Review: Merchant & Mills Sewing Notions Set (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

I received this very cool Merchant & Mills Sewing Notion Set in the mail from Kaufmann Mercantile. Have you heard of the online store? It conjures up so many great associations for me. I love the idea of a carefully stocked mercantile1 Their tag is "Products that will outlast you." (A very deliberate us of "that" vs. "which" for those of you English major types... :-)). And in this day of cheap and disposable don't we appreciate well-made products we can invest in for the long term?

Click to read all about it and enter the GIVEAWAY open through April 4th. (GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED)

Well, their Sewing Notions Set is all about that. First, I have to say that I love their packaging. For me, the way something is packaged is part of the experience (which is why I still prefer sending out invitations and thank yous in actual envelopes with stamps). The type on the box is actually embossed--so tactile. Looks like letterpress, which you've often heard me say that I love. Inside all the notions are neatly tucked into kraftboard holders. Isn't it lovely to look at? So graphic. I love the impact of the black and white with craft. And I love that each item is individually wrapped and labels. Makes it seem so carefully selected, which it is.

After admiring it for a bit I had to dig in...

I love the look and feel of these black steel wide bow scissors. Practical and beautiful. They seem to be totally capable of snipping little threads, or even yarn, while looking cool.

I could use a set of sharp needles such as these--I'm always hunting for the one or two among my straight pins. And, I have to admit since adopting reading glasses a few years ago the needle threader is starting to make sense!

Who remembers playing with thimbles as a child. They seem a bit antiquated now, which is too bad since they do serve a great function. There are too many plastic ones in my opinion. This metal one is beautiful.

Inside its glassine envelope and out.

I don't know if you can see it but it says "ENGLAND" in raised letters around the base. The top is open so one can still feel the fabric. Nice.

Tailor's chalk! Reminds me of the time I would go with my father to pick out a suit and watch as the seamstress made marks for hemming. This is another one of those curiously seldom seen notions

I'm excited to have some for myself. I think this will be a great way to mark hems for my girls--much less scary than me holding a bunch of straight pins in my teeth!

Speaking of pins, I used the dressmaking pins on my last sewing project. Used the seam ripper too. They worked just as expected. I may be partial to pins with the colored balls on top for most projects, however these very fine pins would be great for working with more delicate fabrics.

So, there you have the Merchant & Mills Sewing Notions Set. Most of what you would expect (I didn't mention the measuring tape but it's in there--I love it in black and white) and a few new things (for instance, I am excited to try the beeswax made on my thread before threading a needle). Packaged in an ever so fun way. This is a kit for the connoisseur. It's more about the origins of the items than a true discernible difference in their function. It's not inexpensive ($75.00), but it is currently sold out! That certainly says something about the satisfying DIY trend. This is not the thing to buy for your niece to take to Home Ec, but perhaps something for your experienced sewist friend who is also an Anglophile (the beeswax and tailor's chalk were made by the same companies that supply Saville Row). Or maybe this is just the hint to drop for yourself for Mother's Day.

You have to visit Kaufmann Mercantile's page describing this set because the copy is so inspiring! As a former marketer it really impressed me--I was totally pulled in! I do think the right tools make a difference, and this line just spoke to me: This is a great starter set, but if you’ve been suffering through bad notions, upgrading to these pieces will revive your love of the craft. Maybe because I am constantly suffering through less-than-ideal tools. Seems easier than stopping to improve them!

And check out some of the other cool products they've curated. I would like to try the waterproofing wax. Perhaps it's the way to wean from oilcloth?

GIVEAWAY:

Would you like to have one these sewing kits in your life? Kaufmann Mercantile is giving one away to a reader. To enter you may (multiple entries possible):

1. Visit the page for the Merchant & Mills Sewing Notions Set and leave me a comment below telling me something about it. What intrigues you? What did you enjoy most?
2. Follow Aesthetic Nest (via Blogger or Google Reader) and leave me a comment letting me know.
3. Visit Kaufmann Mercantile and leave me a comment mentioning a product you wish were yours.
4. "Like" Aesthetic Nest on Facebook and leave me a comment about it.
5. Subscribe to the RSS Feed for Aesthetic Nest and leave me a comment letting me know.

You have until the end of the day April 4th to leave comments here to enter, after which I will pick a random winner and announce it in a new post. Best of luck!