Is this not a wonderful box? I wish I could say I'd picked it up for a farthing but it was a very indulgent early Christmas present from Andy, spotted by me, bought by him, half fainting as he paid for it in a lovely but somewhat pricey vintage shop which has opened in town.
I fell in love with it and knew exactly what I would do with it.
It is actually an old 'Betty's of Harrogate' box, though I am not sure if it contained chocolates as it is fairly large. Probably it held an assortment of teas, biscuits and other dainties. But now it is my bird box.
I have been persevering with my primitive geese and have finally sorted the pattern out. I can't claim it's been easy getting back into sewing - such a clunky way of making something, piece by piece, after the flow of needle felting. But I do like working with nice textiles.
17 Comments on What's in the box?, last added: 1/28/2011
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By: Paintgranny,
on 8/12/2009
Blog: Middle of Nowhere (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: primitive geese, primitive goose, Jones sewing machine, old sewing machines, Add a tag
And this is where they started - from the comfort of our four-poster bed, on our Devon holiday.
Well, almost. The bed had muslin drapes. One night when they were pulled round and we were sharing a bottle of wine, I noticed an interesting gap between them. Which turned into these long necked bird-like creatures.
I've been putting off tackling the business of making my own patterns for years. And I managed to put it off for a few more months. But I finally knuckled down, transferred the sketches into a photo programme, did a bit of flipping and produced a rough paper pattern.
With a bit of wailing and gnashing of teeth, I cobbled together a rough dummy, which seemed to work. I was most proud of my gusset - I would never have been content to just sew together two bits of material, because I do like to make life difficult for myself.
A year ago I bought some poplin, and actually got round to tea-dying it for a nice aged effect. It has since been languishing, neatly folded, on my neglected sewing machine. I meant to make geese from it, but never did. Time to iron it out...
...and get cutting, with Andy's little nan's scissors. She's no longer with us, but I still use her sewing equipment, much of which she inherited from Andy's great-grandmother.
My old Jones machine groaned with subdued excitement (or was that me?) as I unlocked it and wiped off the dust. I breathed in that special antique sewing machine smell of old oil, cold iron and memories.
What was in the little side drawer? Nothing too interesting. Essence of haberdashery.
I had a momentary panic trying to remember how to thread up. Miraculously, I still have an original manual, which also helped me sort out the tension in minutes.
Time to bite the bullet. I got going. There is something very comforting about using an old sewing machine. They seem to stay in excellent working order despite years of non-use and my Jones clicked and clattered happily, so pleased to be working again and eager to be of use. We hummed together.
I did used to be able to sew. I learned the basics at my mother's knee, and went on to incorporate embroidery and patchwork in my illustration degree. It got put to one side, as a non-money earner, in the days before Etsy and the craft revolution. Things kept coming back. Me and the new goose got intimate.
My studio floor is littered with re-discovered fabric stash. The big bag of sheeps wool which I bought specifically for this purpose (well over a year ago) has been broached. I am exploring the gentle art of stuffing. I've gone for a primitive look, which is not a style that is common in the UK. But I like making lumpy old things, and they are not a million miles away from my artworks. Which was the whole purpose of it all.
Now we are three. I am not sticking hard and fast to the pattern, as I want each one to have a little personality of its own.
And with a shameless plug (because I could do with earning this week's grocery money) I've put two of them up for sale in my Etsy shop...this one -
I'm keeping the other one for me, how radical is that!?
31 Comments on Three Little Geese, last added: 8/15/2009
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What a stunning box!! And I love that last photo - I'm looking forward to seeing them finished.
The perfect home for them!
Oh, lucky box to be holding those seven honking geese!
I am eager to see them too.
Best of everything to you, Gretel.
Hey Gretel, glad the sewing is all coming together, even if it doesn't come as naturally as needle felting, they are looking great.
The pic of them all in the box, makes me think of 4 and 20 Blackbrirds baked in a pie.
Box is great too. I bet it cost a pretty penny coming from Betty's when it was full of goodies.
Claire :)
What a wonderful gift from your man.
I love the green beaked one on the right..they will last about 30 minutes once listed in your Etsy shop, so be ready!
Excited to see your needle felted lovelies also.
I have been in the boxing ring with a head cold for the last few days....I think I'm winning the bout. First cold since 2008! I knew it was too good to last and that sooner or later someone would sneeze my way..Snap!
Be well and a big HELLO to Andy.
Janet xox
Gretel's glorious gaggle greeting the morning sun. Can't wait to see them finished.
Gorgeous box, I'm a sucker fot things like that too! :)
And the birds look wonderful already xx
Your blog is such a pleasure to read!
Beautiful box, and adorable geese inside it. Can't wait to see more of them.
What a charming box. I love the embroidery work, a treasure filled with whimsical treasures of your own. Your primitive geese have such character with their colorful beaks.
BlessYourHeart
Such a beautiful gift...made to hold something special, then and now. It's good to see you're able to get back to your primitive gooseys. Mine needs a friend as she watches me when I'm needleworking or baking!
Wow that is a beautiful box!! I so love the colors! Looking forward to seeing how the geese turn out =)
I have just found your amazing needle felted animals and wanted to tell you they are so lovely. I've been scared to felt legs but now I see it's possible to be done (very) well!
I'll bet you're the best ever bed time story teller aren't you?~ <3
~Deborah
I found your through Scoutle - I too am a felter - both wet and non - we're wet here in Maryland, USA with a big snowstorm - nothing compared to yours - but we just can't handle it! I'm looking forward to following you - and I adore your geese!AND your story.
A lovely box for lovely "things"! And you made a good decision - your charming geese seem to have found their proper place, their "home". What a nice gift!
I have some feeling for old boxes, you know... I've found some at home recently, left by my father and Grandma. In fact I SAW them just now. And although they do not look as new ones, I probably will not repair them! Otherwise they will turn into something else... What do you think?:0)
I'm looking forward to see the geese when ready, as well as some new toys!
That box is just gorgeous!!! Your husband was so sweet to buy that for you...Lucky girl.
Those geese look very comfy.
Take care.
Such a fitting home for your treasures!
I am so sorry to read that you had to suffer through such a long period of having your arm out of order!
I wish you health and strength throughout the still young year and beyond!
(School has been very intense and time to visit my blog friends very limited.)