Old things

I’ve been slowing going through various stashes of things now that I am retired and in a new phase. I found myself cleaning out this lunchbox where I keep my threads.

My mom painted it and gave it to me for Christmas – I must have been in my early teens? I did not appreciate the gift at the time and in fact I thought it was very ugly. But it’s been quite serviceable over many years and I’ve grown to love it for its steadfastness although I still find it ugly.

I’ve saved this item for a long long time because I love the velvet.

I made this to use as a book bag – maybe in high school? or college? It’s a denim bag (another parental gift) with a Levi’s patch and pocket on the front and a leather drawstring. I added the luxurious velvet to the back of the bag, then attached straps and an inside zipper pocket removed from an elderly blue nylon backpack. I must have used this for quite awhile, as it’s got a lot of wear. It never worked very well as a backpack due to the thin straps. I’m going to take the velvet off and use it for something else.

Lastly an ancient jeans jacket. Worn to threads on the collar and cuffs, and greenish with wear.

I bought this at a thrift store and have been holding onto it through many many clothing purges. I’ve always wanted to rehabilitate it because I just love its well worn nature.

I’m not nostalgic in general, in fact old stuff makes me feel kind of nauseous. But reuse is another story. It’s time to step up to the plate for these things: clean out the thread box, claim that velvet, and attempt to mend that jacket!