Ann Madges does historical reproduction wallets, pinballs, pincushions, and needlerolls. My first post of her wallets can be viewed here and her Ann Wade set can be viewed here.
Her work is amazing, she finishes the wallets herself using hand dyed tapes and beautiful clasps. I thought you might be interested in seeing more of her work, this time, pinballs.
In the 1700s and 1800s, pinballs were used as personal pincushions by women and girls to store pins and needles for their sewing projects. They were often personalized with initials, dates, and other information and decorated, reflecting the high value placed on pins themselves. A stitcher sometimes attached her pinball to her belt or châtelaine, a decorative belt hook or clasp, by a ring and chain, or by a braided cord.
I worked the two circles (4" diameter) on linen using DMC floss and stuffed with fiberfill. 
The finished pinball is designed to fit the two inch pinball ring and chain reproduction available from Colonial Williamsburg here. If you sign up for the newsletter, you will receive updates including times when they have significant discounts on their wares, like the pinball ring.
This book contains full color illustrations and patterns for 12 knitted or cross stitched Quaker pinballs. Also included are step by step instructions for making up two varieties - round and spherical as well as images of antique pinballs. I adapted one design using 32 count linen, DMC floss, and bound with linen tape.
This reproduction pinball is based on one from the collections of Colonial Williamburg. It is worked entirely in cross stitch over one thread on 28 count linen using DMC floss.
1798 Quaker Pinball from Pieces of Olde here.The original pinball was a fine gauge knitted piece that was adapted to cross stitch. I stitched on 40 count linen using DMC floss and used a small pinball ring (have not been able to find these anywhere).
********* Next post, needlerolls. **********
7 comments:
Pretty to look at and very interesting to read. Looking forward to your next installment as just yesterday I came across a needle roll that caught my eye.
OMGosh, 40 count lined not so good for me. 28 and 32 is good. These are adorable. I do have a floor lamp with a round fluorescent light and magnifying glass, maybe, just maybe. Marly, you come up with so many tempting ideas. The needle roll would be very interesting. I will patiently wait...
Gorgeous pinballs. I had never seen the rings before...interesting.
I do know the biscornu but not these pinballs--love these!
Perhaps a napkinring can do the trick instead of these rings???
Greetings,Truus from Holland
What a super blog post to read! I picked up the pinball kit from the Posy Collection when I was in Williamsburg earlier this year. It is still unstitched; maybe I will work on it when I hit Williamsburg this fall. Thanks for including the links.
Very interesting!! I have seen pinballs online but knew nothing about them. Thank you so much for the information and how to get more on them!! I am so interested in the Williamsburg information.
I had never even heard of pinballs before so thank you for enlightening me, Marly! And pinball rings--who knew?! Very interesting post!
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