Fabric designer and quilt pattern maker Robin Pickens has created several lines of fabric with Moda Fabrics. I used fabric from Painted Meadow, Dandi Annie, and Dear Mum to create this batch of pincushions.

One piece of glass that I’ve had for some time is an old log salt cellar. I’ve had many thoughts over the years regarding what fabric to put in this glass and when I saw the bug fabric from Robin’s Dear Mum line, it seemed like it would be a perfect match with the glass log.

You can see in the second picture, the salt cellar without the pincushion, the damage around the inside edge. This is so common with salt cellars. It is evidence of the salt cellar being used for its original intent. In researching this particular salt cellar, one reference book states that Portland Glass, located in Portland, Maine, was the producer of this salt cellar. However, the authors make a notation that the attribution to Portland Glass is questionable. After a research endeavor, I could not find evidence either way or any other glass company credited with producing this salt.

Reference books state that this glass was made around 1860. Portland Glass company was in business from 1863-1873. I find the history associated with salt cellars so interesting. When I learned of its age, I began to wonder what else was going on in 1860s. Here’s a short history recap (some with links):

Abraham Lincoln voted in as President of the United States (1860)
Elevator Safety Brakes Patented (1861) – Interesting Podcast about Elevators
American Civil War (1861-1865)
Typewriter Patented (1868)
Traffic Light used for first time (1868)
Tungsten Steel Patented (1868)

This list gives a peek into items and inventions that still impact almost everyone’s lives today! If only that little salt cellar could talk, it might have some interesting information to share.

One more bit of trivia. I really enjoy listening to all kinds of music and put together a Spotify playlist of songs written around the 1860’s. If you were in the right place, you may have had the opportunity to hear them:

Lesley’s 1860’s Playlist

Robin’s attention to detail made using her fabric especially fun and interesting in making pincushions.

To see all of the pincushions up close, visit my Instagram @lesleystorts and @stortsmarket.

Happy Crafting and Quilting! ▶︎ ▶︎ ▶︎