Tale of a Hussif ~ part 3...

Making my hussif is a journey of kinds.

Not sure if I've put so much of 'me' into a project for a very long time - it's become very personal since discovering more and more about the history of hussifs, huswifs, and 'housewives'.

Yesterday's progress.

The little bird and spool were stitched... 

(this design will be included in the July Stitchery Club patterns)

Tiny seed pearls scattered in the sunlight made their debut on lace...

Hidden places...

All the embroidery is complete now...

...but there's still something else to make today and time needed to sew it in place.

And then a little more hand quilting and embellishment before the finale.

I'm using scraps of Tilda fabric for my Hussif, and stitching with Cosmo threads. Truly, they carry a great deal of the beauty you see...

If you're new to Elefantz and would like to read (and see) more about the Tale of a Hussif you'll find day 1 here and day 2 here.

During the American Civil War hussifs were made for soldiers by their loved ones, but they were not called a hussif, instead they carried the original Regency name of a "soldier's housewife".

Here are some photos and information I found....

 The one above is on an auction site and included some of the history, which I found fascinating -

Civil War "Housewife." Probably began life in the possession of a Union soldier. "Picked up on the battlefield during the Battle of the Seven Days 1862 by....John W. Burgess Baltimore Light Artillery Stuart's Cavalry Confederate Army Civil War 1861 - 1863 was at Battle of Gettysburg and 7 Days Battle near Richmond and many others", is the period ink script and early typewritten tags which accompany the kit. Also stenciled on the underside of the wool needle pad, in the kit is "R. C. Harris O.", doubtless the original owner from Ohio. The kit is in very good condition, even retaining the original string ties for closure. John Burgess enlisted on June 6, 1862 and served with the 2d Md. Light Arty until his Appomattox parole, April 16, 1865. The 2d Md., commanded by J. B. Brokenborogh and equipped with Blakely rifles and 12 lb. Napoleons, was one of the most heavily engaged Confederate artillery units of the war and at Gettysburg engaged in one of the most desperate artillery actions of the war with Battery M of the United States Regular Artillery. Accompanied by a complete set of records. A remarkable capsule of Civil War history.

 The smallest 'housewives' -

I also read on an old 2001 webpage that during WW2 school children in the US were taught to make small felt envelopes which were filled with sewing essentials and distributed to soldiers by the Red Cross.

Are you enjoying our little history adventure this week?

 Mr E is home today so between my stitching hours I'm sure we'll head out for good coffee and some warm winter sunshine while we walk the dogs...

Have a blessed day!