We have a second channel that will cover making money from arts and crafts for those interested. There will be a lot of How To videos as well. Here’s a link: th-cam.com/channels/aViiCbXUWhekTbp8ttqUuw.html You can also check out one of our latest videos here: th-cam.com/video/xkAX3RjI254/w-d-xo.html We are now on Instagram as well: instagram.com/theauctionprofessor/ If you wish to help support our channel our Patreon page can be found here: www.patreon.com/TheAuctionProfessor If you'd like to see the equipment, shipping supplies, and reference material we personally use you can find it all right here: www.amazon.com/shop/theauctionprofessor (We may get a small commission from these links)
I bought a sewing box for 3.99 at a Goodwill a few years ago. I searched through it once a week for months. Didn't notice anything special. I put it away for over a year. I looked through it again and found an original LiveAid Lapel Pin. I sold it for $95.00 I have the rest of the box of items still in the corner.
Another thing to look for is advertising items in the sewing box. Mirrors, tape measures, and needle packets that are promotional items, World's Fair memorabilia, and jewelry such as hair barrettes and sometimes little toys are all items I have found in sewing boxes.
I just bought an auction lot, included in was a bundle of vintage sewing items, not my reason for buying. However having researched after watching this, it will pay for the whole lot at least twice over. Thank You Don, you are a legend.
Well, I definitely feel smarter now. I can’t tell you how many sewing kits and boxes I have passed up on at estate sales and garage sales even thrift stores. Not anymore! Thank you so much, you just gained another subscriber.
Love, love, LOVE your videos! As a former museum curator and life-long collector (probably hoarder at this point!) who's had booths in antique malls since 1989 and now a small shop, I believe we never stop learning. You've opened the door to so much more as I rekindle my eBay seller life, and can't thank you enough! How do you fit so much info into your head??? You, sir, are definitely the bee's knees!
I have been buying sewing boxes ect for years. Not only do I love to go through theem and get a glimpse of someone's life. Sewing boxes often serve as storage for little items that hold memories...your grandmother's scissors ect. I usually repack the boxes including all kinds of goodies for people who love to sew and resell for 30 or so depending on the type and amount of goodies. Sadly I don't find them as often as you indicate. The best place I have found the boxes WITH items in them is auctions.
Hi mister. You just held up my late grandma's exact sewing box. It is full of sewing stuff. My grandma was a great seamstress. I have the box now along with some other items like her rolling pin, purse, bottle opener, scarf, etc. Never thought about their monetary value. I miss her so much. She was born in 1910.
Aside from the fabulous and informative content, I really enjoy the format you use. Having the full screen ads behind you makes for an easy and extremely helpful visual aid, and you get to the point with descriptive information on each ad. Thank you!
Knew about sewing, barber and kitchen scissors. One of my grandmothers loved thimbles and had a small collection. Think I have a sterling one from her somewhere. Thx for education!
I got an engraved gold thimble and a sterling one this weekend. The gold one was a buck and the sterling one was in the estate sale "junk lot" box that cost $20. As a quilter I make a beeline for sewing boxes when accessible (i.e. not up or down a flight of stairs.) BTW - Worcester is pronounced Wooster.
Walked past two of these at a recent estate sale, was curious about them but also overwhelmed and wanted to stick to what I knew at the time. Now I know, thank you!
Thanks for sharing. I recently picked an old barber box with some valuable scissors. I love these items nobody looks at, and you can get them for next to nothing. Even nothing at times! :) Try that "My grandma collects these stupid things..."
Thanks Don I can't say it enough I'm always learning from you , hope all is well with you , your family and business . Ready for a new productive year . Let's go !!
Thank you for posting. I have several awesome thimbals inherited and found at thrift shops. also Bought a lovely antique sewing machine table and of course it was full of great things ♥️
I never thought about the sewing collections before and I sew! I have inherited much from my grandmother and I have a sewing room full. I inherited a Necchi BU machine which was the first zigzag machine made in Italy and endorsed by Sofia Loren. I also picked up a free machine which came with a desk- which is what I was after but had an Elna which the model I have was the first drop arm and made of all metal. They run like a champ. Now to go through all the thimbles and scissors I have. Thank you for your great knowledge!
