I began
making pincushions as part of my needlework thirty years ago. Looking at
discarded or tattered pieces pf handmade lace, chenille flowers, vintage
silk, wool and cotton thread begins the creative process and inspires unique
form and vision for each piece. Because the process is new each time, it's
a joy to evolve each cushion into its own pastiche of once cherished vintage
textiles.
In the past, pincushion themselves were important household objects. Prior
to the sixteenth century, pins were so valued that they were bequeathed in
last wills and testaments. They were carefully stored in closed boxes.
During the sixteenth century, more pins and pillows were made on which to
store pins. These cushions were called "pyn pillows." During the
eighteenth century, knitted cushions, carved ivory baskets, and silk-covered
pocket pincushions became desirable. Throughout history, these cushions
have been made for many purposes, i.e., for the birth of a child, a
christening, or wedding. They have been called pin tuffets, pin pillows,
pin poppets, and pincushions. They have been very decorative or plain and
practical. Pincushions have always been exchanged between mothers,
daughters, grandmothers, and friends.
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Gallery & Handcrafted Gifts
