidation company in Montana and I have found the most amazing sewing notions/equipment imaginable! I have the coolest collection of quilting rulers, some I can't even find on the internet anywhere - along with all sorts of gadgets, fabric, thread, machines, oh and beautiful scissors - vintage ones that were made so much better than you can buy today. Find an Estate Sale company in your area and go to their sales, things have to sell within a short period so the deals are always the best you'll find. We sell EVERYTHING in an estate from the vehicles, household, food in the cupboards, etc.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I adore going to estate sales! They are great places to find sewing stuff.

  • @margaretgoodall5043
    @margaretgoodall5043 Рік тому +2

    The old thread is great for tacking/basting

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Yes it is! Anywhere you don't need strength/longevity is a great place to use it.

  • @YasuTaniina
    @YasuTaniina Рік тому

    I don't know why I was recommended this video, but I'm glad I was. I've been wanting to get back into sewing. I've recently been diagnosed with a chronic illness. I've been struggling for years, but now with treatment I can actually get back into hobbies. My 3 year old daughter has been begging me to sew her more dresses in particular, and her birthday is coming up in a couple months. We have a family tradition of sewing Laura wheeler dolls for the girls in the family too. My great grandma got the patterns years and years ago, and I've already digitized the pattern so I can easily transfer it. I last used the pattern when I was 13 and the doll turned out a little overstuffed, so hopefully I can do better now 20 years later 😆

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      How wonderful! I'm glad you are doing well enough to get back into sewing, and sewing for your little girl will be so much fun. I'll have to look up Laura Wheeler dolls. I've never heard of them, but that tradition sounds so lovely. Happy sewing!

  • @by_katrin
    @by_katrin Рік тому +1

    Let's disregard the fact that the old Mercerie (notions) items are still useful; the packaging alone is worth buying them. Wow, I hope I'll find this Tailor Tacker for both sides of the fabric one day too! ♥It's so annoying to mark the other side 😀I've never seen them before here in Switzerland, so fingers crossed. Best wishes from Switzerland, yours truly Katrin

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for watching from Switzerland! :-) I hope you can find a Tailor Tacker too. It's just so useful, and I'm sad they quit making them.

  • @barbarawaskom8417
    @barbarawaskom8417 Рік тому +1

    This was so informative and I dearly love vintage . Thank you .

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for watching and commenting! Vintage stuff just makes my heart happy, and it's nice to know other people love it too.

  • @KLeonardM
    @KLeonardM Рік тому

    Just found you and wow!!! Great video and loads of nostalgia!! Thanks so very much.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

  • @lindak7499
    @lindak7499 Рік тому

    Really nice and informative video - thanks. It also brought back memories when I use to make some clothes and the tools I used. Especially the floor hem marker!!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I'm glad you enjoyed my video! thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @raecochranfea7468
    @raecochranfea7468 Рік тому

    This was fantastic! So helpful! Thank you so much!!!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

  • @annblachly8068
    @annblachly8068 Рік тому +1

    I cannot find the Clinton Pleat Maker today online, but I will look for it in thrift stores, etc. Otherwise, I'll learn how to use a fork for pleats.
    I didn't even realize the chalk marker had a sharpener. Testing the cotton threads before attempting to use them was brilliant.
    All the other things I have found in thrift stores, etc. Thanks for this video.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      You're welcome! I hope you find a Clinton Pleat Maker, it's just so useful if you sew a lot of pleats.

  • @LarryD766
    @LarryD766 Рік тому +2

    What a joy to watch. 😄 Your enthusiasm is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your insights and experience. Greetings from Hannover, Germany

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Thank you so much for watching and commenting! It's fun to know people are watching in other countries! I'd love to visit your country some day.

  • @gloriasponselee6072
    @gloriasponselee6072 Рік тому +1

    Thank you! This is a wonderful video. I have so many of these items in my tool box and yes, I still have my Wiss scissors ✂️

  • @anneckert9882
    @anneckert9882 Рік тому

    Thank you so much! I have been very blessed to receive my husband's grandmother's antique thread cabinet, it is full of old buttons and tools, zippers, tracing paper, scissors.... and thread. I knew not to use the thread, but it is so pretty filling all the display windows in the front of the cabinet. Thank you for all your information, I hadn't thought to use the fabric marking tool, tracing paper, or scissors. I have just enjoyed going through all the wonderful tools and notions. One day soon, I'll need to empty it so we can re-secure many of the joints (I want to hand this treasure down to one of my children or grandchildren). My mother-in-law was thrilled I wanted it when they were moving to a smaller home!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Oh yes, that's an amazing treasure indeed! I'm so glad you have it!

