Victorian Counted Bird Pincushion & Scissors

I made the dear little bird pincushion/scissor weight after cutting up an old sampler! Before I get hate mail, I must add that I bought a few samplers in one lot at auction recently and this piece was simply in rags. It was from these scraps that I made this pretty scissor keep with matching twisted cord. I felt really sick cutting up the stitching, but it was in a dreadful state and could not be salvaged in any other way. I added the stitching as a patch, added a twisted cord and Goya shell buttons.

I have recently discovered these beautiful Italian chatelaine scissors, just under 3in (7.5cm) in length, and thought you would love them. Do not be fooled by the size – they are fiendishly sharp.

The pincushion measures 3.5in (7.5cm). It will be supplied boxed with three pearl-headed pins.

The sampler was stitched by an unnamed child of 11 years of age with wool on linen in 1875 and it was part of a lot and sadly not restorable. I can hear you say, “Are you sure?” I am completely sure, and it was the first time I have cut up an antique sampler. It did make me feel rather sick, but I knew that I could save some of the bits. The dear little soul did his/her best, but you can see that the cross stitch goes in different directions on the bird’s tummy!