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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/is this an antique pin cushion or hat pin cushsion?
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Question
I bought this 'pin cushion' measuring 9"Lx5"Hx5"W(see the penny in the attached image for size comparison) at an estate sale. They said it was an antique. It is very large, in the shape of a basket with the fabric on top of the cushion gone. it is nailed in at the border of the cushion. I thought it might even be a hat pin cushion. If it is an antique do I replace the fabric, will it affect the value and should I take it to an expect, who or can I do it myself?
 pin cushion in the shape of a basket 9x5x5'))
Hello Carla,
Your pincushion is antique and probably dates to the late 1800's or early 1900's. It is somewhat larger that what is normally found as far as a needlework collectible but I believe that this cushion probably was in the home of dressmaker. It is too large to have been in a sewing basket or box.
The cushion most likely has a filling of either horse hair or sawdust. Anytime you add new fabric or do a restoration on an antique it will affect the value. If you treasure the item, then yes do take it to a professional restorer. I am sorry but I do not know anyone to recommend to you.
If you are handy you can recover the original cushion yourself but I would suggest that you keep all of the original cushion intact i.e. just covering what is already there.
Regards,
Irene
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Answers by Expert:
- Michael Andrew Wilson
- robert klein
- Fred Taylor
- Rodger Knutson
- Eileen Cronk
- Bill & Jan Berning
- Irene Schwall
- Barbara K. Acchino
- Rex Ransome
- Larry Bieza
- Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson
- DARWIN D. BEARLEY
- Chad Boekelheide
- The Wicker WomanŽ-Cathryn Peters
- David Burritt
- Bob Wiley
- Marc A. Hess
- Tom Novitski
- Marvin D. Miller
- Robert Barnes
- Frederic Rozier
- G Zimmerman
- Jack Freund
- Russell Barnes
- Dennis Wolbach
- David Silver
Irene Schwall
Expertise
I have been a collector of antique sewing tools and thimbles for over 30 years. I am also a dealer in this field and sell on eBay under the name -- serengeti2. I am NOT, and I repeat NOT an expert on antique or vintage domestic household sewing machines used for everyday home sewing. I can offer help when it comes to TOY or miniature collectible sewing machines ONLY.
Experience
See information provided above.
Organizations
Thimble Collectors International
SCTC - Southern California Thimble Club
SDTC - San Diego Thimble Club
OTS - Ohio Thimble Seekers
Priscilla Nutmeggers - CT/MA/NH
Dorset Thimble Society - UK
Rund um den Fingerhut - Germany
www.925/1000.com
Cyberthimble on Yahoo
Publications
I belong to Thimble Collectors International & I chair the committee 'Publishing/Grants' and oversee the research and publication of booklets relating to sewing tools and thimbles.
I have also had articles published on needlework related topics.
Education/Credentials
See information provided above.
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