AboutIrene Schwall Expertise I have been a collector of antique sewing tools and thimbles for over 30 years. I am also a dealer in this field and sell on eBay under the name -- serengeti2.
Please note:
I am NOT, and I repeat NOT an expert on antique or vintage domestic household sewing machines used for everyday home sewing -- I can offer help when it comes to TOY or miniature collectible sewing machines ONLY.
Experience My expertise is in ANTIQUE sewing or needlework tools & thimbles, gold, silver, brass, ivory, bone etc. Modern thimbles are not necessarily my strong point but I may be able to help so don't hesitate to ask. I am also very well versed in the identification of Hallmarks on sewing collectibles.
Organizations Thimble Collectors International
SCTC - Southern California Thimble Club
SDTC - San Diego Thimble Club
OTS - Ohio Thimble Seekers
Priscilla Nutmeggers - CT/MA/NH
Dorset Thimble Society - UK
Rund um den Fingerhut - Germany
www.925/1000.com
Cyberthimble on Yahoo
Publications I belong to Thimble Collectors International & I chair the committee 'Publishing/Grants' and oversee the research and publication of booklets relating to sewing tools and thimbles.
I have also had articles published on needlework related topics.
I have a Betsy Ross Childs sewing machine in a red alligator type case. I am interested in selling it and would like to know where the best place is to get a fair price. I listed it on ebay but the high bid was only $27 (had a $50 reserve on it). I think it might be worth more than that. I live in the Philadelphia,PA area. Any help you could give would be appreciated.
Answer Hello Karen,
You may want to try and get in contact with the collector group Toy Stitchers International -- perhaps they have a For Sale site or know of someone who might be interested in your little machine.
The 2008 TSII Convention dates are Sept. 5th. thru Sept 7th. at Walnut Creek, Ohio. Normally these groups have a Sales Mall as part of the convention so you could ask if they take consignment.
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