Antique Black Forest Pin Cushion

Every year at the Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup there is a vendor that has antique sewing items.









Derin always stops by her booth to see the various antique sewing accessories.  This year he found three Antique Black Forest Pin Cushions or Sewing Caddies.










The Black Forest Carvings include a Bear holding a pin cushion and a thimble.  He purchased the largest of the three.









It is beautifully executed even down to the painted mouth on the bear and the beady eyes.  It is circa the 1880's and the condition is excellent.  I think it is really cool.

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Antique Parrot Thimble

This is a Vintage Cloisonne Parrot Thimble I received for my birthday.   It was advertised as a rare (???) thimble.  It is beautiful collector type thimble.  It measures about 1 inch tall and 3/4 inch wide.  I like to just look at it.

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Antique Hand Fluter Iron

This is an Antique Hand Fluter Iron from 1866.  It is made of cast iron, made in Geneva, Illinois.  It is in pretty good shape considering its age.  There is one very tiny crack in the fluting.   I would love to know more about this antique fluting iron, please write me if you know about them.

  

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Vintage Thimble Basket

This is a antique hand woven thimble basket, probably from a Shaker Community in New Hampshire.  It is in perfect condition.   As you can see it is very small.  It measures 1 inch in length, 1/2 inch across the bottom and 3/4 inch across the top.  The top fits nicely and comes off easily.

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Antique Sewing Bird

My husband started my collection of antique sewing accessories for me a few years ago.  It all started when he was looking for a gift.  Since then I sometimes will get one of these little vintage surprises.  He shops and shops and likes to find a good deal.  Isn't he a sweetie!  I love this antique sewing bird I got this year for Christmas.

This is a wonderful brass vintage Sewing Bird / Hemming Clamp patent dated Feb 15, 1853 .  The mouth opens and closes down for holding fabric and the bottom clamp which is ornately decorated would be used to fasten to a sewing table. 

The bird is in excellent condition.  Unfortunately it is missing its original pincushion.  Most of the ones I've seen are missing the pincushions.   It has been well cared for and is in amazing shape for its age. 

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