Always Learning

This lovely little vessel of sorts

was given to me years ago

because, yes I am the one who likes old 'stuff.'

It was handed down through some extended family,

and was at a bit of an end so it came my way.

It is from Estonia.

It appeared to me to be a crochet set

for some very tiny/fine lace.

What I learned after all these years...

It is actually a tambour set.

Tambour was the precursor to crocheting.

What we now call crocheting

was once called tambour in the air.

It is frequently seen on such finery as wedding veils

or beaded pieces.

Fabric was stretched over a drum/hoop

which is in conjunction with the tambourine and snare drum.

The hook actually goes through the fabric where

the thread is wrapped around, hooked, and drawn

back up through the fabric.

It's really like crocheting through fabric.

(There are several good youtube videos if you're interested.)

There are various sized hooks for different threads.

This finest hook is about like a snag in your fingernail.

Even with a dime to reference size,

it is difficult to see just how small it is.

I can't imagine the works this set created.

It was so amazing to learn what it actually was.

I love those little bits of knowledge of history and tradition

that would otherwise be lost to modernization.

I tell friends, "I know lots of useless information, just

don't ask me anything important."

(Example: Did you know the zipper wasn't invented until 1891?)
This is just one more of those little morsels.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches