Antique Embroidered Hussif - Portable Sewing Kit Holder

George III, circa 1800. 8.7ins high, 3.1ins wide, 0.4ins deep. Georgian Hussif Portable Sewing Kit Holder.

 

The term housewife first appeared in the mid-18th century to describe these compact, portable sewing kits. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings — huswifes, hussives, and most commonly hussifs.

This hussif is stitched in silks on linen. Colours include pink, green, black blue, gold, silver, red and black. Each side is divided into three panels, which fold over each other to form the pouches.

There is blue silk ribbon edging all around.

Motifs on the outside include flowers, crowns, diamonds, a potted flowering plant and various geometric patterns.

On the same side, a verse reads, 'Tis a point I long to Know, Oft it causes anxious thought, Do I love the Lord or no, Am I his or am I not......Lord decide the doubtful case, Thou who art thy people's sun, Shine upon thy work of grace, If it be indeed begun.'

The inside has three pockets. Motifs include a bird, flowers, a potted flowering plant, stars and other geometric patterns.

CONDITION: Good. No holes. A few small stains to the outside.

Colours are all good and strong with no noticable fading. No colour run.

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