Horn Fish Needle CaseFish needle holders are commonly seen from the late 18th to mid 19th century. This one you will want to keep in the family and pass down to later generations. These are slightly larger than our other needle cases being about 4 1/4" (10 cm) long when the cap is screwed into place and will accommodate a needle over 2" (5 cm) long. $20.00 |
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Rosewood Fish Needle CaseMany types of fish needle holders are seen from the late 18th to mid 19th century. This one you will want to keep in the family and pass down to later generations. These are about 4" (10 cm) long when the cap is screwed into place and will accommodate a large needle of over 2" (5 cm) long. $20.00 |
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Rosewood Needle CaseThis elegant addition to your needlework basket is 4 1/4" long when the cap is screwed into place and will accommodate a needle over two inches long. $7.00 |
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ThimblesThimbles were often made of materials other than metal before the 20th century. These thimbles are made of horn (at left and center), and rosewood (right). Please specify large, medium, or small. "I am a constable. I was sent for; I searched the prisoner . . . I found upon her . . . [among other things] a thimble" was recorded in a criminal record for housebreaking in London in 1780. $5.50 Add Black Horn Thimble to Cart |
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Lavender PacketsLavender sachet appears to be a modern term but lavender has been used to repel insects for hundreds of years. Lavender has been grown in English gardens since the middle ages and lavender oil became an industry in the 1700s. Each of these contains three packets of lavender sewn into fabrics appropriate to the 18th century. In 1779 a female witness to a pocket watch theft on the streets of London was questioned about her job, "What do you follow? - I go out with a barrow, and sell lavender." This was reported in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey criminal records. In the picture to the right the top shows the three packets tied attractively. Below that are the packets separated. $15.00 |
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HousewifeHousewives were used as sewing kits throughout the 18th and 19th centuries to hold sewing tools, thread, thimble, money, and jewelry. Usually owned by women, housewives were sometimes carried by soldiers, sailors, and single men to mend their own clothes. Our housewives are completely hand sewn of samples of beautiful 100% linen, wool, and cotton. Three pockets allow you to store your needlework tools or money with a wool pin cushion at the top. Although each one is individually made they measure approximately 4" by 10 1/2" and fold to 4" by 3". Since each is made by hand fabrics and sizes very. In The Proceedings of The Old Bailey, London of 1732 "We searched her, and found 7 Guineas, 5 s. and 6 d. and a Gold Ring in a Housewife in her Pocket". $20.00 |
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Needle Book
Simple needle books like these are sometimes found in traditional collections. They are the work of necessity and frugality. These are simply made of five pieces of wool coatings back stitched together with linen thread. In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey in a theft trial in 1784 London it was recorded, "SIMON ALLEN was indicted for feloniously stealing . . . one pincushion, value one halfpeny, one needle book, value one halfpenny". $1.50 |
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Thread WindersIn the 18th century thread was sold in skeins like embroidery floss is today. For easy use thread would be wound onto a winder. A bit of beeswax rubbed into the loose end of thread will secure it to the winder. $5.00 Bone |
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$1.00 Plain Wood |
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Double Pointed Knitting NeedlesBefore the 20th century fine knitting was done on steel knitting needles but bone was the material of choice for coarse knitting. Bone needles are very smooth to work with, yet prevent the work from sliding off of them and they become even smoother with use. The 10" length size 7 works well for knitting Scottish Bonnets, no more stitches falling off the ends! The 7" in size 5 or 6 works well for knitting mittens. Complete your authentic knitting kit with 100% wool knitting yarn. In The Proceedings of The Old Bailey, London of 1803, "JOHN THOMPSON, alias KELLY, was indicted for making an assault, on the King's highway, upon Mary Hurst, widow, on the 27th of May, putting her in fear, and taking from her person a set of knitting-needles, value 2s." Set of five 10" (25 cm) bone needles $16.00. Please specify type: Add 10" Double Pointed Knitting Needles to Cart Set of five 7" (18 cm) bone needles $12.00. Please specify type: Add 7" Double Pointed Knitting Needles to Cart Set of five 8" (20 cm) steel needles $6.00. Please specify type: Add 8" Double Pointed Knitting Needles to Cart Set of four 12" (30 cm) steel needles $6.00. |
 From left 7" bone, 8" steel, and 10" bone knitting needles. |
Bone StilettoStilettos are used to force the weave of the fabric open to make an eyelet hole. Because the fabric is not cut, the eyelet is stronger and resists ripping. These bone stilettos come in either about 3" (7.6 cm) pictured or 3 3/4" (9.5 cm) long. Thread buttons can also be made with these. Directions for making eyelets and thread buttons are included in The Lady's Guide to Plain Sewing Book I with an eyelet variation in Book II. A fancy carved ivory stiletto is on page 80 of Taunton, Nerylla, 1997, Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries; Antique Collectors' Club Ltd. $4.00 plain 3" (7.6 cm) $4.00 plain 3 3/4" (9.5 cm) |
