Persian Pattern Needleroll & Scissor Stand

I have always been very fond of old wooden cotton reels and bobbins, and love adding to my collection. I like the variety available and inventing ways to upcycle them, usually as scissor stands and needle rolls. For this one, I have chosen a ribbon that has a rich exotic feel, and I have mounted it on a piece of linen band and felt so that you store your favourite gold needles, then pop your scissors in the hole in the top. The decorated lion’s tail scissors are held with a hand-crafted twisted cord which matches the braid. The roll is rather stiff at this stage but will soon soften with use.

The cotton reel measures 2.5in (6cm) across the top and is 4in (10cm) high.

This is supplied boxed, with five gold-plated needles and a pair of Italian lion’s tail scissors.

During 2025, Bill and I had a fantastic trip to India (our fourth to this fabulous country!) and it was one the very last day of the trip when I met Mr Artu Mullick in his tiny shop in the permanent market in Kolkata. I was almost overwhelmed by the choice of ‘ribbons’ although I had to keep in mind that what would look fantastic in India (lots of gold and sparkle) but would not necessarily look good in the UK, so had to choose carefully.