Cushions for pins once a necessity

“I’ll give to you a paper of pins for that is how our loves begins, if you will marry me, me, me, if you will marry me.”

Children probably don’t sing that folk song anymore and they’ve probably never seen of a paper of pins. But there was a time when straight pins, also known as common pins or dressmaker’s pins, were an everyday household item. They came stuck in rows in a piece of heavy paper, hence “a paper of pins.”

When I was a child, homes had pincushions. Most were handmade affairs, not much more than a miniature pillow with pins and needles stuck in it. But some, like my grandmother’s, were more elaborate. Hers had a china head and upper torso. A pale blue satin skirt trimmed with a ribbon ruffle at the hem fanned out from the waist where pins and needles were poked. It resembled a lady from America’s colonial past. It was one of the first things I always wanted to see when I visited my grandmother.

In the ensuing years, I have seen pincushions, usually in antique shops, fashioned as glass slippers, into the backs of metal animals or wooden ducks, on the covers of music boxes, and in fruit shapes fashioned of satin and velvet. I also remember a fad in the early 1960s for turning tuna fish cans into pincushions that resembled tiny easy chairs.

Then, of course, there is the tried and true pincushion that looks like a bright red tomato, a type still sold in fabric stores and departments. Several years ago, Martha Stewart Living Magazine included a pattern for a strawberry shaped pincushion. I made several, stuffed them with catnip and gave them to my cat.

Pins made of one material or another, including wood, bone, ivory and silver, have been around for centuries. In the late 1700s, two-part pins, a metal shaft with a separate head fitted on, were manufactured in the United States. Steel straight pins made in one piece were not available until 1832, when a physician, John Howe, patented an automatic pin-making machine. Before that, the process for making a pin involved many separate steps.

After straight pins became a household staple, the need for pincushions increased and sewing ladies from all walks of life made them for personal use, for sale at needlework bazaars and for gifts. Sometimes, the pincushion would be presented with the pins already in it, arranged in an elaborate design, or spelling out a message, like Welcome, Little Stranger, when given to an expectant mother.

According to the July-August issue of Piecework magazine, World War I soldiers recuperating from wounds or suffering from shell shock made heart-shaped, highly embellished pincushions in occupational therapy sessions.

As outmoded as they may be today for the majority of us who do not sew and do not aspire to, pincushions continue to charm and attract new admirers. Collectors adore them, especially antique ones, and they may fetch as much as $500.

A quick way to make a pincushion is to cut an 8-inch-diameter fabric circle, gather the edges and pull it up to form a pouch shape. Leave it open enough for stuffing. Stuff it with raw wool fleece or cotton filling. Pull the thread tight and fasten off. Sew a button on the gathered side, running the thread through to the bottom side and fastening off. The pincushion will have a squashed shape.

Snippets

Bangor Center Corporation is organizing an Artisan’s Market and invites participation from artisans and entertainers. The market will be located on the west side of Kenduskeag Stream Canal downtown, between State and Washington streets.

Market dates have been set for June 16, 23 and 30, and July 7, 14 and 21. Setup time is 3-4 p.m. Closing time is 7-8 p.m.

Street musicians, jugglers, magicians, mimes and other performers are encouraged to apply. Performance space is offered free of charge.

Artisans who make Maine-made fine art and select crafts are sought for the market, including painters, printmakers, photographers, jewelry makers, stained glass artists and artisans who make functional items. A $60 fee covers the six-week market season.

Food vendors within the Bangor Center development district have been invited to sell food at the market; five food businesses already have indicated interest.

Guidelines for artisans and performers may be obtained by calling 992-4234, or e-mailing bangor.center.corp@bgrme.org. Applications must be received before June 1.

Ardeana Hamlin may be reached at 990-8153, or e-mail ahamlin@bangordailynews.net.