Tomato Pin cushion
Earlier this week another one of my old tomato pin cushions lost its battle of holding on to its saw dust stuffing so I finally dropped the poor thing in the trashcan.
Whether from one too many holes made by needles and pins or fabric dry rotting from age it was time to replace the tomato; I can't find the one or two others I have stored away among my stash etc.
The funny thing is I hadn't used the tomato pin cushion while I was stitching since the 1990's but it had to be in view while I worked on whatever I happen to be making, as silly as it may sound it was more about having a familiar object near by.
The one I had to replace was from 1972, I bought it for my sewing box I used in Home Economics class way back in High School and that particular pin cushion went with me everywhere packed among my sewing supplies. The emery filled strawberry lost most of its filling years ago and than while dusting this week I picked up the tomato and half of the filling leaked out along with a dozen needles and some straight pins.
I checked a few of my storage bins for the other tomato cushions I bought over the years (1973 and 1978) but couldn't locate them so I was off to Joann's to buy a replacement until I can locate one of the older tomatoes I have here somewhere.
the new one feels a bit flimsy so I doubt I will ever stick a pin or needle into it, but its in view so all seems right in my stitching area.
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Comment by Meg Mackenzie on May 13, 2012 at 5:57
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I am sure you will be able to buy a new growler. And I am sure that he will appreciate it! Good luck with the darning. Don't expect to fix him all at once - it can be a bit daunting when you see just how much wear they have on them and how many bare/bear patches!
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Comment by Margaret on May 13, 2012 at 1:18 -
Meg you have been so kind to your bear, you put me to shame but I will have a go at darning him. The growl broke a long time ago and I put a squeaker in but it is not the same, maybe I will look on line to see if I can get another growl somewhere
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It's so sad when treasured textile items finally give up the ghost. I can appreciate how sad you must be that the tomato has finally hit the rubbish bin, Deb. We get so used to using our favourite needlework accessories that it is hard to do without them.
The silk lining of my Nana's hand-made sewing basket has some bad moth holes. I didn't want to re-line it or to darn it, which would look a little messy on silk no matter how careful I was. I think I shall scan the printed silk lining (it is well past it's copyright date!) and print myself some more of the same on silk to repair the holes more invisibly.
65 years is a good age for a teddy, Margaret. My own bear has also been rather loved ot bits. I have darned her face many times, and each year I make a point of darningany new holes in a lovely golden-yellow thread to match her (skin). She wears clothes to protect her body, but she also has a complete "body stocking" underneath because her body simply wore out from cuddles. Like yours, her paw pads were replaced many times. So was her tongue, which pokes out. So I sewed her a complete new skin from stretch velour so that I could get her into it easily. I used to take it off her to wash it now and then, but there is nothing holding the sawdust inside her anymore except her 2nd skin, so now I simply dress her and spot clean her if she needs it. She seems happy enough, although my husband rudely calls her Chernobyl Bear because she looks like she has bad radiation burns what with all of the lost fur and the darned face! Amazingly enough, her squeaker still works, so she lets him know most indignantly that this is not an acceptable nickname. What with her beautiful wardrobe and "cosmetic surgery", she is a very dignified bear and not to be messed with by the likes of him!
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Comment by Deb Lee on May 9, 2012 at 18:27 -
Margaret, I have given it some thought to making one I have made several in teacups and egg cups for friends so maybe I will make myself a tomato. As for your Teddy Bear I am at a loss as to what else you could do, wow 65 years is incredible.
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Comment by Margaret on May 8, 2012 at 8:51
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it is always sad when something reaches its end of life. I discovered my poor teddy bear had holes in the other day, he is nearly 65, had restuffed him and replaced his pads a few years ago, not sure what I can do with him now.
Maybe you should make a pin cushion Deb, disgraceful buying one! I have one I made years ago in candlewick style, would not know where to get hold of sawdust to fill another, no mills etc around here
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