Goodwill Find: Old Sewing Stand (2024)

I think this is going to be a fun blog post. I know I sure had fun exploring. Here’s the story:

I already told you that on Sunday I went to get my Covid shot. I already told you that when I was in town I stopped at Goodwill. I already told you that I found this…

It is an old sewing basket/stand. I saw it and I have several of these already. I didn’t need another. I don’t even know if I have a place for one. Ah…but what’s a girl to do when it’s only $10??

Then I opened it up and immediately, I knew I wanted to buy it.

The stand was stuffed to the brim with sewing treasures. Here’s what I found…Check out this old needlebook…Oh, I loved it immediately.

I smiled when I saw these…old hooks for stockings. I’ve just old enough to remember my mom having them but me not having to use them.

I loved this old needle book.

Oh, that button card. Isn’t that guy just dreamy?? And look. He has a pipe. You can tell those are old.

This was a needle case. This was my first clue the original owner was from Postville, Iowa. Check out the phone number 17 W.

…more vintage goodies…

This tray came out of the top… The who piece was packed with interesting things.

This pamphlet came from the Department of Agriculture…interesting.

I’m wondering if this lady, who I’ve learned was named Rita, cut these collars off a dress with the hope of saving the trim and applique.

Here were two doll heads. I have no idea what I’d do with them.

…an apron pattern…

Any idea what this might have been for??

Here were some tatting shuttles.

Here are two wooden cylinders that open. One is full of crochet hooks. The other is full of sock needles for knitting.

She had started a little doily.

Here is a cute little tape measure.

There was lace…

I had planned on ordering some of Lori Holt’s vintage trim to give me another option for finishing some of my cross-stitch pillows. I guess I don’t need to. Isn’t it so pretty? I can see myself using a couple of these on pillows. I way thrilled to have these.

This letter was included. Apparently, the owner had a CD with the bank. It was 1973 and the owner was getting 6% interest. Oh my. I’d love to be making 6% interest.

Here is the top all organized with the things I decided to keep.

There was some sort of pattern cut out. What do you think it was for? I’m guessing maybe one of those aprons ladies used to put on their dish soap bottles?? Any other ideas??

I found two things that I need help deciphering. Can anyone tell me what this is or what it was used for??

This is another item I have no idea what it is…

It folds down flat like this…

My next thoughts are what to do with the stand??

I don’t love it as is. I’m back to the same debate as my Martha Washington table. I don’t love the color/paint as is. I don’t want to refinish it. This one isn’t the best candidate for refinishing. That ornamental piece on the sides would be hard to strip and again…I don’t love stripping as I used to now that Kramer isn’t here to do the restaining and varnish.

I’m leaning towards sanding it down a bit and roughing it up…then maybe a wax. I’m not sure. I know I don’t have time for it right now. I probably shouldn’t have bought it but hey, it was a good $10 of fun just looking and sorting through it all. If I found a place in my house to put it, then I’d be more likely to get it out to the garage and work on it.

What can I say? I’m a sucker for buying anything sewing or handwork-related. Tell me, would you have bought it? What would you do with it…and what are those two tools that I didn’t know what they were??

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