Rosie's Ramblings

April 1, 2002

Hello Out There,

After a rather rainy week, it's finally starting to look like Spring around here. Last weekend I traveled to Nashville to their famous monthly flea market. I was surprised to find a couple of needle books to add to my collection. I recently told a friend that I think I could spot a needle book a mile away. That's about what you have to do at that flea market. There are so many people that it is difficult to get to the booths to even look.

This month is the annual Paducah, Kentucky, AQS Quilter's Show. That means it's time for me to make the circuit through all the local antique stores. The dealers always bring out their sewing whatnots just in time for the quilting crowds. Yesterday I saw a beautiful display of Mauchlineware, sewing birds, and other wonderful items (way out of my price range) in one shop. Despite eBay, needle books are cheap compared to other sewing collectibles.

This month I'm adding to my Horseshoe page. First up is Steeplechase. This book is one of a series Made in Czechoslovakia, mostly with horse themes. Inside there are pretty little coordinating packets of needles. The next two books were both Made in Germany. The Kressent Brand needle books are among the most beautiful in this category. Check out the first and the second. They also have matching packs inside, one even prettier than the other. Both are marked Art. 295. I wish I knew what that meant. The last, Ladies Pride, comes from Japan. It's similararity to the Czech books is uncanny. I didn't scan the packs inside because they are just ordinary Superior Imperial sharps. Although it means nothing to me, this one is marked "A G & J Product".

If all goes well, I hope to travel to another couple of antique shows later this month. Maybe when May rolls around, I'll have something special to show you. In the meantime, please write and tell me about your finds.

Rosie

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