8 vintage sewing tools to buy - and ONE to AVOID 

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?

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.

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

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. :-)

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!

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.🧵🪡

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.

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.

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

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...

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

The vintage thread is great for hand basting.

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!

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

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 :).

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.

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

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!

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.

The old thread is great for tacking/basting

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.

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!

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. :)

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.

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!

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.

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! 😄

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.

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.

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!

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.)

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!

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.

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! ❣️🌹

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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 😆

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Oh, It's not a certain tool that's my favorite, it's the self threading needle device on my sewing machine 👍 ( I love it)! 💕

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.

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

My husband and I stocked up when a sewing place had a smoke sale after a fire. Most things were unscathed. One odd thing was a whole bolt of purple, green and white openwork knit fabric. We used that to cover a berm, pre-seeding with grass, after some nearby utility work affected our property. It was perfect and broke down nicely in the soil over the years. We paid less than $1 a yard for it, and it was not even smelling of smoke! We also bought trim and thread at very low prices.

Re the darning egg, my mom showed me how to darn using an old light bulb. I love my vintage tools too! The old tailor's ham was a game changer for me. Thanks. 👍🤗❤

On eBay, I found vintage Corticelli brand thread on wood spools. Corticelli had publishered many series’ of crocheting/knitting/etc books starting in 1899.

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!

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. 📏📐✂️👍💖

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.

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.

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.

I started to hand sew when I was about 7-8, for my Barbie doll! A sewing machine at 12 & I was sewing every weekend! I too have needles in those folding paper, instead of thinking of vintage, I say look at that price‼️ 29 cents🙀. I don’t know about the ‘ham’. But thanks for your video, I’m always open for old time tips, tricks & things❣️🤩

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 ☺✌🖖

I have enjoyed your video. I started sewing when I was under 10 years old. I got my first Singer machine when I was 12. I am now 64 and I still have a lot of items that I received for my 13 Birthday.

I have a few vintage scissors *and* Ginghers scissors. My sharpener(s) have always have sharped them. I do go a quality and experienced sharpener. It might be almost the cost of a new pair but for me it’s about not tossing things in the bin.

I loved this video, my mom , which sadly we no longer have relations, had a fabric shop when I was just 5 years old , that 2 years later she was pregnant for my brother and she closed her shop. She kept all of the stock from the shop and til today some of that remains in the attic of a house I just moved across country from, they haven't lived in that house for over 15 years. Knowing she would never do anything with any of that stuff, that I consider treasures, I decided to pack a good bit of it up and take it with me. Buttons, binding, bias, silk thread on wooden spoils( you refuse to use, but I have used it to make dresses for myself, it was surprisingly just fine, no breakage) but I do get what you're saying I have experienced exactly that with cotton & polyester threads. Also rolls and rolls of belt making starter, buckles, appliques, tons of string sequins, rick rack, hooks, needles, omg I can go on and on with all the stuff oh! And really old , vintage patterns! All of this still in the packaging, prices printed from .15 - 2. ! It's so ridiculously insane the cost difference between now and then. I wish I were 5 again, I miss those good old days. I'm now 54, I think I'm going to cry. Anyway that ham, I couldn't find it but I wanted that too. Her singer machine is that retro green, I love it but I left it. Watching your video brought back memories of when times were great. Thank you for that. I love thrift stores exactly for the reasons you mentioned . Now I'm in north Dakota in a city( not like any city I have ever known to be called a city) where there are more deer than people! So it's sort of depressing since the closest sign of life is at least an hour away. I haven't ventured out much yet but I better before I can't due to the treacherous weather up and coming. It will be a nightmare I'm sure. So I took the time to paint a Caribbean beach wall mural with the ceiling being clear blue skies and full sun with the sand flowing on the floor and the shallow waves flowing over that. This way it will perhaps help keep me from falling into a deep depression. I just purchased 9" guggenhein tailor shears. Not sure what kind of quality they are, guess I will find out soon enough but I trust you on those wiss and I will be on the hunt for some . Thank you so much for your time, if you even happen to see this. Many people that have videos no longer tend to their channels so anyway seeing all of your vintage findings was uplifting for me which I greatly needed. This place is nothing like I've ever experienced before in my entire life and I'm worried I made a huge mistake. I also just subscribed but this video was a year ago so hopefully you are still making videos if not I will come back to this one , it was enlightening and comforting to the mind and soul .

I purchased a plastic can of buttons and found many antiques. They are beautiful.

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

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!

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.

