Tirzah's Pocket Needlework Embroidery Kit

Enjoy this Old Sturbridge Village exclusive embroidery kit based on an early 19^th century pocket embroidered by Tirzah Waite (1786-1869) that was recently donated to the museum’s collection.   In the 18th and early 19th centuries, ladies wore pockets between their petticoats and gowns, with slits for easy access. Our embroidery kit is an off-white linen bases with shades of blue threads.  Made in the USA.

Product Details:

• Old Sturbridge Village exclusive
• Add to your wardrobe or displayed in a frame 
• Can personalize with your initials or use Tirzah's
• Kit includes preprinted linen fabric pocket front, sewing needle, cotton twill for pocket ties and opening, DMC floss for embroidery, illustrated sewing instructions, pocket history, and suggestions for pocket personalization.
• Additional materials required: 10" by 12" piece of cotton backing fabric and batting or fusible material. 
  
• Finished size 8½" by 7"

History of Pockets and Tirzah Waite:
Tirzah Waite (1786-1869) lived in New Braintree, Massachusetts, marrying James Bowdoin of Ware in 1815.   Tirzah chose to embroider her linen pocket with shades of blue wool in a fanciful crewel work pattern of flowers and vines, a style of embroidery that was popular in the late 18th century but began to go out of style during the 19^th century in favor of other needlework trends such as whitework embroidery.    Just below the central slit are her initials “T” and “W” picked out in brown cross stitch, signing her exquisite work for future generations to admire.    Tirzah’s pocket was passed down in her family through generations until being offered to the museum to be reunited with the oil portrait of Tirzah that had been in the museum’s collection since 1972.  

This is an example of a typical pocket worn by ladies in the 19^th century.  This style of pocket was an indispensable accessory for women, allowing them copious room to carry various daily necessities or valuables.  Pockets like Tirzah’s were worn tied around the waist over the petticoat but under the gown.  Lady’s dresses typically had slits in the side allowing easy access to the pockets beneath.   The breadth and fullness of the woman’s skirts concealed any bulk from items tucked away in the pockets.  These pockets varied in size and design; ranging from plain and strictly utilitarian dimity and sturdy linen to more decorative chintzes and printed cottons or even elegant quilted silks.