Needles, once quite labor-intensive to make, have long been valued as an important domestic tool. As far back as the Vikings, people kept their needles in ornamental boxes and cases. In the Victorian era, needle cases were made of wood, bone, sterling silver, pewter, or other materials, and often shaped like figural or decorative items. 'Needle books' were also common, generally hand made, and often embroidered. The etui was also a popular item: while not a dedicated needle holder, these small boxes held needles and other items women would need for domestic tasks (scissors, pencils, tweezers, etc).
I think I started collecting vintage aprons seriously probably in 1991, my first year of college. I was an ab… [more]
Paper sewing patterns were first manufactured in the middle of the 1800s. These first paper patterns were des… [more]
Geoff and Norma Dickens' reference site on vintage toy sewing machines from the late 1800s. Browse the images alpha… [more]
Looking for some vintage patterns or style ideas? This Flickr photo pool, a group effort, showcases a huge collecti… [more]
Inspired by the French fashion magazine of the same name, this site offers fashion catalog covers and magazine illu… [more]
An extensive collection of photos and ephemera illustrating changing fashion styles from 1795 to 1959. Includes por… [more]
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