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

I inherited my great grandmothers shears and crochet hooks and my grandmothers tracing wheel, tailors ham, shears, thousands of vintage buttons and wooden cotton reels.

I agree. The older steel used in hooks and eyes will not pull apart or break like the newer, sourced out of country will. I used to sew a lot of clothing, but now mostly repair, and look for decent tools. All my scissors are vintage, as are my pins, buttons, and zippers. I detest the modern plastic zippers. They may work for awhile, but anywhere there is tension or a lot of use, like a jacket, they will break, and I replace them with metal. I do check any cloth type notions like lace or seam binding with a bit of a pull, too. I've found more than a few that the fabric just won't hold up anymore, probably due to horrible storage with heat and/or moisture. Thanks for your video- it was a great way to learn something new

I still have a darning egg that belonged to my grandmother. I'm 75 now and have had it at least 50 years and it still works just fine!

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.

Wow. This was Awesome. I’m so Thankful I found you. I don’t see much just some every day stuff and I just love all the vintage sewing stuff I have purchased sew items from garage sales and thrift stores because I just love them.

I was cleaned out my storage the lady next to me was cleaning . She if I still sew. Yes ma'am . She I have something I bet you can get use from. it was banana box full. Every thing vintage buttons to tracing paper even iron one from the 60s. It was a great gift. Even sewing seeing machine feet for my old peddle machine with several new belts.

So exciting to find you. My Mum (85) gave me Gramma's sewing items. Now I have a darning egg (larger than yours). I made a tailors' ham using hamster bedding, and my woodmaker employer made me a clapper. Sadly I gave away my Gramma's Elna machine as it had issues despite been fixed twice. (mad at myself). Several old needles.

I’m so glad I happened across your video. After watching your video, I located 2 small pairs of Wiss scissors in the drawer of the Singer treadle I inherited from my mother. They still cut beautifully! However, they do need to be cleaned. Could you tell me how the two notches on the outside of one’s blade were used? I’m a quilter and not a seamstress, but I will be following your channel now. I love my Singer treadle and featherweights and the vintage attachments and notions I’ve collected over the years.

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.

I’ve all those you shared with us, except the plastic pleater & the hemming stand. I’m pushing 70 here & still have & use all of these. My mom used to sew for my older sisters as well as me. She taught me when I was about ten years old. When my kids were little mom gave me all her vintage & antique treasures that added to my own . I’ve some things that you hadn’t mentioned & use all the time. At one point in time, when my kids were little I’d ventured out to see about replacing my needle board & to my shock found out they were going for over a hundred bucks, (I don’t think they even make them anymore), I’d only spent $10 for it, way back when. I still have my old velvet tomato & strawberry. Mom left me her wonderful antique metal pleating board & a fabulous antique pincushion half doll. I had to turn it upside down to clean her up, the silk satin dress, antique lace & beadwork are still just as beautiful as when I was little. She’s in my antique cabinet now. I remember mom using it when I was little, it always set out on her old treadle machine. Mom used to dress antique dolls & she’d hunt down all kinds of antique period fabrics & trims. Because I was the only one of us girls that sew, I inherited it all. Even some fabulous antique millinery silk velvet flowers. I use antique & vintage hankies to dress miniature antique dolls, most are 6” or under. It takes me awhile as my hands get numb easily & the patterns I draw up from pictures of antique period costume making books. I’ll have to see where I can get my Weiss shears, scallops & pinking shears sharpened. I’ve Gingers, but still prefer my Weiss. Being left handed & mom being right handed, I learned to improvise on using the Weiss. Lol Now that I’m retired, I’ve found real enjoyment in dressing antique dolls. Mom had left this beautiful antique pale peach silk I used to dress an old 12” bisque doll in. When I took it to one of the doll shows in San Diego, a friend of my mom’s helped me identify her & was surprised I’d dressed her. Then she proceeded to undress her to check it all out. Can’t thank you enough for sharing with us. It really is delightful to have others that sew & that appreciate the treasures we’ve gotten from family, friends & adventures we go on.

Estate sales are my favorite places to get my sewing and knitting supplies. I have a nice collection and sometimes people see me at enough sales they give me tips on where they saw sewing supplies. I decorate with the thread also.

I actually have a pleat maker exactly like that. I've never used it because I had no idea how to use it. Now I do. Thanks.

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

Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge. My late Sister was a fantastic seamstress and like you, she loved the Vintage products too. You have a lot collection.

I still have a pair of Wiss shears that I had in college about 40 years ago.

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!

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

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

Wonderful Video! Love to buy Vintage!

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!!