The Thread of the Story

by

If you’ve read any of my books or posts about my second-favorite passion (writing sweet historical romance is #1), you know I’m a quilter.

It is easy to sit at my machine and reach for a spool of thread that coordinates with the fabric I’m sewing into quilt squares. However, I usually use a medium grey thread when constructing the squares as it is easy to see when I make mistakes (lots of them!) and need to use my modification tool (a.k.a. seam ripper)! And when I run out of thread, a quick trip to my local quilt shop, Jo-Ann’s, or Michaels solves my dilemma.

While writing Noelle and Hope (Christmas Quilt Brides series), it got me thinking. How did my heroines get thread? Where did they get it? And when was it available to the average housewife, seamstress, or milliner?

And thus, the research began…

Forms of very early sewing thread were made of thin strips of animal hide. This was used to sew together larger pieces of hide and fur for clothing, blankets, and shelter. There is proof throughout history of some form of threading used even when cavemen oversaw the planet. As civilizations moved forward, the thread did also, and eventually, it evolved to include the spinning and dyeing of thread.

There are three basic types of thread, and they are based on their origin, Thread is animal, plant, or synthetic depending on its makeup. Silk thread is touted as the best because it is strong, very elastic, and fine in diameter. Silk is interwoven into a lot of regular threads for added strength. Pure silk thread use is used in finer clothing.

However, since the heroines in my story reside in a small Kansas town in 1870s, I imagined they’d only use cotton thread, the least expensive in her quilting.

Thread is made of a series of plies–or cords, twisted together. The plying and twisting create a stronger unit than the original strands alone. A ply is two or more strands of cotton twisted together. A cord is two or more plies twisted together. The earliest form of cotton thread was three-ply thread–three single strands of fiber twisted together.

Manufactured cotton thread was available to hand sewers in the U.S. and Europe in 1800. At first, they were sold in hanks as some yarns still are. The thread came on wooden spools beginning in 1820. Like the soda bottles of today, the spools could be returned for a deposit, to be refilled. Mass production put an end to the deposits since the spools could be produced so cheaply.

 

Historians credit James and Patrick Clark, mill owners in Paisley, Scotland, with developing the first cotton thread. When silk and flax became scarce during the Napoleonic wars, they were forced to find a suitable replacement with which to create their famous (and profitable) Paisley shawls.

Historians credit James and Patrick Clark, mill owners in Paisley, Scotland, with developing the first cotton thread. When silk and flax became scarce during the Napoleonic wars, they were forced to find a suitable replacement with which to create their famous (and profitable) Paisley shawls.

   

Eventually, some Clark family members moved to the U.S. and began their own thread companies, including George Clark and William Clark, grandsons of James who opened a cotton thread mill in New Jersey.

George Clark perfected six-cord thread for use on sewing machines. He called it “O.N.T.” for “Our New Thread,” combining fineness with strength as well as being inexpensive.

In 1815, another prominent Scottish manufacturer, James Coats, began making thread. His sons, James and Peter formed J&P Coats, Co., introducing thread to the U.S. around 1820. By 1869, they began manufacturing sewing thread in Pawtucket Rhode Island. It was here where they developed a unique spool shape with smooth curves.

The emergence of the sewing machine in the 1840s further escalated the need for a better-quality thread. Three-ply was too uneven, and six-ply was too thick. Silk and linen threads were either too thick or too weak for use with the machine. Three-ply silk was too expensive.

Improved cotton seemed the only option.

At the beginning of the 20th century, mercerization was developed to make a stronger, smoother cotton thread. It is a process of immersing cotton thread in a solution of caustic soda, resulting in a stronger, more lustrous that also accepts dye more readily.

Polyester thread became available in 1942, and cotton-wrapped polyester in the late 1960s.

Other Thread Manufacturers

Belding & Corticelli, a silk thread manufacturing enterprise was started by the Belding brothers in Michigan. From their home, they produced spools of silk thread which traveling salesmen marketed door to door.  Sales of silk thread dwindled during the Great Depression, forcing the company to close its doors the next year.

Lucky for us quilters, sewers, seamstresses, and those whose talent with needle and thread, thread–cotton thread, in particular–has evolved over the last 250 years and has been supplanted by other fibers.

