I guess it's a good time for another adventure in collecting. The snow is flying here in Burlington, Vermont, and winter is always a good time to knit or sew. Or collect. Here are some great images from my collections of vintage needle packs. These were all printed in Japan probably in the 1950's. The earlier ones say "printed in occupied Japan" placing them between 1945 and 1952"
PSAW ephemera collections. Made in Japan.
Because home sewing is so gendered in this culture, women and children provide a major theme for needle packs. Sewing is also clearly a group activity, enjoyed, so it would seem, by all ages.
PSAW ephemera collections. Made in Japan.
Often the same configuration is done with different clothing, hairstyles and illustration styles.
PSAW ephemera collections. Made in Japan.
Sewing Susan must have been a popular packet,because they are the easiest to find.
PSAW ephemera collections. Made in Japan.
The little girl in this packet is relegated to a tiny portion of the lower left hand corner as the Sweethearts become the more important actors.
PSAW ephemera collections. Made in Japan.
In a slightly different version they become a sewing circle
PSAW ephemera collections. Made in Japan.
Sometimes the children are replaced with kittens playing with the yarn. Many needle packets didn't feature people, but exploited themes of place or product.
