Didier Vrac, President of Bohin France, gave a lecture on the history of needles and pins during Road 2014. Part of Road’s new $5.00 Lecture Series offering informative sessions in a classroom setting, Mr. Vrac spoke to a room full of interested guests, giving them fun facts of these sewing essentials. Here are some of interesting tidbits he shared:
What were the first needles and pins made of? Bones and ivory.
Which country first used steel in making pins and needles? China. From there, steel was used in Arabia, then Europe.
When were pins used for more than just sewing? In the 1500’s, ornate pins were given to women as gifts.
What great world event did pin manufacturing play a large role in? The Industrial Revolution as well as the unionization of factory workers.
What are some of the specialty needles designed for? Leather working, quilting, embroidery, and clothing manufacturing.
Where does Bohin France get the glass for their pin heads? Murano (Venezia), Italy
What makes Bohin needles and pins different from other brands regarding shape and sharpness? Bohin’s fine pins are made from piano chord wire which is known for retaining its shape when it is flinged. The lasting sharpness of Bohin’s pins and needles is due to their being polished individually on antique machines.
Who knew there was so much to learn about needles and pins!!!
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