So, whenever Noelle Prentiss and Hope Brody (my heroines) threaded a needle and joined fabrics together to make a quilt, they continued the tradition of those who came before and after them by carrying on the thread of the story.

***A Giveaway***

I’m giving away an ebook edition of both Noelle Christmas Quilt Brides and Hope Christmas Quilt Brides. For a chance to win, leave a comment to the question below:

***Do you or does anyone in your family enjoy creating fabric art works? (Sewing, quilting, embroidery, crochet, crewel, macrame, etc.?)***

 

 

 

Author at JMV Creative Enterprise | jrobertsauthor@yahoo.com | Website |  + posts

Born and raised in western Massachusetts, Jo-Ann Roberts was fascinated by America’s Old West and always felt she was destined to travel on a wagon train following the Oregon Trail. With her love of history and reading, she began reading historical romance during high school and college. Victoria Holt, Jude Deveraux, and Roseanne Bittner were among her favorites. Influenced by her father, she fell in love with John Wayne, James Garner, and her all-time favorite, James Stewart and grew up watching Wagon Train, Bonanza and Rawhide.
A firm believer in HEA with a healthy dose of realism, Jo-Ann strives to give her readers a sweet historical romance while imparting carefully researched historical facts, personalities, and experiences relative to the time period. Her romances take her readers back to a simpler time to escape the stress of modern life by living in a small town where families and friends help one another find love and happiness.
When she isn’t creating believable plots and relatable heroes and heroines, Jo-Ann enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandson. She also enjoys baking, quilting and eating way too much chocolate.
After 38 years in public education in Connecticut and Maryland, she’s now calls North Carolina home.

62 thoughts on “The Thread of the Story”

  1. Hi, Jo-Ann,

    When I was younger, I sewed a lot of skirts and jumpers for myself. Nowadays I mostly do simple alterations (even clothes for supposedly short/petite women are usually too long for me) and mending. My knitting is the super simple type (scarves, afghans created by joining knit strips, and the occasional watch cap [Who stole the name beanie for these hats?]). Kudos to you for having the patience to quilt.

    Have you considered another historic “where did they get them” issue, sewing needles?

    The new book sounds like one I’d enjoy reading.

    • Welcome, Mary! Like you, I’m on the petite side but still have to have my pants and dresses altered. When I was in high school, I sewed my clothes. And when my daughter was a toddler, I made clothes for her. Thanks for commenting. Enjoy your evening.

  2. I’m a beginning quilter, but my grandma and my MIL were avid quilters. I’m blessed with a lot of quilts.

    • Welcome, Denise! Lucky you to have been blessed with quilts. I hope you keep on quilting. There’s something special about creating a quilt from pieces of cloth.

  3. My grandmother was an accomplished seamstress and milliner, and my mother made all of our clothing when I was a child. I know how to sew and quilt, but it’s not my favorite thing to do, unfortunately. My vision makes it very hard to see what I’m doing and both sewing and quilting call for good vision.

  4. Years ago my oldest sister did cross stitch and gave me several that I had framed. I tried for a while but preferred reading books.

    • Welcome, Kate! I tried cross stitch once but found it tedious and decided to stick with quilting. And reading books is ALWAYS a good choice! Thanks for stopping by today.

  6. This was very interesting. I have made at least 15 quilts and am currently working on a horse quilt for my granddaughter’s graduation.

  7. My grandmother could sew knit crochet tat embroider. She used to make her own patterns and would sew clothes for me and my twin sister. I wished I had learned more from her.

  8. Howdy Jo-Ann! I’ve mentioned this before, but I come from a family of quilters. My mother and Aunts(her sisters) quilt. It wasn’t until 2015 that I made some quilts for my family. But, my first craft was crocheting. Taught by my mother’s mother. My Grandma Tom showed me how to crochet when I showed an interest. She was also a reader. At the age of 12 I wasn’t into Harlequin romances as she read them. So, she told me to go get my Uncle Dallas’s westerns. Which I grew to love! The Sacketts were my favorite books!

