Rosebud Ruler

This is something I find so useful and I have one attached to a pair of scissors on my work desk. I stitch on linen fabric and, when I select a piece of material from my stash, I have to check the thread count because, of course, nothing is labelled. I need to know whether I have a 25, 28, 32 or even a 36-count fabric in my hand, so I can calculate the design size when drawing the design. I just take the ruler and count the numbers of threads in one inch.

Hand crafted from recycled piano keys, when pianos are finally laid to rest. Each one is taken from the long thin piece (I am sure Bill could tell you the real name) that runs to the back of the keyboard between the black notes. Each one is cleaned, filed and then goes to my engraver who adds the roses and the Imperial ruler. 

The little ruler is supplied with a twisted cord so that you can attached it somewhere safe and keep handy whilst you are working. Each ruler will very slightly in size but is around 4in (10cm) long and less than ½in wide.

What is it about tiny needlework tools, and actually about stitchers collecting lovely things to do with their hobby? I am simply hopeless when I see another pair of interesting scissors and have collected thimbles for years.

I am sure the owners of what I refer to as ‘junk shops’ would be simply horrified by this description, but I am sure you know what I mean. There are antique shops full of glorious and priceless treasures, and then there are the others where you never know when you might spot something really special. You will often find me looking under tables and in corners of these shops for the unrecognised sampler or stumpwork box… I have discovered pretty needlework tools, etui and work boxes and will continue to hunt for treasures for you and me!

This little ruler is very much inspired by antique needlework tools but is really a modern concept. I am sure that in days gone by, the stitcher was not in the least concerned about the thread count of their piece of linen. They were probably just pleased to have a piece of cloth to work on. The very idea of evenweave fabric is a modern one – back in the 18th century, the stitcher might even have woven the fabric herself!