Forums > Ask & Share
fudge1_1mellow

Should These Be Thrown Away?

Hi everyone, hope you are well ๐Ÿ˜Š

I bought a secondhand sewing kit of someone's mom. It's over 50 years old. There's a bunch of things in and I'm wondering if I need to get rid of some of the things.

Things Im wondering about:

Zips - some of them of yellow spots. Not sure if it's mold.

Clips - not sure what kind they are. Still need to look for the name online. They also have yellow spots.

Thread - there's alot of thread. How do I know if I need to get rid of them or are there suggestions for things to do with old thread

Thank you so much in advance

· 1 week ago
You must have an account to comment or reply on threads - please log in or join the community.
Sort replies by:
Ariane_et_le_fil's avatar
Ariane_et_le_fil Community Member

Hello, I think the clips are garter clips.
To remove the spots, you can maybe try to let them soak in water with baking soda or percarbonate sodium.
If the spots are still there on the zips, you can use them for sewing toiles or utility bags, for example.
I use old threads for tailor marking or basting.

· 1 week ago
SewHayleyJane's avatar
SewHayleyJane Admin

Do you know what type the thread is? if it's polyester then it can last over 50 years - if you pull it and just pulls apart then it's no good for anything other than basting or tailors tacks like Ariane said. If it snaps then it should be ok.

As for the zips - could be mould... could be rust perhaps? Are the zipper teeth themself ok?

· 1 week ago
fudge1_1mellow's avatar
fudge1_1mellow

Most of them seem to be polyester. I'll try the pulling trick.

Most of the zips are okay. I think one was difficult to pull open. Might need to oil it. Not sure.

Thank you for responding :)

· 1 week ago
fudge1_1mellow's avatar
fudge1_1mellow

Hi Ariane, I'll definitely check out the garter clips. Im not sure what to do with them, but will keep in case I find inspiration for it.

I'll try the baking soda. Thank you for the suggestion.
A toile, I havent made one before.

Thank you for the suggestions. I really appreaciate it

· 1 week ago

Join the community!

Sewing doesn't have to be solitary.

ThreadySetGo is a vibrant and welcoming space for sewists of all ages and skill levels.

It's completely free to get started!

Verify Your Email

Before being able to interact with the community you must verify your email account so we know you're a real human being!