Sewing bird, ca. 1850-1860

Embossed brass, fabric

Many Victorian-era sewing accessories were as ornately designed as furniture and other pieces of the period. This little sewing bird is actually a clamp designed so that when the bird's tail is pressed together, its beak opens to hold a piece of fabric. When the tail is released, the bird holds the fabric taut for the seamstress while she sews. Below the bird's breast is a tiny pincushion, which was handy for saving pins.

Gift of Jessie Pursell, New Berlin, Illinois (702999)

Other | metal

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96