Sewing Carrier
Dateca. 1850
MediumMaple, pine and walnut with brocaded silk interior and pincushion, emery, wax, and needle case
Dimensions10 1/2 × 11 3/4 × 9 in. (26.7 × 29.8 × 22.9 cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineDonated by C.Malcolm and Claire Knowles of Crosswicks, New Jersey
Object number2014.152
DescriptionThe Shakers called this form that used an oval-shaped box with a swiveling handle a sewing “carrier.” This handle is reinforced with an extra piece of walnut wood, allowing it to carry heavier loads. These carriers were made from the 1890s until the 1960s, mostly for sale in the Shaker gift shops located in each of their villages. This example was used by Eldress Caroline Tate, the last leader of the Enfield, CT community. The brocade silk lining may seem too fancy for the “plain” Shakers, but was, in fact, just what “the World” was interested in buying at that time.On View
Not on view
n.d.
c. 1875
19th century