Timely, I just got my Grandmothers old sewing kit, some nice pinking shears & some old thimbles, going to get her sewing machine also. Thanks for the Info!
Thank you for your video. I come from a family of tailors and sewers. I have always loved sewing items. Now, with this knowledge, I love them even more. I was reading Vogue when I was in high school and figuring out how to make the designs at home. I am going to check out the arts and crafts channel. Thank you so much for being my teacher today.
One of my most surprising finds was from an estate sale. I went back later in the day to see what was left. I saw a clear plastic sewing box, clearly others had removed things so I bought remainder for $2 including the box. In the bottom I found a beautiful card of porcelain hand painted buttons. I don’t recall exactly what they sold for but it was over $100 😀.
outstanding as always. I actually purchased an estate sale everything in the home because I loved the glass collection that she had but she had quite a bit of sewing equipment including a freestanding sewing machine the bench has a lid and keep supplies in it now I'm going to go in there and go through it all cuz there was a lot of little boxes of stuff in there I just assumed it was kind of junk. who knows what kind of money he's been sitting in the other room just being ignored. I'm becoming addicted to your show here. keep up the good work thank you so much for the information
Thanks for another great video Don! Some of the sewing boxes themselves are very collectible, I found ones that are old wicker baskets with a big interesting button on top that is made of Jade. Also found many rare and interesting buttons and even marbles inside sewing baskets. There’s probably some type of Crocheting or something where you use a marble to crochet around and then pull it out, to make some kind of form I don’t know. I collect heavy things for some reason Books, vintage LPs, 16 mm films. I’ve often kind of joked that what I really should be collecting is symbols, they are small and lightweight, or perhaps start collecting toothpick holders. Something white, collecting heavy fragile things is really exhausting. Very true what you said about old scissors, some of them may have been a family for three or four generations, then they just put them in a yard sale or they end up in some storage unit By the way many of us out here in TH-cam land are watching your videos on iPhones with a smaller screen. When you show screen captures of “sold“ items on eBay it is too small to see the price unless we freeze frame and use a magnifying glass. If it’s not too much trouble perhaps you can say here’s one that went for $500 instead of just assuming that every single person is watching on a giant computer screen. Thanks just thought I’d throw that in there I noticed that was a lot of your videos,
I have a pair of scissors from the 1930's. Many times I have thought of throwing them away. They are very long bladed shears. They are very dull now and not usable. I'm glad I saw your video, I will hang on to the scissors now.
Awesome info, I am enjoying your wisdom very much, so how do you tell if something is gold? Like a thimble, or scissors? Where can I find information about old thimbles and scissors. Thanks for your time. ❤
Just came across this video, I Love it, I'm a collector of thimbles, anytime I know of someone going on vacation in or out of the country, I will have them pick me up a thimble. Thanks for the good work!! Looking forward to more of your videos 👍
Thank you for pointing out risk of listing scissors tortoiseshell, made me think about an antique ivory fan and I think it's either the same one or a second one that has peacock feathers. So where would you recommend looking to sell those? Heritage auctions perhaps? Appreciate your taking the time to post these because there's nothing worse than learning the hard way and eBay's real good at helping you do that
I really like your videos and was wondering if you ever do one on one Q&A with people? I would love to learn more from you. I’ve been buying and selling since I was a kid and would be so grateful to learn from someone with the wealth of knowledge that you have.
Thank you Mr Don; I love your Videos thanks for all your hard work that goes into them. You helped me immensely Thank You! Sending Thoughts and Prayers to you and your Entire Family Please Stay Safe and Be Careful.💜❤️🤗🙏
I have two thimbles. One has rubber feel inside stuck that is falling apart. I think this was some type of object the sewer places on her thumb to make it more comfortable while using the thimble. My question is, how do I clean out the inside of the thimble to remove the rubbery residue?
