Illustrated sewing needlebooks
Creation: circa 1930-1950Abstract
A needlebook is a small pocket-sized case used for keeping sewing needles in; it is made of fabric or paper and folded to look like a book. The trend of making needlebooks began in the 1800s and rose in popularity through the 1950s. The needlebook would store all the various sizes and types of needles needed for a project. This small collection consists of six packages containing sewing needles, with illustrated covers.
Dates
- Creation: circa 1930-1950
Extent
6 item(s)
Physical Description
6 items : color ; 6.75 x 4 in. or smaller.
Historical Note
A needlebook is a small pocket-sized case used for keeping sewing needles in; it is made of fabric or paper and folded to look like a book. The trend of making needlebooks began in the 1800s and rose in popularity through the 1950s. The needlebook would store all the various sizes and types of needles needed for a project.
The paper needlebooks were beautifully illustrated and devised to advertise products and services, occasionally political or social causes. These were intended to be ephemeral, a free promotional giveaway that most people would likely throw out later.
However, needlebook collecting is a hobby akin to stamp or coin collecting.
Scope and Contents
This small collection comprises six packages containing sewing needles with illustrated covers. Three of the packages show mothers and daughters sewing; one shows the Woolworth Building in New York City, where Singer Sewing Machine Company was headquartered; one package contains "Piccadilly" imported needles, and one case is the Army and Navy Needle Book, made in occupied Japan.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions on access, this collection is open for research.
Language of Materials
English
Finding Aid & Administrative Information
- Title:
- Illustrated sewing needlebooks
- Author:
- Jon Williams
- Date:
- 2004
- Description rules:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description:
- English
- Script of description:
- Latin
Revision Statements
- 2023: Laurie Sather
Repository Details
Repository Details
Part of the Audiovisual Collections Repository
