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norar_il

Is this called a sewing kit?

11 years ago

The reason I think in may be is because the little guy second from the left is most likely a needle holder. Or so I think. I know the next one is a button hook. The middle does not match the rest and I don't know what it would be for. The next is an awl of some sort and it matches the other two, but I don't know its purpose. I think the case is celluloid but don't know what the others are made of. It belonged to my great aunts who were born in the 1860's or 70's and died in the 1950's. I've been going through drawers of things I'd put away and have questions about several things! I'd appreciate any information anyone could give me.


Comments (9)

  • 11 years ago

    The case sure looks like a celluloid holder for something....but the "stuff" in it looks more like bone than celluloid? Does it feel like it?

    norar_il thanked lindac92
  • 11 years ago

    Well the one item is for hooking boot buttons. LOL I had one and Hubby spotted it and whisked it away to his toolbox. Apparently it was perfect for hooking brake springs on his dirt bike also.

    norar_il thanked Lori Armstrong
  • 11 years ago

    I don't know what bone would feel like, Linda, but they may well be. I thought celluloid was fragile and the instruments are solid. The needle case screws together. Would bone be treated to do that? What would the pointed thingie be for? It wouldn't be strong or sharp enough to punch leather like the awl is. Is it a little travel kit? I'm really curious. It's a pretty little thing and from some of the flowers being worn off, it must have been used.

    Lori, my DH would do the same if he thought he could use it in any way, but he's not getting his mitts on this little guy!

  • 11 years ago

    I'll bet it's a tooth brush case that someone has repurposed for sewing items. and I do think they are bone, since you say the needle case has a threaded cap. The bone awl looke like it doean't match. It would have been used to poke holes in the edge of something you were going to attach a crocheted edging to...if that makes sense LOL! You would poke a hole, and the bone wouldn't break the fibers, just push them aside, then stick your crochet hook in and make a stitch. Might have had another use too but that's what I have seen them used for.

    norar_il thanked lindac92
  • 11 years ago

    A sweet little sewing kit. The needle case is on the left, then a button hook, bodkin (for drawing cording/ribbon thru a hem), stiletto (to make holes in leather or material). Do a search for how to tell bone from plastic and ivory.


    norar_il thanked User
  • 11 years ago

    A bodkin has a slit in it for the ribbon....that's not a bodkin it's a bone "poker"...also used to square up corners of collars and maybe pillow casings.

    norar_il thanked lindac92
  • 11 years ago

    The bone awl is also used for making larger holes for lacing fabric. Because the awl doesn't break the fibres but pushes them aside as LindaC describes, for a larger hole the fibres are pushed together so tightly and densely that once the edge of the hole is finished either by buttonhole stitching or by attaching a metal eyelet, the eyelet won't rip out of the fabric if it's laced tightly as they do if you just punch a hole.

    norar_il thanked colleenoz
  • 11 years ago

    It's hard to judge the size but I think you are right the one I had for boot buttons was about 5" long and the hook about the size of a pencil eraser on the inner curve.

    norar_il thanked Lori Armstrong
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