When my sister-in-law gave me a large sisal hamper as a Christmas present a few years ago, with small baskets and a box inside, it was just the thing for a new work box. But last week as I ransacked it for one of my new fabric marker pens (convinced someone in the family had mistaken it for a handy gel pen) and everything ended up in a jumble of thread and elastic caught around the scissors, I knew it was no longer fit for purpose.
Some of the pieces of kit in here I have had for ages. The threadbare pincushion was made by my daughter when she was about 6, under the close supervision of her lovely Grandma, is a treasured possession, one of the thimbles had belonged to my mother and the orange handled Friskar cutting out scissors have been carefully guarded over the years from other craft activities. But I have recently rediscovered the fun of sewing and bought many many more little gadgets which together with an ever growing stock of hooks and eyes, press studs and beads had simply out grown the old basket.
I needed a big and business like new work box. Somehow the traditional offerings in big store haberdashery departments or just another, bigger basket would not do the job. So I went hunting in B&Q
If a tool box could have an expectation of its future role this stout business like box from Stanley might be forgiven for expecting to carry screw drivers, the odd hammer, nuts and bolts rather than cotton reels, darning wool, the odd tape measure and more besides.
I love it, the lid has two lift out compartments where I have put a spare foot for my sewing machine, skirt hooks and mending bits. The other front compartment has thimbles, small scissors and the quick-unpic.
More fun inside, the cantilevered trays are great for all sorts, including cotton reels. At last I can see what colours I have and may in future avoid owning more reels of navy than anyone should need in a life time. I also discovered that I own a great stock of beads. Mental note to self - think up a project to make the best of them.
I think this new box will be good for a few years, there is even room for a little more kit...
Then there's the question of the empty basket, what shall I use it for?
Perhaps before long I will have outgrown my knitting kit roll
xxx
C
