Historical information

This needle case belonged to Nina Ayers (nee Casement) 1891-1972. She was taught sewing by her aunt, Blanche Casement, with whom Nina lived after her mother died when she was seven. NIna and her husband, Arthur Ayers 1887-1964 lived in Avonsleigh 1929-1964. Nina, in turn, gave this needle case to her daughter Frances Ayers who later married the grandson of Carl Axel Nobelius.

Significance

This needle case belonged to a local woman whose daughter was related by marriage to the Nobelius family, and it tells a story of sewing skills passed from mother to daughter.

Physical description

Attractive small needle case with red background and red and gold lettering. At one end is a small hole for dispensing needles and a top able to be swivelled to the correct needle compartment. Inside the case are five compartments for dispensing five different needle sizes. (There are no needles now in the case.)

Inscriptions & markings

On side of needle case: 'THE /CROSS-FOX / NEEDLE CASE / ABELL MORALL LTD /REDDITCH ENGLAND / TRADE MARK'
On bottom of needle case: ' BEST ENGLISH EGG EYED SNAPS / CONTAINING 50'
On top of needle case: 'ABELL MORALL / CROSS FOX / NEEDLE CASE / REDDITCH ENGLAND'