I’ll soon be traveling to California to attend Costume College AKA Historical Sewing Nerd Classes. Many of the classes have a supply list so I will need a portable sewing kit. But this Vintage Inspired Travel Organizer could also store jewelry, makeup and much more.
Vintage Inspired Travel Organizer
Now I already have a BEAUTIFUL sewing kit given to me a few years ago by the perfect present picker, cousin Sweet T. It is French and an antique. Two of my favorite things. What sends it over the top is that it has my initials.
Given its rare preciousness combined with that it is a bit fragile I don’t want to risk it being lost or destroyed. So I decided to make something new. Sort of.
Costume College brings together some of the MOST talented seamstresses, tailors and costume designers from all over the world. They attend both as teachers and students. To say that I feel like the Country Mouse headed to the big city is the understatement of the year.
But this Country Mouse accepted herself long ago so why not create something country inspired? I pulled out my small stack of vintage 1930’s fabric. The cheerful, bright colors never fail to bring a smile to my face. Many are remnants from old feed sacks. Country indeed.
I first sewed an antique quilt piece onto a coordinating fabric.
Then I made various pockets and envelopes from similar colors.
I stitched yo-yo’s and created covered buttons.
Hidden inside the top envelope are small pockets and a scrap of all wool felt. Seamstresses have been sticking needles and pins into wool for centuries as it helps prevent rust.
My great grandma had saved these wee bits of fabric featuring darling dancers. They make my heart happy too.
Then came the fun part.
Filling it up with vintage notions in a patriotic palette.
The vintage-inspired travel organizer closes simply with three buttons.
Will These Be On Etsy?
I’ve since made a few more kits. They all take between 3-4 hours to create. Thus lies the dilemma. Even if I cheaply price my time at $10 an hour the organizer would then cost $30 to $40 dollars.
That doesn’t even include all of the rare, almost antique, fabric, buttons, and trims. What is that worth? $20 or $30 dollars?
If your heart still longs for such a one-of-kind treasure, then simply email me or leave a comment below.
I’ll see you on Saturday!
Laura
Such treasures. I have a lot of odd quilt blocks from several different decades. This is a great repurposed idea. Enjoy Costume College and we expect pictures.
I think the price is great. Stitched with love and beautiful fabrics. You put Alito of attention in this. I love it so much.
I wouldn’t want harm t h.g e antique one either. I so wish I could sew. Should have listened to my mom, she was like a seamstress. You’re foolish when young.
Enjoy your 4th
Cindy
So sweet Laura! There is nothing like vintage fabrics from the 20s, 30s and 40s — I adore feed sack fabrics. You created such a sweet and adorable sewing kit!
I love this project!! I wish I would have kept material from Edna or my mother. I have just started sewing again so I may have to try my hand at making something similar – but it won’t have your wonderful vintage touch. Love it!!
That’s beautiful! And so practical – you’ve moved me to start carving out time to do some of my own household/personal sewing and embroidery again – I really miss it, and it’s actually very relaxing. Thanks for the inspiration, have a fantastic trip.
Oh Laura, How cute and functional is that adorable sewing kit? I love it. You are so talented. I love to sew. It has been something I really enjoy doing. I am so glad I started at a young age. And how lucky you are to be taking the costume class. I can’t wait to hear all about it and to see lots of pics. Have a great time and learn a lot. Also enjoy your 4th of July. Karie
Your sewing kit is adorable and useful! You may get some orders when you go to Costume College! I have a collection of vintage sewing notions and especially love the handmade ones. Your antique sewing kit is wonderful!
Cuter than a button!
I can’t wait to hear all about your experience and see what you are inspired to do next.
The bags are both cute and functional, so it can’t get better than that. I love that there are sections to keep your things separate. Sometimes I really wish I could sew, especially for things such as this. Worth a lot to those of us who wish!
Jane
You must be so excited to attend Costume College. Right up your alley, for sure, and your talent and your artistic vision is certainly not that of a country mouse, but of one who does it for the love of sewing and the love of history. You will be among your peers, even if you don’t see it that way. Have fun, make lots of new friends, and come back home with your head in the clouds and full of new ideas. We can hardly wait to hear about your new adventure.