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A Stitch In Time...
January 20 2012
By Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, Halls, Shrewsbury
To most, the days of spending the afternoon sewing are either a distant memory or a long lost tradition from the olden days. As computer games have gradually taken over the interests of children and adults alike, it seems creative hobbies are becoming a thing of the past, or are they?
Not only does the term ‘vintage’ now seem to have been reborn, whether it be ‘shabby chic’ interior design or second hand clothing given a new lease of life, sewing also appears to be making a comeback. This was reflected strongly in our most recent Collective auction held on December 7, 2011. Amongst the 585 lots we were able to offer a private collection of needlework items, which sold for over £4,800.
This revival may, in part, be down to the rising popularity of craft related television programmes such as ‘Kirstie’s Handmade Britain’, where we see Kirstie Allsopp swapping her ‘location, location, location’ for her own idyllic home.
Of course, antique needlework items/tools have always been popular in the auction world to collectors but a rise in the general popularity of such crafts will inevitably further enhance their value.
The charm of such items, to collectors and first time bidders alike, is also due to their size, attractive appearance and, of course, practicality. Whether you own a mansion or a small apartment, there will always be space to display needlework tools. The materials used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for such objects are both attractive and valuable, for example silver and tortoiseshell Last, but not least, they can still serve the same purpose today as they did when they were first made.
To understand the demand and therefore the creation of such beautiful, yet practical, tools we have to consider the importance they held in society. Prior to and throughout the 19th century it was expected that girls should learn the art of sewing by the age of six and to prove their talent they were then required to produce a sampler. This would be a piece of embroidery work, often including the alphabet, animals, figures or a house, to demonstrate their skill. Perhaps because this pastime exhibited expertise, sewing was almost the only recreational activity acceptable for women.
By the 20th century, sewing for pleasure had become affordable to the masses. It was no longer a hobby enjoyed only by the wealthy, as its popularity had resulted in higher production and therefore cheaper prices. In response to this, a wider choice had become available, which is why in the early 1900s we see a lot of novelty and precious needlework items being produced.
Within our December auction, of the 40 lots which were needlework specific, the objects that attracted by far the greatest interest were a collection of Edwardian novelty silver pin cushions designed as various animals. A hedgehog example fetched £240, a rare turtle realised £440 and a frog hopped away at £340, to name but a few. We also saw a cased 9ct gold thimble fetch £115 and a silver cased tape measure dating from 1904 climb up to £160. A selection of mother of pearl needlework items also seemed to catch the attention of the buyers, 11 Victorian cotton reel holders with decorative flower ends realised £115 and a thimble case made £80.
Whether you’re an experienced collector, a first time buyer, or just looking to purchase something a little bit different, there is likely to be something for everyone when it comes to needlework tools.
So, next time you’re wondering how to spend an afternoon, maybe the answer is just a stitch away…
Contact Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley at Halls, Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury on Tel: 01743 284777 or maryanne@halls.to
144: An 1843 sampler by Harriot Cooper. .
Lot 79: A hedgehog example of a novelty silver pin cushion fetched £240 at Halls.
Lot 78: A rare novelty silver pin cushion in the form of a turtle sold for £440 at Halls’ collective auction in December.
Lot 82: A novelty silver pin cushion in the form of a frog hopped away at £340 at Halls’ collective auction in December.
Lot 101: A silver cased tape measure dating from 1904 sold for £160 at Halls.
