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.
Expert: Irene Schwall Date: 11/12/2007 Subject: Old Carstairs tape measure
Question I bought an old tool box at a small town store that came from New York. At the bottom of this box I found a small retracting steel tape measure 1 1/2 inches diameter. On the sides it says "The man who cares says: CARSTAIRS". Can you tell me anything about this item. Thank you for reading this e-mail.
Answer Hello Ted,
From research, it appears that this is not a sewing tape measure. But, I did find reference to CARSTAIRS on a metal tape that was sold by Time Passages Nostalgia Company. If you contact Ron Toth Jr. he might be better able to answer your questions. See contact information below.
Regards,
Irene
