Textile Collection
Stitched Objects
The Schwenkfelders enjoyed creating more intricate stitched objects including wallets, pocketbooks, huswifs and pincushions.
Pin balls had a practical use as pincushions, but were also a sign of a very accomplished needleworker. Producing a round ball is not an easy feat and these examples are very decorative.
Pin balls could be knitted, embroidered or appliqued. They were usually finished in two halves, sewn together and stuffed. A band of fabric or metal covered the ball at the seam to hide the join, and many had long straps to attach to a chatelaine or belt.
The tradition of making pinballs and other pincushions in Irish stitch, Queen stitch and other embroidery continued from the late 18th century into the second half of the 19th. The Heritage Center owns a splendid example with the date "1776" stitched onto it, which probably originated in one of the Yeakel families in the Chestnut Hill vicinity. The later examples, depicted here, are often velvet with Berlin wool embroidery.
Pin Balls
This crewel work pocket illustrates the impact the English neighbors had on the Schwenkfelders. This type of embroidery was much more associated with the Engliash than it would have been with Germans, and was seen in 18th century America throughout New England and the Mid Atlantic. One of the Susanna Yeakels- either an unmarried or a married Susanna, of which there were a few in the 18th century-stitched and sewed this treasure made of handspun linen with wool embroidery. On the reverse is her monogram "S Y" in cross stitch.
Susanna Yeakel, 2nd half 18th century
Probably Chestnut Hill, Montgomery County
This lovely embroidered huswif features Queen stitch hearts and strawberries on the outside and channels indicated this was used as a thread keep. There were several Anna Yeakels (Anna being a popular name for German girls) in the generation which would have owned this huswif. Included among these potential candidates was a sister of Esther Yeakel's. Esther's family already is recognized for high quality needlework, given her father Caspar's extraordinary Irish stitch wallet. Irish stitch and Queen stitch used in this way are not associated with the Pennsylvania Germans, but more with their English neighbors.
Huswif made for or by Anna Yeakel 1st half 19th century
Berks or Montgomery County
A fine example of an Irish stitch wallet, owned by Caspar Yeakel.