In my collection of lace and embroidery tools are 2 antique needle cases containing Stanhopes. One has an early photo of Jerusalem, and was purchased over 20 years ago at an antiques show. The other was purchased in February from a Maine antiques dealer. It contains two early views of Niagara Falls. The Stanhope part is inserted in a hole bored through the end of the needle case. Think of the hole you drill in bobbins meant for spangling, but large enough to hold the tiny magnifying glass inserts in which a picture can be seen. These needle cases are carved scrimshaw whalebone items. The external appearance is like hollow Mother and Babe bone bobbins, but larger in diameter and 5 inches in length. The open carved windows are similar. There are screw-on tops, to keep needles inside. This was a way to secure larger sewing needles that might damage pin cushions. I suspect the carved openings were to keep air circulating at a time when needles were made of metals that easily developed rust. Are you thinking that new Stanhopes are being made? My needle cases are probably from the 1800's. To find Stanhopes, I think there is a way to search on eBay by a specific name. If you Google, you should be able to find pictures of Stanhopes inserted in various items and see how they were used. Books on needlework tools often show photos of these. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center ---------------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 4/25/2013 10:50:27 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ir_st_w...@shaw.ca writes:
Does anyone know who supplies the bobbins with peeps? I'm not sure if I have the right word but it a little thing that you look into that has a picture! My group is interested in contacting a supplier. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