Its fun to watch your videos! I just had hubby bring me an old flashlight out of the garage. I know it came from a man that worked at Boeing. My son and I cleaned out his estate and kept things for his family. In return we were given things and I negotiated with the daughter to get all his tools! In with them was this big old flashlight. On Ebay there is only one like it and they are asking $50. So I will be watching that and see what to sell it for. My son wants the old tools but no need for this. I got to thinking I really need to start looking at the old stuff we have here.
I temember going through .y grandmothers button box. It had buttons her mom and grandmother had collected back in the late 1800's and early 1900's. There were some gorgeous buttons in it. When she died someone stole them. Shame.
Good stuff. I would've never thought! I'll bet there's lots of categories where we can find items that most people would never think are of any valuable, right? And I'll bet you know what some of those categories are, don't you? Please share more like this. Thanks.
I found a sewing box filled with bakelite buttons and carved bangle bracelets I did very well with these items so I always keep my eyes open for these types of items. Anyways super Awesome video as always Don and I wish you a very prosperous wealthy healthy New Year brother and happy selling!!✌❤😎🛸💰💵💱🎉🙏✌💚📰⚃💲
Wonderful video Don, I will most definitely be checking sewing boxes now at estate sales etc. Your videos are rocking and I am always learn something from them. Stay well, James
We have a second channel that will cover making money from arts and crafts for those interested. There will be a lot of How To videos as well. Here’s a link: th-cam.com/channels/aViiCbXUWhekTbp8ttqUuw.html
You can also check out one of our latest videos here: th-cam.com/video/xkAX3RjI254/w-d-xo.html
We are now on Instagram as well: instagram.com/theauctionprofessor/
If you wish to help support our channel our Patreon page can be found here: www.patreon.com/TheAuctionProfessor
If you'd like to see the equipment, shipping supplies, and reference material we personally use you can find it all right here:
www.amazon.com/shop/theauctionprofessor
(We may get a small commission from these links)
Love your old commercials. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Airhugs of positive energy to you and yours
Tysm
Great information. On a wide variety of objects
I’m a professional tailor. I’m your customer. My favorite thimble is gold and has been worn for so many years it is molded exactly to my finger.
I bought a sewing box for 3.99 at a Goodwill a few years ago. I searched through it once a week for months. Didn't notice anything special. I put it away for over a year. I looked through it again and found an original LiveAid Lapel Pin. I sold it for $95.00 I have the rest of the box of items still in the corner.
Maybe it's time to take another look in that box, lol.
Another thing to look for is advertising items in the sewing box. Mirrors, tape measures, and needle packets that are promotional items, World's Fair memorabilia, and jewelry such as hair barrettes and sometimes little toys are all items I have found in sewing boxes.
You reminded me to go get my grandmas sewing kit she made 20 quilts a year with help of family and friends. Her mom made them too .
I just bought an auction lot, included in was a bundle of vintage sewing items, not my reason for buying. However having researched after watching this, it will pay for the whole lot at least twice over. Thank You Don, you are a legend.
Needle point thread sells great on ebay, if you have any of that
You really are the Ebay encyclopedia. Everything I learned with you. Thanks
Well, I definitely feel smarter now. I can’t tell you how many sewing kits and boxes I have passed up on at estate sales and garage sales even thrift stores. Not anymore! Thank you so much, you just gained another subscriber.
Love, love, LOVE your videos! As a former museum curator and life-long collector (probably hoarder at this point!) who's had booths in antique malls since 1989 and now a small shop, I believe we never stop learning. You've opened the door to so much more as I rekindle my eBay seller life, and can't thank you enough! How do you fit so much info into your head??? You, sir, are definitely the bee's knees!
Iam a hand sewing quilter i collect old sewing items i was glad 2 come across yr video great info GOD bless 💋☮
I have been buying sewing boxes ect for years. Not only do I love to go through theem and get a glimpse of someone's life. Sewing boxes often serve as storage for little items that hold memories...your grandmother's scissors ect. I usually repack the boxes including all kinds of goodies for people who love to sew and resell for 30 or so depending on the type and amount of goodies. Sadly I don't find them as often as you indicate. The best place I have found the boxes WITH items in them is auctions.
