What Do You Collect?

Most of us who are sewers/crafters/makers, are collectors - collectors of fabric, notions, tools, books, you name it.  There are a multitude of items related to our hobbies that we collect because we might need it "someday".  Just take a look at any of our studios and the evidence is overwhelming.  But are there other things you collect that are not part of the creative process?  Things you collect because you like them or enjoy them or find them interesting?  Sue and Elizabeth both have collections related to sewing, and would not be surprised if many of you do as well.

Back in the 1970's, when Sue was collecting antiques and canvassing flea markets,  she started collecting toy sewing machines.  Back then, the prices were reasonable.  These days, the few that still turn up at quilt shows and antique dealers are much higher, so that collection has probably reached its limit.

Some are manufactured in Germany by Casige pre-World War II; some are post WWII made in the British zone.

Above are some Singer models.  Interesting that these don't say where they're manufactured.

This group includes more by Casige as well as 2 made by F. W. Muller in Germany, pre-WWII.  The red one in the photo above is Sue's favorite.

The pink and blue machines above are by KAYanEE and made post WWII in the US zone of Berlin.  The red one is by Gateway of  Chicago, Illinois, post WWII.

More on our other collections in the next post.  What do YOU collect?  We'd love to see your collections!  If you'd like to email a picture and a brief description, we'd be happy to share it here on the blog.