    • @kaygibbs8639
      @kaygibbs8639 Рік тому

      I love that you received that gift! My Grandmeir was a sewer all her life, in WWII she sewed Army tents for the war at Industrial sewing factory, sewed hollywood costumes in Los Angeles, and sewed/upholsteried everything on her home industrial Singer model 31. When she left with the angels in 1989 I inherited all her sewing articles. Every day I use many of Her sewing tools/notions doll making, and it so heals my missing her. Some of her fragile antique sewing items I arranged collages into 2-3 inch deep glass front shadow boxes with her photo(s) to hang on my walls. Write a "detailed historical heritage story" to go along with your gift when it comes time to pass along! :)

  • @aprilwhaleyreed6328
    @aprilwhaleyreed6328 Рік тому

    I enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

  • @franmcfate4776
    @franmcfate4776 Рік тому +2

    I so appreciate and UNDERSTAND what you are sharing

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching and commenting! I love hearing everyone's stories about their sewing journey.

  • @joycecansler6429
    @joycecansler6429 Рік тому

    Thank you!I look for and love vintage finds at thrift stores!

  • @sandradaniels8945
    @sandradaniels8945 Рік тому +2

    This was really great! I have practically all of the items you have. My fave is the pattern tacker. (I have 4 different kind) .
    Thanks for an informative, wonderful video.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      That pattern tacker is wonderful! I'm glad to hear of other people using vintage sewing tools!

  • @Upcycledbaglady
    @Upcycledbaglady Рік тому +1

    What a wonderful video! My first time seeing your channel. I subscribed because I too am a sewist who uses vintage tools when possible.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing! It's so nice to 'meet' others who love the same things I do.

  • @kaydixie5727
    @kaydixie5727 Рік тому

    Such interesting and useful items! Thanks!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @SBL1932
    @SBL1932 Рік тому

    Thoroughly enjoy your video. I have several of these items and love them. Didn't know the Weiss scissors were such quality.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching! Yes, Wiss are among the best, according to the knife sharpening place.

  • @giovannacasadio9600
    @giovannacasadio9600 Рік тому +1

    Great video, another thing not to buy vintage is elastic. Thanks for sharing.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      So true! Always test elastic!

    • @kaygibbs8639
      @kaygibbs8639 Рік тому

      Agreed! I feel all rubber/elastic should be stamped with a production/expiration date! No one can't tell if it's any good in the sealed packaging! Calling my Congressman tomorrow :)

  • @moniquen9177
    @moniquen9177 Рік тому +1

    Its so nice to see this! I have a leather pinky shear ( very heavy) one of the first from America, and other antic shoe making tools from 1900 and buttons, shoe buckles. I collect also old buttons from my grandmother , and use still the thread and needles from 1920! I bought old packages of needles from 1930, there are 20 inside and very thin. I can not find this needles in the shop. Crochet needles i bought from the market. Second hand is nice! Thank you for this, i need a darning tool so i am looking for it. Greetings from Holland!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      Greetings! My family heritage is Dutch (my maiden name is VanWinkle, from VanWinkel). I've only ever been to the airport in Amsterdam. I was just telling my husband a couple days ago how much I'd like to learn more about that part of my family and then visit Holland to see where they came from. Someday!

  • @cynthiaradding887
    @cynthiaradding887 Рік тому

    I am so happy to see how to use the chalk marking tool! I got one in a bag of old sewing stuff and I didn't know what it was. Great video!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому

      Glad it was helpful! That tailor tacker is such a nifty tool! I love mine. Thanks for watching and commenting.

  • @Kera.S.
    @Kera.S. 2 роки тому

    Wonderful Video! Love to buy Vintage!

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  2 роки тому

      Thanks! Vintage sewing items are such great items to add to any sewing room.

  • @doreenwatson-read
    @doreenwatson-read Рік тому

    That was so interesting, we have a few of those items around the house. thankyou for sharing.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      I'm gad you found it interesting! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @kwkyle91
    @kwkyle91 2 роки тому

    Learned so much from your video, thank you for sharing your treasure with us.

  • @rosesperfumelace
    @rosesperfumelace Рік тому

    I love the waxed tracing paper. Shears today aren't really shears lol. I was lucky enough to inherit my mother's sewing and crafting supplies. Even her sewing machine is made of all metal, i believe its from the early 1970's. Darning eggs are AWESOME!!! They are great for fixing socks too. I asked a young man at Joanne's years ago if they had any. He didn't have a clue. I did find one and showed him and told him what he could do with it. Fix socks, sweaters and even use the long thin end to repair gloves . He was like WOW if I knew I could have saved so many socks with small holes. I have some of the things you have. Wish I had that pleating tool. Great vid.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  Рік тому +1

      I agree on scissors but that portion of the video sure stirred up the debate in the comments! LOL! The pleating tool is so cool. I hope you find one someday.

  • @helpfulnhappy
    @helpfulnhappy 2 роки тому

    I just found your channel today and I've already watched 3 of your videos. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
    I'm also in Missouri...Branson.

    • @ColleenMarble
      @ColleenMarble  2 роки тому +1

      We have had several great visits to Branson! I'm glad you're enjoying my videos. I don't know about wisdom, but I do like the sound of that! :-) Thanks for watching!