Okay, so you know I've joined a Yahoo group Small Quilt Talks. It was started a few years back by Kathleen Tracy who has written some very well known books on doll-size quilts. Her books are full of inspirational patterns and quilt history. In Kathy's book Remembering Adelia she introduces us to The Huswife...
A soldier in war would need to make repairs to his uniform and would need to have some means of supplies. A huswife would carry that extra button, some thread and needles, possibly a pair of scissors or small knife. These little sewing kits were made by the women in their families most likely out of fabrics familiar to the soldier. Therefore, the huswife became a little remembrance of home.
In my Yahoo group, we swapped these little sewing kits with another in the group. Not everyone there uses 1800's reproduction fabric so forms were filed and the swap leader paired us up with someone of like tastes. My swap partner was Kaaren of The Painted Quilts. We both love many of the same things and Kaaren, as you may know, works with wool and that is an area that I am dabbling more into. It was only natural then to think of a wool pincushion since my thoughts go to her round robin experience that resulted in a gorgeous pincushion.
I added a little extras to the kit with hopes it will give her a little remembrance of me and how much I enjoyed making this for her.
So, there you have it and with it comes the end of the swap :-((
Not to be too downcast because I can enjoy the other ones that were swapped and some of them have elements added that I am already wanting to reproduce. And these little cuties are not difficult to make and would be treasured by anyone who sews...just thinking about Christmas!
And also, back to the first picture of the gift wrapped in a fat quarter, well, I think it is much nicer to use fabric to wrap with than paper that just get thrown away. Just thinking!
Hugs y'all.
7 sweet reflections:
A very special gift. Is anyone out there doing a tutorial on how to make one of these treasures?
Such a lovely Huswife. I agree with Vee. Is there a tutorial in the works??
I can attest to the fact that Susan's huswif is as gorgeous as it looks. How do I know? Because I was fortunate enough to be her partner.
Thanks again, Susan. I will treasure your gift forever.
To answer V and J's question regarding a tutorial, I have a Freebie on my blog for a similar huswif. Here's the link. Just copy and paste it into your browser.
http://thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com/2010/08/first-friday-freebie-12.html
I tried to post a comment yesterday but blogger just would not let me. Anyway, you exceeded even my expectations........it (and everything else you sent) is just beautiful. I think you and Kaaren were a pretty perfect match!
What a wonderful Needle Case swap. I have loved seeing what everyone has created. These little Huswifes will be treasured items!!!
Lovely huswife and I just love the pin cushion. I too enjoy Kaaren's blog.
Loved your thoughts on your vintage quilt. One of the reasons I like to go to Historical Society Museums/Exhibits is that they often show the every day quilt-like your vintage quilt and I feel like the ones I often make-rather than just the "masterpieces".
Wow Susan -- it's gorgeous! I've been thinking of you and your civil war love -- we're going to Gettysburg in a few weeks and I'm really excited!
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