I needed some seam tape and, having searched all my own sewing boxes and drawers, resorted to hoping I might find some among my mother's things, which I kept when we cleared the house.

Among her sewing effects were these ancient tins, the contents of which are even more suggestive of a passing age than the tins themselves - tiny hooks for crochet lace (possibly from her mother), assorted hooks and eyes and, amazingly, boot buttons.

These may be of little use to me but are a nice reminder of her earlier life.