Americana & Folk Art

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This is a 19th century knitting sheath or knitting-stick has a wonderful dark patina and beautifully carved end notch.  It measures 6 1/2" long..  There is a hole at the top where the knitting needle was inserted.

European peasants had little time for personal needs such as sewing and knitting.  These ambitious women developed a knitting method that allowed them to knit while the walked.  The knitting needle was inserted into the end of a wooden sheath such as this one.  The sheath bore a notch which held it in place when inserted into the knitter's apron.  The sheath allowed her to knit with one hand as she walked along, sometimes holding the hand of a child or basket of whatever she needed to carry at that time.  This carved knitting sheath is either English or Continental (early Americans did not use these).  The constant handling has given this early sewing implement a rich patina.  Circa first half of the 19th century.

This is one of three knitting sheaths I'm listing today.  See the last photo for the entire group.

(#4481)     $125

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