My mom always picked up textiles and sewing supplies for resale.
I've also found other neat things in sewing boxes. Found a vintage zippo lighter in one.
Great pieces! I will definitely be keeping eyes open for thimbles, scissors and sewing boxes
OMG, those chrome sewing scissors are worth lots of money. Wow.
Hi mister. You just held up my late grandma's exact sewing box. It is full of sewing stuff. My grandma was a great seamstress. I have the box now along with some other items like her rolling pin, purse, bottle opener, scarf, etc. Never thought about their monetary value. I miss her so much. She was born in 1910.
Aside from the fabulous and informative content, I really enjoy the format you use. Having the full screen ads behind you makes for an easy and extremely helpful visual aid, and you get to the point with descriptive information on each ad. Thank you!
Im a fashion designer and I never thought about old sewing items.
Thanks a lot .
Knew about sewing, barber and kitchen scissors. One of my grandmothers loved thimbles and had a small collection. Think I have a sterling one from her somewhere. Thx for education!
I love the vintage ads at the end of your videos! Thank you!
I got an engraved gold thimble and a sterling one this weekend. The gold one was a buck and the sterling one was in the estate sale "junk lot" box that cost $20. As a quilter I make a beeline for sewing boxes when accessible (i.e. not up or down a flight of stairs.) BTW - Worcester is pronounced Wooster.
Walked past two of these at a recent estate sale, was curious about them but also overwhelmed and wanted to stick to what I knew at the time. Now I know, thank you!
Thanks for sharing. I recently picked an old barber box with some valuable scissors. I love these items nobody looks at, and you can get them for next to nothing. Even nothing at times! :) Try that "My grandma collects these stupid things..."
You've just blown my mind!!
Thanks Don I can't say it enough I'm always learning from you , hope all is well with you , your family and business . Ready for a new productive year . Let's go !!
Thank you for posting. I have several awesome thimbals inherited and found at thrift shops. also Bought a lovely antique sewing machine table and of course it was full of great things ♥️
I never thought about the sewing collections before and I sew! I have inherited much from my grandmother and I have a sewing room full. I inherited a Necchi BU machine which was the first zigzag machine made in Italy and endorsed by Sofia Loren. I also picked up a free machine which came with a desk- which is what I was after but had an Elna which the model I have was the first drop arm and made of all metal. They run like a champ. Now to go through all the thimbles and scissors I have. Thank you for your great knowledge!
Timely, I just got my Grandmothers old sewing kit, some nice pinking shears & some old thimbles, going to get her sewing machine also. Thanks for the Info!
Thank you for your video. I come from a family of tailors and sewers. I have always loved sewing items. Now, with this knowledge, I love them even more. I was reading Vogue when I was in high school and figuring out how to make the designs at home. I am going to check out the arts and crafts channel. Thank you so much for being my teacher today.
Have you ever seen thimbles that were porcelain,
Yes in an arcade shop in centre of melbourne au, thats all they sell. From antique onwards.
I've bought beacoup sewing kits over the years and found baseline buttons!
Love tuning into this channel everyday ! Awesome job !
I can just imagine. $400 thimble in the Goodwill bins for 10 cents and nobody has a clue.
Until they watch this video. 😱
I was at bins 2 days ago and touched a large sewing box that was FULL. I wish I had come across this video 3 days ago!!
One of my most surprising finds was from an estate sale. I went back later in the day to see what was left. I saw a clear plastic sewing box, clearly others had removed things so I bought remainder for $2 including the box. In the bottom I found a beautiful card of porcelain hand painted buttons. I don’t recall exactly what they sold for but it was over $100 😀.
Learning so much from your channel. Thimbles and scissors never would have thought of that thank you so much !
