Farewell to My Antique Sewing Box
This week I’m saying farewell to my sweet antique sewing box. I’m moving soon and decided not to take it with me. Before I pass it on to its new owner, I want to share a few photos and a happy story with you.
Forty years ago, I stepped inside a charming needle arts shop and immediately fell in love with this antique Japanese sewing box, known as Haribako (needle box). I was drawn to its history, beautiful craftsmanship, and the design’s practical functionality.
I brought it home and filled the little draws and upper tray with the few sewing supplies I had at the time — a pair of Gingher scissors, needles, bobbins, and extra presser feet for my Bernina 831. I was so excited to have found such a wonderful treasure.
As the years passed, my sewing supply stash expanded and outgrew the box’s storage capacity. In addition, the slow effects of aging took a toll on the wood drawers; they no longer glide as smoothly as they once did.
I think that’s to be expected; after all, this lovely piece is 100 years old!
Eventually I used the box to store only small, lightweight supplies, items I didn’t need to access often. My larger and heavier slipcover making supplies and tools now have their own dedicated storage.
As I was getting my sewing box ready for this photo shoot, I found a compartment I never knew was there! WHAT!!? Scroll down to see the hidden tray.
Above is the upper tray that is visible when I open the lid. I removed it only a couple of times over the years but never realized there was a second tray hiding behind it until this week!
Below you can see the hidden tray. Why I never pulled it open and removed it is beyond me. Or maybe I did and completely forgot about it! Either way, it was a fun surprise to discover it.
I did a little research and learned that the hidden tray was used as a secret compartment by seamstresses or housewives to safely store earnings or rainy-day cash. Such a clever design!
My antique sewing box has served me well and brought me a lot of joy. It’s connected to so many of my home sewing memories. I’m grateful it has been a part of my creative life for the past 40 years.
I’ve often wondered who used this box before me, what type of supplies they stored in it, and what they made. It’s fun to imagine!
Do you have a sewing storage box or chest that you treasure?
What a wonderful story!
This box contains history and so much affection! I hope it finds somebody who respects and cares for all of this as well. My grandmother used to have one that stays with my 85 year-old mother. It is a piece I’m really fond of.
Thank you for sharing this with us. A lot of love envolved.
Maria-Lidia, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It sounds like your grandmother’s sewing box is very special. I’m sure it holds many heartwarming memories for both you and your mom.
Where are you moving? will you still be the “Slipcover Maker”?
Nancy, I’m staying in MI. Just moving a bit north. Yes, I will continue my business, The Slipcover Maker. I’ve closed my slipcover sewing service for the foreseeable future and will focus on slipcover design and education through blog posts, guidebooks and courses. I’m excited!
Awww, what a sweet surprise! I imagine it made it tough to part with after discovering the secret drawer. I don’t have a storage box or chest that I treasure, however, I DO treasure the small bench I use at my serger. It was my grannys makeup stool when she was alive. She was the one that taught me to sew, so I really treasure my little bench and feel it’s appropriate to use it in my workroom. Have a good move!
Ramona, your granny’s bench sounds perfect for your workroom! Wow, you must have so many cherished memories of sewing with her. Lovely.
It’s charming. Can’t you re-purpose it? If the amount of supplies your have, have outgrown the box, what do you use for your sewing supplies now?
Lisa, I use a vintage wooden tool caddy for my slipcover making tools. It sits on my cutting table. Easy to access scissors, marking & measuring tools, etc. I store needles, bobbins, presser feet, thread, zippers, Velcro, etc. in a variety of different size storage bins/boxes that have compartments and are stackable.
Karen, what a lovely story. You’ve inspired me to pass my plastic fishing tackle box on to some fisherman here on the lake in Tennessee and find a beautiful antique box to replace it. Why, oh why haven’t I done that yet?
I am constantly running back and forth with little supplies like rulers and scissors to use at my cutting table (which is my dining room table that seats 12). So, I think your idea of a portable box to carry all those things is a great idea!
Love the hidden compartment. Best of luck with your move and new business.
Susan, hello! I’m so happy my story inspired you. My workroom was spread between 3 rooms so I know what you mean about running back and forth with tools and supplies! I hope you find the perfect storage box to hold all of the essentials on your cutting (dining) table. Here’s to more time creating and less time trying to find our scissors and seam rippers!