    I still crochet today and read, which were traits that began from my grandmother. I enjoyed your interesting post on threads! I sent the link to my Aunt Laurece, my mother’s younger sister. She only makes about 5 to 10 quilts a year! LOL And she loves her different colors of threads! Heh.

    • Tracy, how wonderful to have this legacy of quilters and quilts in your family. I crocheted when I was younger until I learned how to quilt. As for the books, I loved the Sacketts Saga, and anything Louis D’Amour wrote.
      I hope your aunt enjoys the post!

  9. yes we had 3 sewing machines set up in the basement and a 4X8 plywood table set up on sawhorses to use as a cutting table – I made ALL of my clothes starting at around 9 years old – Mom had made all of them before that – material was purchase and us 3 girls had lots of dresses and play sets that were ALL alike!

    • How fun to have your own quilting space with your mom and sisters! I bet it was fun to sew together…I can only imagine the laughter around the cutting table. Thanks for your comments, Teresa

  10. COOL!! Thanks so much for sharing your research. Some of this I have known because I love to quilt, sew, count cross stitch. I used to also do knitting, crochet, etc. I was one of those people that loved to try anything crafty, still am I suppose. Thanks for sharing these books. I love to read about those that do crafts. One of my top one is Lois Winston. My husband is the same with a lot of these crafts. We taught our son and daughter. Our son is now 38 and he has been sewing for many many years and selling civil war and WW2 reenacting clothes for men. Our daughter loves to sew quilts. Yes we are a crafty family. LOL quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

    • Goodness, what an amazingly talented family you have! I love that your husband is as enthusiastic about crafts as you are. My son was a Civil War reenactor for a few years. I made him a paper-pieced Civil War quilt that he used on his cot. Thanks for your great comments.

  12. I have never been a quilter, but began sewing when I was a teenager. I began with a treadle machine and was thrilled when my mom got an electric machine. I made a lot of my clothes because we didn’t have a lot of money, but I did it more because I enjoyed sewing. I don’t sew much anymore, but my machine is still handy if I need it.

    • Welcome, Elaine! I made my clothes while in high school but since my mom didn’t sew, I was pretty much on my own. Happy to hear you kept your machine handy…just in case! Thanks for your comments

  13. I’ve done all of those fabric arts at one time or another, but I used to be an avid quilter. Today, I’m more of an avid reader and writer because my arthritis, which I’ve had since childhood, has become more pronounced, and I can’t do the fine quilting I once did (normally 14 stiches per inch, but I could do even more).

    • Welcome, Janice! Always happy to meet another quilter. Like you, I’m so busy writing that I don’t quilt as much as I’d like to. But I’m looking forward to my annual quilting retreat next month. Thanks for your comments.

  14. I enjoy quilting. I will be starting one shortly as I’m making it for a granddaughter who graduates from high school.

    • Welcome, Karijean! Always happy to meet another quilter. I’m sure your granddaughter will cherish her quilt. I did a t-shirt quilt for my grandson when he graduated from high school, using all his band shirts. It really came out well. Thanks for your comments

  15. Super interesting post, Jo-Ann! I’m a mediocre seasmstress at best, but I love cross-stitching. My best friend in high school got me interested in it when we were teenagers, and it turned into a lifelong hobby.

    • Happy you enjoyed it, Karen! I once tried cross-stitching…I can’t say I was successful at it. But I do admire projects that others create. Since the Lord gave me a limited aptitude for fabric arts, I’ll stick to quilting! Thanks for your comments.

  16. My grandmother’s both quilted. My mom taught us girls to embroider, sew our own clothes. Both of my sister’s know how to quilt. I have always thought it would be fun to quilt but have never learned.
    Thank you so much for sharing with us. Both my hubby and I found this very fascinating.

    • Welcome, Barbara! I’m happy you and your husband enjoyed the post. It’s never too late to learn a new skill. Maybe you need to give quilting a try. Thanks for your comments.

  18. I’m a seamstress… well I was. I don’t sew much anymore.
    But, I’ve sewn everything from clothing to toys to home decor.
    For a while I worked at a shop making costumes, mostly medieval. I’ve also made fancy dresses like princess gowns, as well as practical clothing items.
    I learned at my grandma’s feet. My own mom does not sew.
    (She did embroider beautifully, though.)

