Like many other crafts, sewing is seeing quite a revival – just look at the popularity of the tv series The Great British Sewing Bee! This vintage sewing machine sculpture was the ideal gift for one such keen stitcher. She has a bright orange, vintage sewing machine from the 1970s which, she assures me, works perfectly for creating beautiful garments for herself and her children.

I replicated this beloved sewing machine in a lovely orange glass, adding details like the round control buttons, spool holder and even a little needle. I wound thin wire round the cotton reel on the top, which was made from a tiny piece of yellow glass to match the yellow glass ‘fabric’ being stitched. You may be able to see there is a floral texture to the yellow glass, which I selected to represent a patterned fabric.

Next to the sewing machine, I added a white pin cushion and made a needle and pins from thin wire. I continued the sewing theme with a pair of handmade wire scissors that dangle above, and threaded little buttons on a matching orange wire to finish the design at the front.

The stitcher’s love of sewing was reflected in the string of little heart-shaped glass beads that hangs above the sewing machine.

As you can tell, this was a really enjoyable commission to make. It’s all in the details! 🙂

The wood-mounted piece now has pride of place in her workroom – a perfect ‘mini-me’ of the original!

A stained glass sewing machine sculpture is certainly the perfect gift for anyone who loves to sew.