I like sewing boxes, don't you? I like the idea of sewing boxes used through generations of women. If you are lucky enough to find one with its original contents you can find all sorts of things. The usual buttons, thimbles, needles, old thread...but also receipts, handwritten notes, old notions you would never use now - but the packaging is interesting. Well used sewing boxes can have a history. Some people have very fond memories of a relative with a handy box that was used to keep all items needed for repairing clothes, sewing on a lost button, embrodiery...that's what I remember about my Mum's box.
I have some boxes but not many - while I love them they can take up a lot of space. I prefer the smaller kind like these when I can find them.
Some I keep old button cards in. I do the same with old cigar boxes.
My favorite (and not because it is especially spectacular) is the one that sits by my sewing machine. It was a gift from my Mum many years ago (I can't even remember when - I think it was a Christmas present). It has survived many moves and remains my "work" box (as evidenced by its contents).
While looking up sewing boxes on the Web I came across the book called Jane Austen's Sewing Box. While I have not read it (maybe one of you have) it does intrigue me. After all, women (and men) have been sewing for a very long time...I wonder what I would have found in Jane's box ? Or, for that matter, yours? Cheers, Jewels