Heirloom treasure
This antique wooden sewing box once belonged to my grandmother. She was a professional seamstress and tailoress in the 1920's, until she married my grandfather at age 26 and became a full time butcher's wife. However, she always continued sewing, crocheting or knitting clothes for herself and their children, with meticulous care for detail.
She passed away when I was only 2 years old, so sadly I never got to know her.. I sometimes wonder what she would have thought of my career in the creative field, and if she would have enjoyed it.
Her daughter, my Mom, used to say that the 'needlework gene' in our family skipped a generation - as she hated knitting and crocheting, and had absolutely no patience for fiddly things like embroidery - although she was quite a talented seamstress herself. She sewed darling dresses for me when I was little, and I still have a classic nurse costume that she made for a kindergarten carnival party when I was 4. But she did not find much pleasure in sewing, and rather dabbled in sculpting and painting.
And I feel privileged that both women provided me with a solid foundation to build my own set of skills upon 😊
When my Mom passed away 2,5 years ago I inherited my grandmother's sewing box, and the pattern tracing wheel, wooden needle case, thimble, and tailors' chalk. I found the beautiful antique bone and mother of pearl shell buttons in her button box (a treasured old tin that once held Rowntree's Cocoa), and the vintage hooks & eyes, snap fasteners, and adorable needle packs were a surprise gift from dear Eileen @dollytreasures.
All together they now make this lovely little display in my studio 💕
Zolala! Blog
Mostly musings and meanderings about my work as a seamstress and miniaturist, with all of the joy and struggle that comes with it.
Hello!
My name is Zo, and I'm endlessly fascinated with all things small: dolls, animals, miniatures, dioramas..
I feel very fortunate to be able to combine them all in my work!
Sewing doll clothes and bringing little critters to life allows me to do what I love every day - and connects me with some really amazing people all over the world.