The Chatelaine: A Silver Piece of the Past

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The History of Chatelaines

Chatelaines were used by women in the 18th and 19th centuries to carry their sewing tools and other things around with them. It is a small pin,  usually with a design of some sort, and has several small chains with hooks or clasps on the ends, to which you attach the sewing tools, such as tiny scissors for snipping threads, thimbles in thimble cases, needlecases, bodkins, and even magnifying glasses. A chatelaine is worn at the waist; and my personal opinion as to the reason would be that it is the most convenient, being within easy reach of your hand, and the other would be because ladies back then wore full skirts which dulled the "clink" of the tools!

Sewing was a part of daily life back then, and it was necessary to have the basic tools handy at all times. Not only would they put sewing tools, but also practical items such as keys, a compass, or watch. This is only a small sampling of what would have been on an average lady's chatelaine.

Note that all the items listed below can be purchased from English Creek Gardens and/or Treasured Finds, (unless otherwise noted), including the chatelaine itself! The items pictured are ones that I personally own and therefore may differ from those found on either website.  

Finally some new pictures AND a couple of new items to add to a chatelaine. My sister received a few things for her birthday this month (December) and so I had the opportunity to photograph a couple more things. 

Did you know...

The word "chatelaine" actually has two meanings. One is of course the tool that this lens is about, and the other means the mistress of a castle or mansion.
The word in French literally means "keeper of the keys."

What to Hang from Your Chatelaine 

Fancywork Scissors

Scissors like these would get frequent use in trimming threads before and after sewing. Definitely a practical item to put on a chatelaine! The wisest (and prettiest) way to attach the scissors to the chatelaine would be to find scissors that come with a case that will keep the sharp tips safely out of reach.

 

Thimble

A thimble is a practical tool that would also be much used. This simply slips over the tip of your finger to aid in pushing the needle through the fabric, and protects your fingertips from being poked!
Thimbles for chatelaines should come with a case in which to keep it, with a little ring on which to hook the chain from the chatelaine.

 

Needlecase

A needlecase is a safe and pretty way to keep your needles all together, easy to access and away from poke-able fingers. Needlecases come plain or with lovely designs.

 

Bodkin

Though not commonly seen now, bodkins are tools that were used by ladies to ornament the openwork on their clothing and linens with ribbons. Used as we would probably use a large clothespin for ease of holding the ribbon for threading it through something - though bodkins are far prettier than clothespins!

 

Pincushion

This would be a very handy and practical tool to have, especially for ladies in the 18th and 19th centuries with all the sewing they did! A pincushion on your chatelaine gives you easy access to pins whenever you need them.

 

Compass

Women from the past had to find their way around too! Especially since they didn't have modern conveniences such as GPS navigation systems like we now have. Do it the old fashioned way and put a compass on your chatelaine!

 

Magnifying Glass

A tiny magnifying glass would be used for seeing small print in a book, letter, etc. or even for seeing small stitches when sewing. A very nice addition to your chatelaine.

 

Watch

I suppose a watch is pretty self-explanatory - you use it to keep track of time! :-)

 

Nail File

Believe it or not, a nail file was actually a pretty common item on fine ladies' chatelaines, more so in the Victorian era. They usually come with a lovely cover and so are a pretty piece to add to your chatelaine.

 

Tatting Shuttle

A tatting shuttle is a device used for - you guessed it - tatting! Tatting is a way of making lace by tying knots. Personally, I have never done it but I would guess that the shuttle is used to hold the thread and then somehow weave it. Anyone out there know how to tat? Is that the correct term? :-)

 

Spool Nave

Frankly I am not exactly sure if that is the correct name for it - this is one item my sister received as a gift and I had never heard of it before. Unfortunately she threw the package away and I am relying on my memory and what limited research I could do for the accurate name of this tool. :-)
It's a handy little thread spool holder - the bar unsnaps on one end, and you slip your spool on and replace the bar. This keeps your thread easily accessible. Nifty, eh?

If you could only choose one... 

...which would you choose?

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Why would I want a Chatelaine? 

Chatelaines are interesting pieces of history, but you may be wondering, "Why would I want a chatelaine?" Obviously sewing is not one of the priorities in most people's lives these days. But if you're asking "Why?" - I say, "Why not?"
You can use a chatelaine to accent an historical costume, display it in your home as a piece of decor, or really use it! Hang things that you will use from it.

Have fun!!

Famous Ladies Who May Have Used Chatelaines 

Since chatelaines were common items in the Colonial through Victorian eras, it is hard to find actual record of people using them. It would be a bit like saying, "Famous Ladies Who May Have Used Pencils"! :-) I have done my best, however, to find some famous ladies that may have used chatelaines. Remember that because it was a common item, many famous ladies would probably have used them, especially during the Colonial era.
  • Betsy Ross
    Betsy was a seamstress during the Revolutionary War period. It is almost certain that she used a chatelaine, as it was a necessity for her work.
    Source
  • Martha Washington
    There is record of Martha Washington having used or been familiar with chatelaines. A chatelaine came into the Historic New England collection in the 1850s with a letter from a lady named Hannah Prescott, who wrote that the chatelaine had been given to her by Martha Washington in 1797.
    Source
  • Jane Austen
    It is possible that Jane Austen, the author of Regency classics such as Pride & Prejudice, used chatelaines.
    Source

Fun Fact

Another word for chatelaine is "equipage," which means a collection of small articles for personal use.

Obtaining a Chatelaine 

There are abundant choices at the links below, or you can search flea markets and antique shops for chatelaines and accessories. Don't forget to check eBay as well! This is definitely a fun collecting hobby!
English Creek Gardens
Here's a link to the Victorian Sewing Accessories page. They have several chatelaine choices and some lovely accessories. They also offer other Victorian products such as tussie mussies (bouquet holders) and gardening supplies.
Treasured Finds
I love this site! They have many chatelaines to choose from, as well as a myriad of tools to hang from them. Just put "chatelaine" in the search box and it will bring up enough products to make your head spin!
Please note that I do not place my endorsement on all products of this website.
Old Fashioned Needlework Tools - Acme Notions
Here's a fun site that has a lot of old fashioned sewing supplies. Most of them are more retro, but on this page if you sort through it there are a few chatelaine-able items, such as thimbles, bodkins, etc.

What do you think? 

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