Thank You! I have only been at this seriously about 3 months and you've already helped me out inmmensley.
outstanding as always. I actually purchased an estate sale everything in the home because I loved the glass collection that she had but she had quite a bit of sewing equipment including a freestanding sewing machine the bench has a lid and keep supplies in it now I'm going to go in there and go through it all cuz there was a lot of little boxes of stuff in there I just assumed it was kind of junk. who knows what kind of money he's been sitting in the other room just being ignored. I'm becoming addicted to your show here. keep up the good work thank you so much for the information
I should look into that sewing box my wife got in goodwill. It was old! wow!! I did not know.
Thanks for another great video Don! Some of the sewing boxes themselves are very collectible, I found ones that are old wicker baskets with a big interesting button on top that is made of Jade. Also found many rare and interesting buttons and even marbles inside sewing baskets. There’s probably some type of Crocheting or something where you use a marble to crochet around and then pull it out, to make some kind of form I don’t know. I collect heavy things for some reason Books, vintage LPs, 16 mm films. I’ve often kind of joked that what I really should be collecting is symbols, they are small and lightweight, or perhaps start collecting toothpick holders. Something white, collecting heavy fragile things is really exhausting.
Very true what you said about old scissors, some of them may have been a family for three or four generations, then they just put them in a yard sale or they end up in some storage unit
By the way many of us out here in TH-cam land are watching your videos on iPhones with a smaller screen. When you show screen captures of “sold“ items on eBay it is too small to see the price unless we freeze frame and use a magnifying glass. If it’s not too much trouble perhaps you can say here’s one that went for $500 instead of just assuming that every single person is watching on a giant computer screen. Thanks just thought I’d throw that in there I noticed that was a lot of your videos,
Mine is just like that but clear. It has a pull out tray. Given to me as a bride a very long time ago.
I found one and it was full of thimbles, buttons, needles, pins and more. I priced it at $25 and someone snatched it up quickly. I had no idea..🙄
Some if these scissors and thimbles are very beautiful...😍 I would've never in a million years thought to be looking for such items...💯✔
I still have my great grandma's sewing box just like that! Where I found a carhartt button not too long ago after learning about those from you.
Excellent class today Professor! I also viewed your lesson on spoons this morning. Thank you for sharing this content.
Wow - wonderful video - I never, ever would of guessed that kind of value was in sowing kits
Fascinating video Don! Do you look for or find many old patterns, especially haute couture pattens?
Beautiful, just beautiful. Love looking at your videos so much to learn. Thank you.
I have a pair of scissors from the 1930's. Many times I have thought of throwing them away. They are very long bladed shears. They are very dull now and not usable. I'm glad I saw your video, I will hang on to the scissors now.
Awesome info, I am enjoying your wisdom very much, so how do you tell if something is gold? Like a thimble, or scissors? Where can I find information about old thimbles and scissors.
Thanks for your time. ❤
Just came across this video, I Love it, I'm a collector of thimbles, anytime I know of someone going on vacation in or out of the country, I will have them pick me up a thimble. Thanks for the good work!! Looking forward to more of your videos 👍
What do I do with ivory knitting needles or something with tortoiseshell if I find it?
Very informative, never realized thimbles had so much value. Thanks for the lesson.
How would you test an item like this to make sure its gold silver etc if there are no markings? How would you know if its plated or solid?
Thank you for pointing out risk of listing scissors tortoiseshell, made me think about an antique ivory fan and I think it's either the same one or a second one that has peacock feathers. So where would you recommend looking to sell those? Heritage auctions perhaps? Appreciate your taking the time to post these because there's nothing worse than learning the hard way and eBay's real good at helping you do that
I have that exact same sewing box that I got from my mom
My mind is blown!
Ive never seen such amazing scissors or thimbles in the wild :/ lol i need to find better sourcing spots .
Beautiful things in the past.
I really like your videos and was wondering if you ever do one on one Q&A with people? I would love to learn more from you. I’ve been buying and selling since I was a kid and would be so grateful to learn from someone with the wealth of knowledge that you have.
