Show and Tell Wednesday Post #31

Today I'd like to show you a lovely item known as a "sewing bird".  The example pictured in this post  is mine, and it appears there is some glue residue around the pincushion that I need to remedy somehow.  But anyway, a "sewing bird" is not always a bird, in which case it would be called a "sewing clamp".  Sewing clamps may be figures such as cupids, horses, frogs, or deer. 

The sewing bird or clamp is a helper for the hand-sewer, as it will hold the fabric to the table leaving both hands free to work on the item one is sewing.  Most sewing birds have a pincushion on top which makes them extra-helpful.  What is in the bird's beak (below)?  That contains emery grains, which help sharpen pins and needles.

 

 

Sewing birds were in use as far back as the 1600's in England.  In America, they became popular a bit later, during the mid-1800's, and were often presented by a young man to his future bride as a special gift.  Americans often referred to sewing birds as "grippers".

 

 

Once sewing machines became staples in every home, there wasn't a need for sewing birds or grippers, and they were only produced as a novelty/collectible.  Today a nice example of a sewing bird will sell for over $100.  Unusual examples will far exceed that price.

While doing a little research for this post, I stumbled upon The Monmouth Museum's website.  They have one of the largest collection of sewing birds in the country, donated by a woman who traveled extensively and collected them throughout her life.  If you are in the New Jersey/Monmouth area, it might be a fun stop!

Mitzi

Comments

[Nora]

That is nifty! I've never heard of one before, but I agree that sometimes when I'm cutting or marking my fabric I would love a weight and something like this sewing bird would definitely work! LOVE LOVE LOVEE!!

Nora
Nora Finds

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Nora!

If the antique version seems a bit pricey, the Singer company made sewing birds as recently as the 1980s, and they should be quite affordable. Ill bet you could find one on eBay!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Mitzi

[Etcetorize]

This is fascinating. In all of my sewing experience I've never come across anything like this. It wouldn't be nearly as special but I bet this would be a fun DIY to make.

[Kat]

Ooooo, I love this post! You never cease to amaze me with the things you find to post about, but this tops the list for me! I'll repost the link to this post on the Vintage Sewing Machine site. I bet the girls would love it! Thanks, Mitzi! I hope to find one of these someday!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Tamara,

With your creativity, Ill bet you could come up with a new version of a sewing bird that would be very clever and lovely!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Kat!

Im glad you enjoyed this post, and thanks so much for sharing it! Let me know if others have heard of sewing birds. Ill bet some of the girls have!

Mitzi

[Kat]

From what I read, not many had heard about them, but they all loved them! It looks like one is actively on the hunt for one! It would be great to have one, but with a new old machine, I'm up to four with no room left over! Not even for a little birdie! Thanks, again!

[Susan Beaty]

you are the only one i know that has come up with the most unique artifacts.lol im amazed at some of the things that you find. i would see that and go... what the ???? thanks so much for your insight/education on not so everyday things. susy

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Susan,

Thanks so much for the nice comment! Believe me, theres plenty more unique items in the antique world! Im not pickin junk! Well, maybe a little junk here and there, but Im interested in things that will have some value over time.

Mitzi

[sharon]

whoa, i have NEVER seen anything like this. interesting for sure! have a great weekend! my best friend and i are going to allegan sunday ~ cant wait!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Sharon,

Lucky you, going to Allegan! Ill bet dollars to corn dogs you will see a sewing bird there! Have fun!

Mitzi