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Bone BodkinBodkins are handy tools used to thread stays or the backs of breeches. These flat bodkins are of smooth bone of about 2 3/4" long and about 1/8" (3 mm) thick and 1/4" (6 mm) on the flat at the eye. They are based on a silver one on page 15 of Taunton, Nerylla, 1997, Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries; Antique Collectors' Club Ltd. In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London of 1753 "I am wife to the prosecutor, and am a stay-maker, and live in Rosemary-lane; the prisoner worked for me, she left my house, I missed the stew pan, bodkin, and scissors". $5.00 |
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Ebony Lace BobbinsThere is a very limited supply and we are discontinuing these once they are gone. Bobbin lace was used to trim shirt bosom ruffles, women's shifts, handkerchiefs, and caps. Usually today lace makers use 120/2 linen thread. Learn to make bobbin lace with Lessons in Bobbin Lacemaking. Style A WNM 109 (top) and $5 each - or Save and buy 12 for $50 either style. |
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Sewing NeedlesWe have several different types and sizes of sewing needles. Sharps are used for most fine sewing such as with linen thread in the 90/2 to 120/2 linen thread range. Crewel needles are identical to sharps but have a larger eye and are therefore best for sewing with coarser threads such as 16/2, 35/2, and 50/3 linen thread. Millinery needles are similar to sharps but are longer and therefore useful for basting and pleating. Add 5 Millinery Needles to Cart Tapestry needles have a blunt tip and a large eye and are the best for making thread (Dorset) buttons and cross stitch. |
Button StickThese hardwood button sticks are used to make thread (Dorset) buttons for shirts and other undergarments. They are each hand crafted by our own craftsman in Illinois Territory out of walnut and maple. Directions for making thread buttons are included in The Lady's Guide to Plain Sewing Book 1. Linen thread 16/2 in white, half bleached, or unbleached work well to make thread buttons and you can use a blunt tapestry needle to make these. Button sticks also work as a stiletto for making strong eyelets. $3.00 |
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Crude Button StickHere's a button stick for the backwoodsmen. These are smoothed and cleaned of sharp edges but retaining the rough look. They are hand made by our own craftsman in Illinois Territory out of sugar maple. Directions for making thread (Dorset) buttons buttons are included in The Lady's Guide to Plain Sewing Book 1. Linen thread 16/2 in white, half bleached, or unbleached work well to make thread buttons and you can use a blunt tapestry needle to make these. Button sticks also work as a stiletto for making strong eyelets. $1.00 |
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WaxersWaxers were kept in sewing kits to wax linen thread so that the thread passes easily through the fabric. These mother of pearl waxers contain pure bee's wax, are about 7/8" (22 mm) across and about 3/8" (1 cm) thick. $10.00 |
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Bee's WaxBee's wax was used to wax and smooth the outside of linen thread so the thread does not fray as it is pulled through the fabric. Just hold the thread against the wax with your finger and pull the thread. Coat both sides and sew. Wax may also be used to initially hold thread on thread winders and to keep tops on containers. $0.50 |
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Knotting ShuttleKnotting shuttles are used to make knots in thread or cord to be used in embroidery or as trim for linens. Knotting was done in the 17th and 18th centuries whereas a slightly different process, tatting, was more common in the 19th century. This 4" bone shuttle has a center hole to secure your thread and is pleasingly smooth in your hand. See pages 66-67 or Taunton, Nerylla, 1997, Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries; Antique Collectors' Club Ltd. For making tatting lace try white 90/2 linen thread. $7.00 |
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Short Handle Bone LucetsShort handled lucets appear to be more common prior to about the 1790s. These bone lucets are about 3 1/2" (9 cm) long and 1 1/4" (3.18 cm) wide. Lucet cord is a good craft to demonstrate and all materials may be easily placed in your pocket so they are handy to keep your hands working all the time. Many threads may be used but we have found 16/2 linen thread makes strong cord. $10.00 |
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Long Handle Wood LucetsLucets are used to make strong cords for tying stays, breeches, hats and shoes. Many threads may be used but we have found 16/2 linen thread makes strong cord. Lucets were made in many shapes, sizes and styles although long handled lucets seem to be more common later (1790s into the 19th century) and short handled lucets tend to be earlier. Directions for making lucet cord are included in The Lady's Guide to Plain Sewing Book II. This style lucet has a very smooth finish and is just over 4" (10 cm) long. |
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Short Handle Wood LucetsShort handled lucets appear to be more common prior to about the 1790s. These cherry lucets are about 3 1/2" (9 cm) long and 2 1/4" (5.75 cm) wide. Each is hand crafted in Illinois Territory by our own craftsman. Lucet cord is a good craft to demonstrate and all materials may be easily placed in your pocket so they are handy to keep your hands working all the time. Many threads may be used but we have found 16/2 linen thread makes strong cord. $10.00 |
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