Hussifs or Sewing kits.
This was a comment made about Jane Austen.
In the early 1800's hand sewing was a way of life for all females. Whether it be "ornamental work" or day to day mending or sewing. These skills were passed down from mother to daughter.
Needlework tools were really important and something to be treasured.
Therefore they were always kept carefully and locked away safely in a special basket or sewing box along with the sewing the lady was working on at the time.
A sewing box was considered to be a very personl possession. As well as sewing items they held all sorts of little goodies that the sewer didn't want anyone else to see. Love- letters, photos of husbands, boyfriends or books of romantic poetry.
With this in mind, I designed my latest sewing "Hussif".
A needlework carry all! Called the Blueberry Girls Itty Bitty Bag. To go with the Blueberry Girls Quilt.
Something small enough to be carried with you to retreats, to work or just to have to hold all those sewing goodies.
Lots of pockets to hold scissors, thread, patterns, needles and a bag in the middle for your embroidery.
If you'd like to keep love letters in the Itty Bitty Bag- there's pockets inside for that too!
I know this photo looks a little strange- but the sewing I was working on at the time was an applique of one of the "Girls" and it poked out at the top of the bag- sort of looks a little weird!
As you can see- there are plenty of pockets for all sorts of sewing goodies- and if you wish-a book of romantic poetry as well!
And a place for those pins and needles!
The patterns have been sent to Country Hart.
For their pattern of the month Club.
But will be available for everyone else in a couple of weeks time.
A woman of the 1800's was expected to sew 12 stitches to the inch if she was to be considered to be any sort of a sewer at all
Just as a test of how good an 1800's sewer you'd make- how many stitches do you get to the inch?
Love the bag. So cute. Can't wait to get the pattern. Not sure how many stitches to the inch i get - i've never counted them. Hugs,
Says Jeanette | July 18, 2012 at 04:17 PM
Love the bag! That's one I will have to make! My sewing does definitely not match a sewing machine.....sorry.
Says Heleen Groot | July 18, 2012 at 04:25 PM
I won't tell you how many stitches to the inch I get with my sewing!
Especially if I'm in a hurry!
Says Bronwyn Hayes | July 18, 2012 at 04:26 PM
Oooh I've never counted, but I will definitely count next time I'm stitching something.
Says Anorina @ SameliasMum | July 18, 2012 at 04:35 PM
Ohh love the saying, is one of my favs! Hmm not sure how many I do to the inch but will pay attention tonight when I pick up some sewing!!
Says Deb R | July 18, 2012 at 06:49 PM
Love this blog, love this bag!!
Says Inge Slaats | July 18, 2012 at 06:58 PM
I am not a good sewing according the old rules. My sewing is less than 12 stitches an inch. But I am improving by the day, I hope.
The bag is gorgious. Just gorgious.
Says Birgitte | July 18, 2012 at 07:22 PM
There's no doubt about it....you're a genius!!
Says kaholly | July 18, 2012 at 07:32 PM
LOVE it, would like to start NOW!!!
greetings from Germany,
where it should be summer, but feels like autumn
Brigitte
Says Brigitte Baierl | July 18, 2012 at 09:38 PM
just adorable!!! There are many Hussifs out there but this takes the prize!!!
Says Linda | July 19, 2012 at 01:04 AM
I've never counted, but I can tell you it isn't even close to 12 stitches to an inch. I LOVE the bag!
Says Sharon | July 19, 2012 at 05:02 AM
Gorgeous!
Says June | July 19, 2012 at 07:27 AM
Can't wait for this gorgeous pattern to appear in the shops.
Says Melody | July 19, 2012 at 08:14 AM
OMG ... it's like being a child in a lolly shop ...
picking their favourite sweets ....
can't wait to get my hands on this pattern ...
so lovely .... another to add to the Red Brolly
collection ....
MMMmmmm ...now to find some fabric .....
thanks for sharing
Chris
Wellington N.Z.
Says Chris K | July 19, 2012 at 08:36 AM
Lovely designs Browyn,
I like the idea of the drawstring bag within the project to keep thing safe.
Your Blueberry Girls design is lovely, anything peeking on the back cover?
Sandi in New Westminster B.C. Canada
Says Sandi H. | July 19, 2012 at 09:54 AM
Holly smoke mine would be one stitch to the inch!!!
Such a sweet Hussiff. I love the gingham heart pin cushion.
Says Leeanne | July 19, 2012 at 06:48 PM
I love doing hand sewing.........especially on long car trips. I've always wondered what is the correct way to count stitches: every one that shows on one side of the project OR should I count the stitches on both sides of the project??????
Says Barbara Holley | July 20, 2012 at 08:42 AM
Yes, I agree with you that sewing kits were considered very important possessions back then. My mother has a kit which was passed to her by my grandmother. She's planning to give it to me someday. By the way, I love your creation! It's so cute and I also like the color pink.
Says Lilia Rhodes | September 26, 2012 at 10:31 AM
I love the needlework carry bag..I want buy a pattern and make one ..Where do I buy a pattern ?
Says Sherb | November 12, 2012 at 04:54 AM
Hello, your work is so beautifull, I always spend a lot of times in your webpage. I am from Brazil and really want to do this purse, how can I have the pattern?
thank you very much,
xx
Anne
Says Anne | January 12, 2013 at 12:16 AM
Hi Anne-
You can buy all my patterns and books, including the Itty Bitty Bag at any Australian online shop.
Just type in "Itty Bitty Bag' in the search engine to find a store that sells that pattern.
Cheers-
Bronwyn ...
Says Bronwyn Hayes | January 12, 2013 at 07:07 AM