Chatelaine
The name "Chatelaine" is French, and literally translates as "Lady of
the Castle" (or "Chateau." ) Chatelaines existed during Roman times, being
worn by both men and women. Pockets in garments were non-existent.
Necessary personal items were held on chains that fell from an ornate
plate or medallion that chipped to the wasitband of a garment.
Sewing chatelaines usually contained a thimble bucket or case, sandwich
type pin cushion, scissors case or sheath, needle and bodkin case and a
tape measure. This information is contained in Thimbles & Sewing
Implements, by Estelle Zalkin.
Sweet grass chatelaines were made by the American Indians for the
tourist trade in the 30's and 40's.
I know of no other person who makes chatelaines (but would like to if
there are others out there). Above is the teneriffe woven butterfly on
each piece backed with green velveteen. The box (above right) has a
pocket in the lid for needles and packets of thread. The box holds the
chatelaine.
I have worked on the new chatelaine at the left for a couple of years.
It features Delph (white and
blue Holland scene of windmills) and it is finally finished!
The chatelaine pieces are an emery, pin disk, scissors sheath, thimble
bucket and tape measure. They are made of old pieces of Delph jewelry
and the basket center is ceramic tile.