Georgian Treen Knitting Stick, Walnut Circa 1790

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Seller: thechapterhouse ✉️ (889) 100%, Location: Gloucestershire, GB, Ships to: GB, US, Item: 334339569635 Georgian Treen Knitting Stick, Walnut Circa 1790.

A gorgeous and ingenious hand carved wooden tool that allowed women to knit quickly whilst on the go - whilst standing up. Hand turned from a piece of single piece of British walnut wood.

This gorgeous spindle form knitting stick originated in the Cardiganshire area of Wales during the late 18th century. There was a strong tradition of Stocking knitting in Wales in the 18th and 19th centuries which contributed hugely to the rural economy. In fact the women followed sheep drovers and well used sheep paths collecting the raw wool that had got snagged on the hedgerows ready to wash and spin to make yarn. Of course during the latter part of the Victorian period mechanised machines could knit much quicker, these charming tools then became almost obsolete.

This antique knitting stick looks stunning when displayed as part of a group in your favorite vase. See last images, each sold individually, each from an English single owner collection.

We adore such early examples as they were handmade, often deeply personal knitting tools that stayed with its owner for their working life. Their decoration is well executed by hand, being simple and practical. The hand turned rings and baluster shape of this Walnut example are particularly elegant and showcase the skill of their turner. The constant use and being used both indoors and outdoors, often gives them a wonderful mellow coloring and smooth, time worn patina.

This ancient tradition of using a sheath goes back at least four centuries in Great Britain. During Elizabethan times knitting schools were established for poorer background children, here they were taught to knit as this new found skill enabled them to earn a living for themselves. Knitting stockings (hose) was a major fashion accessory during this period. As the centuries progressed, in rural areas the cottage industry of domestic hand knitting became increasing popular as a way for inhabitants to supplement their incomes. Thousands of knitters (men, women, children, the elderly or infirm) worked knitting stocking, jumpers (fisherman's gansey), gloves, jackets etc often whilst still farming, fishing or looking after children and the household. See the example of an early knitting stick held by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Just like love spoons, form and decoration varied according to region and also to the materials available and the individual maker's creativity. Designs such as spindle, goosewing or gullwing or the more sophisticated open lantern and ball and cage are all specific to the British Isles. Sometimes names, motifs and dates were also carved into the wooden sheaths.

Size: 7 3/4 inch tall (20 cm) by 5/8 inch (1.5 cm). Hole size 0.5 cm. Images taken on a very changeable English day - sunshine and showers!

Condition: Good - with a smooth warm patina being evidence of its age and vast usage, all part of its rich history.

Ref: p307 and plate 324 of Treen and other wooden bygones by Edward Pinto.

ITEM ID:13782

  • Condition: Please see description.
  • Sub-Type: Walnut
  • Antique: Yes
  • Product Type: Treen
  • Style/ Period: Georgian
  • Original/Repro: Original
  • Material: Wood/ Woodenware
  • Age: Pre-1800

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