Arapiles Historical Society
Functional object - Roy SCHMIDT Collection - Sewing Needle Books (3)
[1] The Premier Needle Book: This needle book likely dates from the early 20th century, possibly pre-WWI, during a time when Germany was a leading producer of high-quality steel sewing needles. Such needle books were commonly included in household sewing kits and often featured patriotic or aspirational imagery. The depiction of a steamship may have appealed to consumers as a symbol of progress and modernity. "Premier" was one of several brands that exported sewing products globally. This example reflects everyday domestic life and the importance of mending and garment care in an era before disposable fashion.
[2] Broadway Imported Needle Assortment: This needle book was likely manufactured in Japan during the post-World War II era, circa 1950s–1960s, when Japan became a major exporter of inexpensive sewing supplies. Such items were commonly sold in variety stores and were a staple of household sewing kits. The cheerful domestic imagery and playful kittens reflect mid-century design trends aimed at appealing to homemakers. This example is representative of a time when imported sewing goods were marketed under Western-sounding brands like “Broadway” to enhance their appeal in English-speaking markets.
[3] Little Red Riding Hood Needle Book: This needle book was produced by Prym, a German company known for manufacturing sewing notions since the 19th century. The fairy tale imagery suggests a mid-20th century (likely 1950s) origin, during a time when novelty and themed sewing accessories were popular for both practical and decorative use. Needle books such as this were sold in haberdasheries and department stores, especially targeting homemakers and young seamstresses. The charming storybook imagery also served to attract younger users and reflect domestic values of the period.
– Roy SCHMIDT resided with his siblings Mabel and Jack at ‘Parklands’ 85 Lake Avenue Natimuk home of Heinrich Friederick ‘Heiny’ & Minna Christina SUDHOLZ nee LANGE and their children Louis, Sophie, Alma, Lena (Roy's Mother), Florence 'Florrie' and Edward ‘Ted’.[1] The Premier Needle Book: A small, illustrated cardboard needle book titled "The Premier Needle Book", featuring a colour lithograph of a warship or ocean liner on the cover, bordered with ornate golden scrollwork. The front is printed with "Premier" and "Made in Germany." Inside, the book opens to reveal several labelled compartments containing packets of assorted sewing needles (sizes 3 to 10) marked “Superior – Premier – Hardened and Tempered – Made in Germany.” A pink paper insert holds loose needles in place, neatly displayed on a green background with decorative gold trim.
[2] Broadway Imported Needle Assortment: A brightly coloured, illustrated needle book titled “Broadway Imported Needle Assortment”. The front cover shows a charming domestic scene featuring two women in red clothing, one seated with a patchwork quilt and the other standing, both engaged in sewing. Two kittens playing with a red ball of yarn are illustrated in the lower left. The background is a warm yellow to orange gradient, enhancing the vintage appeal. The word "Flora" is handwritten in cursive at the top. Inside, the book contains black fabric inserts with five small, labelled packets of needles arranged in rows. The interior is printed in orange with a white geometric pattern.
[3] Little Red Riding Hood Needle Book: A vibrantly illustrated fold-out needle book featuring the character of Little Red Riding Hood in scenes from the classic fairy tale. The design is printed on die-cut cardboard shaped to resemble a figure-eight when opened. The front and back depict detailed scenes from the story: Red Riding Hood in the forest with the wolf and again in the cottage with the disguised wolf in bed. Inside, the book opens to reveal red-printed background illustrations, with yellow paper needle holders stitched to the backing and holding various steel sewing needles. The book bears visible signs of wear, creasing, and edge damage, indicating prior use.[1] The Premier Needle Book: Front: “The Premier Needle Book – Premier – Made in Germany.”
Inside packets: “Superior – Premier – Hardened and Tempered – Made in Germany.”, Needle size labels include numbers 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10., Background includes decorative motifs and border designs in gold.
[2] Broadway Imported Needle Assortment: Front: “Broadway – TRADE MARK – IMPORTED Needle Assortment”
Interior packets: “SUPERIOR – SHARPS – WARRANTED – Best in the World – Made in Japan”, Needle sizes are marked as No. 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9., Side edge (front cover): Faint printing reads “MADE IN JAPAN”.
[3] Little Red Riding Hood Needle Book: Front (top right): "Prym" logo with stylised sheep motif, indicating the German manufacturer Prym, a long-standing brand in sewing supplies.
Side edge: "Germany – Allemagne – Deutschland – Alemania" (multilingual export markings).
Interior illustrations in white ink over red, featuring various fairy tale scenes and decorative elements.
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