Behind the Seams - Pincushions

How many of you have one of these in your sewing room or repair basket?

If you look around my design room you will see pincushions in various shapes, sizes and colors. I have been making and collecting them for as long as I can remember. For me they serve many uses. Opposite the obligatory pin catching, they can be quite whimsical and inventive. Many of us spend several hours a day in our sewing rooms. The subtle nuance of an interesting piece of art that you impale your pins into can be just the mental vacation one needs.

For me, it all started while working in a small alterations room many years ago.  I didn’t have a pincushion so I stuffed an old teddy bear face down into a coffee can with his legs and bottom hanging out. That poor creature suffered my wrath everyday for 3 years. It brought me many hours of joy when my 70 year old boss winced at each stabbing. I digress.

Pincushions have been a staple in sewing rooms everywhere for centuries. Their value serves in both function and art.

The first pincushions were first recorded in history during the Tudor reign in 15th century England. Metal pins were a very costly and precious item in those early days. Before the 15th century pins were kept in small cases made of bone, ivory, or silver.

During the Tudor era, simple stuffed shapes started to be used instead of the cases. Fabric too was highly valued. Scraps were used for both quilting and pincushions. They began by being made of colorful and elaborately decorated silks and linens, replete with tassels and laces. During the Victorian era there was a great deal of emphasis on the parlor room and it became the perfect place in which to display the novelty pincushions of the era. Pincushions were made in the shape of shoes, fans, dolls, teacups, umbrellas, fruits, and vegetables. They were hung on the walls or placed on occasional tables.

Today there are entire shops, blogs and books devoted to these whimsical and timeless treasures. Here are a few:

Softies Central - Blog

The Purl Bee - Blog

Details by Des - Etsy Store

Making Fabulous Pincushions - book by Jo Packham

What does all of this mean to you? How about a challenge? Send me your pictures and stories of your favorite pincushion. Where does it sit and where did it come from? Did you make it yourself? Be inventive! There is always a story behind the seams…