Here is another cute, antique, promotional needle holder. This time the souvenir 'needle card' is from Stratford-on-Avon and the home of William Shakespeare. I picked up this selection of vintage needles because they were made in England from Sheffield steel and the little card is so sweet. I love the interior sleeves holding the selection of various hand needles and the explanations of each variety.
I debated whether or not to actually use the needles for my English paper piecing but couldn't resist trying one. My usual needle is totally bent from stitching (are they more flimsy and weak now?) but when I tried a couple of these antique ones, there is no way they will bend! The first one I selected had two little circles of rust (?) where it sat in the foil and I could feel the resistance each time it reached that point as I sewed. I switched to one from the other side and while it glided through the fabric, the eye was larger and I had to push harder. I'm going to try each one until I find a suitable fit for my hand-piecing.
Regardless, I find these little books and tubes (see HERE) of needles absolutely charming and nostalgic and it just feels cool to be using vintage needles for hand-sewing. The EPP hexi work is so addictive I have barely come downstairs to my workshop... the improv quilt sits under the needle half quilted and the secret project I've been working on for my daughter has stalled. Ooops!
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