Queen Embroidery Whimsical Sewing Sets

I love this little vintage sewing theme set.  It has a picture of Mary Francis on the front. I have her book, "The Mary Francis Sewing Book" and have always enjoyed the illustrations.  Here's a link to the book if you want to look at it. It's adorable.  I haven't had any luck teaching my own daughter to sew but it may rub off on her when she gets older.

The box is about 9"x6".  The little button ribbon that embellishes the top came from Alpha Stamps.  I could only find it in brown but I'd sure buy more colors if I could find them. The needle book has a little heart made of embroidered buttons.  Now, let me tell you about this button heart design. It's very cute.  It looks simple. However, it has many colors in it - MANY colors=MANY thread changes.  29 to be exact.  For those who have never used an embroidery machine, it's not like you just input your design, push a button, walk away and it's all done when you come back. No-o-o. You have to sit there to change the thread and the matching bobbin, re-fill the bobbin, take care of the thread nests that get bunched up on the back, change the broken needles, re-thread when the thread breaks, the list goes on and on. You can't leave it alone for very long.  29 thread changes on something this small means that I sometimes changed the thread after about 10-20 seconds of sewing. I spent probably an hour and a half sewing this.  Normally, I can sew a design in 30-45 minutes. I like the pattern but I will not be making it again.

The other designs were much better.  I especially like the scissors sheath.  I also like the little scissors charm on the thimble box.  I don't usually use thimble boxes but I am always losing my thimble so it would probably be a good idea to start doing that some time soon.