The Nautique Pocket Scissor Stand & Pinkeep Kit

Before you tell me you have seen this before – this is different! I am now offering a kit for you to make your own version of ‘the Nautique’. You can stitch the little boat and other details in a day and the making-up is very simple. I have found someone who has been able to supply me with lovely old bobbins, so I can now make this kit available to you. These bobbins do vary but your stitched version of the Nautique will fit perfectly.

Each boxed kit includes an upcycled waxed vintage bobbin, a chart of the sailing ships and compass, decorated edge linen band, a gold-plated needle, pre-sorted threads, a little bone fish counter, a shell button, making-up instructions and a pair of chatelaine scissors.

Completed it stands 3.5 x 2in (9 x 5cm) tall and is supplied boxed and ready for you to start stitching.

Originally the idea for this treasure occurred when I bought a mixed lot at auction, and it included little fish counters. I sold this ready-made but eventually ran short of the lovely antique wooden bobbins. Now I have found a source of very special wooden bobbins I have decided to make a do-it-yourself version. I do enjoy making idiosyncratic needlework accessories – and scissor stands are a great personal favourite!

I love the history behind these simple pieces of wood and wonder about the past and the lives of people who used them.