Thanks professor , I will keep an eye out for the sewing kit’s , seems like it can possibly be a little treasure chest , thanks
I'm not sure why this was recommended to me, but I'm glad I watched it. Thanks for the yard sale tips.
Thank you Mr Don; I love your Videos thanks for all your hard work that goes into them. You helped me immensely Thank You! Sending Thoughts and Prayers to you and your Entire Family Please Stay Safe and Be Careful.💜❤️🤗🙏
I have had very good luck with selling sewing boxes.
Very useful channel - I have a variety of vintage items and now I have TH-cam resource that I can refer to. Thank you!
I have two thimbles. One has rubber feel inside stuck that is falling apart. I think this was some type of object the sewer places on her thumb to make it more comfortable while using the thimble. My question is, how do I clean out the inside of the thimble to remove the rubbery residue?
Thank You
In a world of stupid 😖 You did a great job of enlightening and getting to the point
GOD BLESS
Never heard of your channel before, but I'll be looking for it now. This was fascinating! Thank you!!
Thank you for the greet information
I have 3 Abandoned houses that I'm treasure hunting in
Great topic. These are hard to sell for me. Loooove granny items.
I have an old pair of pinking shears too. They are large and chunky. Dull too. Not sure what year they are from.
Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time to show photos of the items you are referencing. Great job!
I'm so happy to have discovered you, my thanks
Thankyou for sharing I could have something of the kind in my sewing boxes
Knowledge is power !!! Thanks for the info 🌞
Just found your channel professor, thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. Much appreciated!
Wow! Your knowledge is fantastic! Thank you. I found your video by chance, but immediately subscribed!!
Why did you say not to sell ivory or tortoise? Is it illegal? If found what should we do wit it?
I had no idea! I'll be on the lookout
Sometimes cash too. I found $250 in an old sewing kit.
Its fun to watch your videos! I just had hubby bring me an old flashlight out of the garage. I know it came from a man that worked at Boeing. My son and I cleaned out his estate and kept things for his family. In return we were given things and I negotiated with the daughter to get all his tools! In with them was this big old flashlight. On Ebay there is only one like it and they are asking $50. So I will be watching that and see what to sell it for. My son wants the old tools but no need for this. I got to thinking I really need to start looking at the old stuff we have here.
Thank you Don for another great video you have helped me to sell a few unique items flashlights pens and scissors 😊
Love to hear where you hunt for your goodies.
I temember going through .y grandmothers button box. It had buttons her mom and grandmother had collected back in the late 1800's and early 1900's. There were some gorgeous buttons in it. When she died someone stole them. Shame.
I always learn so much from you, Thanks for sharing!
You are always so informative. Thank you and keep it coming!
Good stuff. I would've never thought! I'll bet there's lots of categories where we can find items that most people would never think are of any valuable, right? And I'll bet you know what some of those categories are, don't you? Please share more like this. Thanks.
Thank you Don!
I need to expand my search to include these kinds of items. Your videos are really eye-opening to all kinds of things I've never considered before.
I found a sewing box filled with bakelite buttons and carved bangle bracelets I did very well with these items so I always keep my eyes open for these types of items. Anyways super Awesome video as always Don and I wish you a very prosperous wealthy healthy New Year brother and happy selling!!✌❤😎🛸💰💵💱🎉🙏✌💚📰⚃💲
I sew and learned so much, thanks
Thank you for the video Don 👍
I love sewing stuff. I Collett sewing machines not the best sellers way too heavy
Don't forget Advertising Needle Threaders !!! and Needle Books, Pin Cushions.
Wonderful video Don, I will most definitely be checking sewing boxes now at estate sales etc. Your videos are rocking and I am always learn something from them. Stay well, James
Super informative! I've always loved thimbles
I have a clear one like that from the 60s!!
You always have the most interesting BOLOs
Wow! That was super informative. Thank you !
Love this video. Very educational. Thanks so much.
I also have a jar of buttons from the early 1900’s. Where do I find out was these are worth?