Steve's family is Sicilian. His mom and dad were born in Baucina, a small village near Palermo. Fortunata, his mom, learned to sew at an early age. As the youngest daughter, she sewed for her family, and then upon moving to the US, began sewing as her profession. Luckily, we benefit from her talent, as she frequently sews and repairs clothing for us.

I periodically find vintage buttons and notions when I am running around, and buy them, offering vintage gifts to my mother in law. I am not sure if she loves them, but I like the bond created between us, and I know she is always a little curious about the old and odd things I find.

My next obstacle will be learning to use the gift of that sewing machine, which sits in my closet since my engagement party so many years ago. I hope she still has the patience to teach me.

These beautiful jars of buttons are available through our blog. If interested, please email us.