    • Welcome, Maryellen! What wonderful memories you had sewing with your grandmother, and how fun to create those costumes and princess gowns. Thank you for sharing your comments.

  19. My mom used to crochet, knit, sew, and do other crafts, including making her own cards. I used to crochet, and still do embroidery and make my own cards. My grandmothers both did quilts. I have quite a few friends who quilt! I have lots of memories of going to Cloth World, JoAnns and other places with Mom to pick out material for clothes she would make me and all of the notions, too!

    • Welcome, Trudy! Lots of crafting going on in your life. Great memories of going with your mom to look for fabric. And, of course, the notions. I loved picking out embellishments for the dress I was making. I still remember a blue and white empire waist dress with white daisy trim. Thanks for sharing your comments with us.

  20. I use to piece quilts and then my sister would quilt them on her quilting machine. My hands got arthritis so bad I had problems piecing the quilts and also my sister passed away so I didn’t have her anymore to quilt the quilts. I also kind of ran out of room in my closet to store the quilts.

  22. The last person in my family to do any crochet or knitting was my great grandmother. I still have some of her work and will hand it off to a 5 generation. I hope they will appreciate it as much as I do.

    • Welcome, Kathleen. How wonderful to have mementos from your great-grandmother and be lucky enough to pass them down to another generation. Thanks for your comments.

  23. My grandma crocheted a few small things when I was little… my mom sewed a few of our Halloween costumes when we were younger…

  24. I used to sew, crochet, crewel work, embroidery pictures and also used to make rugs. For awhile I received crafts in the mail which I enjoyed doing. My grandmother knitted and my mother sewed. She is the one who taught me to sew. I have made my childrens’ clothes, my clothes, and even 3 piece suits for my husband. I still have the crocheted blankets I made.

    • Welcome! Oh, I remember getting crafts in the mail…I wonder if they still do that. How lucky that your mother handed down the skill of sewing to you. Thank you for sharing your comments with us.

  25. My daughter and my grandkids make quilts. They get prizes at the fair. My daughter and oldest granddaughter make very beautiful ones.

    • Welcome, Linda! How fortunate for your family to continue the art of quilting. Congratulations to them for their accomplishments. Thank you for your comments.

  27. I used to love to embroider, haven’t done it for a long time though. My grandmother was always knitting , crocheting and embroidering. My mom also loved to embroider.

  28. When I sew (meaning sew a button back on a shirt haha) I always wonder about the needle and how women threaded one if they couldn’t see very well in low light and before glasses were readily available.

    • Welcome, Rachel. That’s a valid concern but somehow, they pushed on out of necessity to make clothing for their families and quilts and blankets for their homes. Thank you for sharing your comments.

  29. I love these blog posts. My main craft is counted cross-stitch. I’ve taken some quilting classes but would like to get better at it. Thanks for the chance to win a prize.

  30. Thank you for sharing. I remember the wooden spools. There maybe some in my grandmother’s mending basket. I will have to check. I used to crochet, cross stitch and a bit of quilting. My hands have become so bad with arthritis, it is hard to hold the needle. God bless you.

    • Welcome, Debbie. Until I did the research, I had no idea the wooden spools could be returned for a deposit, to be refilled. I hope you’re able to get some relief for your hands. Thank you for sharing your comments with us.

  31. I have tried quilting. My projects turned out OK, but I didn’t enjoy it all that much. I do enjoy sewing, and embroidery. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much time to spend on any of it lately. Many years I made gifts for our children as well as the nieces and nephews. I did stuffed creatures one year and letter pillows that spelled their names another. I embroidered pictures for them all one year. I really enjoyed sewing for our children when they were young, costumes, wedding attendant dresses, making curtains, tablecloths, and other items. My sewing room has turned into a storage room and I can’t wait to get it cleaned out. I have a ton of mending to do and some projects I’d like to start.

    • Welcome, Patricia. It sounds like you were quite busy in the past making crafts for your children and family. I sewed outfits for my children and Halloween costumes. I even made a flower girl dress for my daughter. I hope you get the room fixed up and get to what makes you happy. Thank you for your comments.

Comments are closed.