The Old Sewing Box

For most of my life, it seems I've been in a constant battle to organize my craft projects. This year, I made the goal to approach learning to sew on my grandmother's machine, a terrifying prospect for many reasons. Particularly because it means opening the floodgates to even more demands for materials, tools and space to a hoarder-in-the-making.

Yes, it's an actual fear of mine that I may one day be buried under my own craft projects if I don't rein in my hobbies soon. Maybe whittle them down a bit. (Hey, whittling! That's another thing I've always wanted to learn!)

I appreciate that my fairy godmother sought out a bona fide sewing box for me to use instead of stacking wicker baskets and shoe boxes full of random needles and thread. Consolidate, consolidate. I don't like having multiples of things just to have multiples of things, but the essence of crafting requires having a stock of materials. Knowing where to find them is kind of a big deal.

And I really like that having this sewing box makes an official statement, like an academic's regalia. Like, hey world, look out cause I'm a sewer now! Maybe I'm over thinking it.

So here's my basic start into my sewing stock, and the work in progress for perfecting my craft room (of which there will be a post, just as soon as I can get it into presentable shape for the "after" portion of the before and after transformation!).

-pin cushions
-thread
-bobbins
-rotary cutter
-thimbles
-extra machine needles
-tracing pencils
-seam ripper
-seam gage
-extra machine light bulb
-good fabric-only scissors (these live on my machine table, since the moment I put them away, I immediately need them out again)

What's in your craft basket?

What do you like to make?

The Old Cracker Tin

This is no ordinary cracker tin. It is a 60-year-old vintage gem, and more importantly, a treasure belonging to my grandmother, who died before I was born.

I never even knew about it. My fairy godmother uncovered it from her kitchen and surprised me with it for my birthday. I'm sure she loved it and used it all the time, but am so touched she felt I was its rightful owner.

A little more about this quirky kitchen gadget. The knob on top is filled with mysterious "blue magic" crystals that turn bright blue when heat activated. The knob can be adjusted to air circulation and humidity, and absorbs moisture in chips and crackers. Snacks stay fresh longer like magic!

From a 50s ad in Life, http://www.kitchen-retro.com

Here's a closer look at the absorbing crystals, which I will try not to associate with the nuclear era it was created in. I know this thing really works, even after all these years.

I can't wait to use this in my kitchen one day.

For now, it feels too precious to use so I will keep it as a treasure chest of relics. Any cook can understand the transcendent power of a beloved kitchen tool that is passed down to them. Great-grandmother's silver, grandfather's watch, Aunt Gertie's porcelain teacups.

My fairy godmother appreciates this more than anyone, which is why she saved my grandfather's ancient Pendleton wool robe for me all these years. It still looks great and I wear it almost every day.

 I have long felt a strong attachment to the grandma I never knew. I hope she knows how much I hold her silly, old cracker tin so dear to my heart.

Leftovers from the Bday Weekend

The lovely weekend of celebrating continued with shopping at the local tourist traps and a party!

First, the shopping. Right after a stop for tea.

Striking a dorky pose in front of a hidden herb garden in Duncans Mills.

Hours later, I stare down this, with a candle celebrating each lovely Aquarian present. Yep, February's a busy, busy month.

One day I will have to make a princess cake on my own- I think we skipped that in pastry school.

This is my preferred way to sweeten my coffee. Judge all you want, but you can do what you like on your birthday.

I love gifts I can drink and smell. My wine cellar and windowsill garden continue to grow.

Getting the doe eyes from the puppy, Mazzy.

She must have wanted cake, too.

Dinner with the Ya-Yas

I'm still full from an amazing birthday dinner last night for my Fairy Godmother. So nice to be included with all her friends! In my life, this is the busiest birthday season of the year, which means lots of parties, lots of delicious food, and lots of appreciation that my wonderful people were born.

The table was set with grandmother's china and silver, and we ate Fairy Godmother's favorite foods. After a little wine and lemon drops.

Butternut squash soup was first, garnished with pepitas.

 And then came roasted vegetables: shrimp, artichoke hearts, asparagus, and potatoes blanketed with meyer lemon aioli.

I don't typically eat as a vegetarian, but perhaps I should do it more often. It filled me to the brim, body and soul. I'm happy to be initiated as a junior Ya-Ya.