Rust was a problem with early pins and needles. Cushion shaped containers filled with emery powder (corundum) or sand were used to polish the pins and needles. They are heavier than pincushions and often smaller. Emeries were essential tools for sewing. An elegant presentation of an essential tool for keeping pins and needles rust free.Circular double sided ivory emery pin/needle disc. Dot and circle pattern one one side, other side incised with 'Emery'. Edge stitching with loops of fawn thread. Red silk ribbon around the edge, finished with two loops. Dot and circles pattern on one side, 'Emery' incised on the otheremery, ivory pin disc, madras style decoration

Netting at home created special items such as purses, infant wear etc. ivory clamps were used in pairs for finer threads,Decorative ivory clamps were luxury items most used before 1840's.Ivory and bone combination winding and netting clamp, topped with reel and urn shaped knob for netting. Base screw of bone. Rectangular shape decorated with black dot and circle (Madras) pattern.Black Dot and circle pattern on body of clampnetting, madras style decoration

Decorative ivory needlework tools were prized possessions. The style of decoration is similar to and maybe one of the Indian ivory sewing tools produced in Vizagapatam, East India Company factory.Exemplifies the hot needle decoration of madras work created in early 19th century in India and then copied in EnglandIvory tape measure holder. mushroom shape, decorated with black incised border of interlocking circles with matching central motif. Body of case is decorated with 27 parallel lines and a vertical slit to allow tape to pass. Base has a cogged edging. Top is decorated with black border of interlocking circles with matching central motif. (Hot needle decoration)tape measure, ivory

English ivory needlecase made when sewing needles when needles were expensiv - needle work accessory to demonstrate owner's wealthThis style of motifs was popular for carved needlework accessories in 19th century. Dots and circles are created by pressing hot coloured wax into dots and circles carved into the ivory. Cylindrical ivory needlecase with incised pattern of black circles and dots. Both ends have seven bands on the tapered ends. unscrews near the middle.Decorative style of black dots and circles now known as 'madras work' or 'dot and circle decoration. needleholder, anglo_indian