Victorian Sewing Circles

Sewing Circle
A sewing circle is a group of people who gather regularly to sew
together, often with the goal of creating items for charitable
causes while also providing a social space for conversation and
bonding. Its essentially a social meeting where people sew and
chat with one another, sometimes with a focus on community
service. The origins of the term ‘Sewing Circle’ is an
Americanism dating back to 1840–50.

Key points about sewing circles:
Historical context: Sewing circles have been a traditional way
for women to connect and support each other, particularly in rural
communities.
Social aspect: Primarily, sewing circles are about spending
time with others, sharing ideas, and enjoying conversation while
sewing.
Charitable work: Many sewing circles focus on creating items
like blankets, clothing, or other necessities to donate to people in
need.
Modern usage: While still associated with traditional sewing,
sewing circles can also include other crafts like knitting or
quilting.

Cigar Silks Dress
Women’s two piece suit circa 1900. This 2 piece suit is hand
sewn and made of bright yellow and orange silk cigar ribbons
anchored to linen. Cigar silks were ribbons that were used to
bundle cigars together during processing. Smoking cigars was a
popular past time during the Victorian period, and women would
oftentimes collect the silk ribbons for their sewing, creating
beautiful quilts from rows and rows of the silks. Cigarettes came
with coupons that could be redeemed for silk pieces as well.
Called cigarette premiums, they were decorated with many types
of designs, such as the brand name, a beautiful lady, flowers,
animals, or flags. Collecting premiums was happening around
the same time as a rise in popularity of the Crazy Quilt, which
had women searching for scraps of pretty fabrics to add to their
ever-growing patchwork quilts. These silks were oftentimes
incorporated into other quilts, or became quilts in themselves.

Norton Hex Quilt
Quilt is Red and White cotton with a white muslin back. The
design is similar to Giant Houndstooth. This Quilt Pattern was
designed by maker, Celia Norton, called " Grandma's Left and Right"
made c. 1880. Celia Norton lived in Dows Prairie during
the late 1800s early 1900s. The story goes that she gave the
quilt away hoping to get rid of the hex she thought it had on it.