Antique collectible sewing items are many and varied. Aside from early sewing machines that parallel the progression of the Industrial Revolution, there are unique buttons, sewing baskets, thimbles, ornate scissors, pin cushions and needle boxes that give us a nostalgic look into the past.

From antique buttons of centuries past that possess now historical significant, to Victorian glass buttons giving a cultural perspective of that time and onto contemporary buttons of the day, the ordinary button that gives us little pause as we dress for the day holds much to think about.

The days are growing shorter, the holidays are nearing, and there are many last minute things to do. Here are some quick-to-sew, last minute, got-to-have-gift-ideas that you can sit down to start and finish sewing or no-sew in just a few minutes. All make for thoughtful unique gifts.

With the application of a simple yet versatile running stitch, you can create beautiful hand worked embroidery that is both organic and pleasingly geometric in design. A basic running stitch creates a repeating patterned background that is artfully timeless.

The simple beauty and homespun warmth of holiday ornaments lovingly made bring many a smile to all who have ever gazed on an old-fashioned decorated Christmas tree. Simple sewn ornaments bring elegance to the time-honored tradition of decorating a pine tree brought indoors for seasonal goodwill.

Sewers have often been instructed by pattern layout details to not use the fabric selvage edge, a word combined from self-edge, which was expected to be cut off and discarded. These factory loomed finished edges today no longer fill the waste basket or cutting room floor but have surprising uses.

Decorative, versatile and functional this overcast or edge stitch is often one of the first beginning embroidery stitches taught to children. Adding beads to each stitch further allows the stitch to add emphasis as an outline to the evenly spaced, even length stitches.

Lace has a sentimental quality, evoking yesterday’s keepsakes while becoming tomorrow’s treasures. Small pieces of lace can accessorize antique buttons, aromatic sachets, padded satin hangers or jars of homemade jams and jellies for gifting.

RFID blocking fabric can prevent what is essentially silent and devious electronic pickpocketing. Wallets, purses, and totes can be lined with this fabric rather than the pragmatic but unappealing use of aluminum foil to become a signal blocking container. RFID fabric used as lining is easy to sew.

Consider the phrase 'thinking outside the box' as a challenge to do the same with sewing. The catchy expression is often associated with innovation, seeking original solutions, or going beyond the status quo.