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A BRIEF HISTORY OF TEA

Chinese legend has it that tea was the accidental discovery by King Shen Nong about 2700-2750 B.C. Shen Nong's discovery happened when a gust of wind blew some tea leaves into a pot of boiling water. He found the flavor of the water to be very delicious. Shen Nong after experimenting further, found tea to have great medicinal properties, so he urged the Chinese people to cultivate tea plants. Over time Shen Nong has become the Legendary Father of Tea. During the Ming Dynasty (1369-1644) Chinese tea merchants began exporting roasted tea leaves to other countries. The Dutch in 1650 began drinking tea and then it was introduced to Great Britain, the British are true tea lovers.

A competing legend started in India, it claims that teas were first grown there and that Price Siddhartha Gautama (Buddhism's Founder) tore off his eyelids and threw them to the ground because he fell asleep despite his vow to remain awake during his pilgrimage through China. Supposedly, the eyelids took root and germinated into tea plants that sprouted leaves with an eyelid shape.

Throughout history, ancient cultures have depended on herbs to keep a youthful glow. In China herbal teas have been used for their medicinal properties for over 3000 years. Medical doctors and scientists are now confirming what herbalists have been saying for years - herbal teas have a variety of healing powers. Two small cups of Green Tea has as much Vitamin C as one large glass of orange juice. Jasmine tea used for aromatherapy purposes, calms and relaxes the mind and body. Rose Hips Tea is a good source of antioxidants. Chamomile Tea helps relax nerves, muscles and sooths the stomach. Raspberry Royale Tea can help women who suffer from sleepless nights and mood swings associated with PMS, menopause and post-menopause problems. You will find many type of herbal teas on today's market.

Remember, tea also played an very important role in the development of the United State. The taxation on tea from England led to the Boston Tea Party which was one the issues that triggered the War of Independence. In 1904, at the St. Louis World's Fair, the first tea bag was introduced and it became fashionable to serve ice tea drinks. Today tea is one of the most widely consumed beverage in the world.

 
 
ALL ABOUT NEEDLES

How old is the oldest needle?
The first needles were hand-made out of bone. Archaeologists have found bone needles in western Europe and central Asia that date back to 17,000 years ago. The bone needles were carved, not as flat, wider and much larger that the needle of today. It is thought that these needles were used to sew animal hides together for clothing and bedding. I am sure we would all pass up those bone needles and stay with our present day needles.
 
My kingdom for a needle!
You think that I am joking? Not at all. In the 14th & 15th centuries needles and pin were highly sought after. Many estate inventories and wills, from this period included needles and pins. Women of that day only had one fine needle with which to do all their sewing. Farmers would trade their entire crops to acquire needles and pins that their wives badly needed. Needle and pins were so scarce in England in the 14th & 15th centuries that Parliament limited the sale of these items to the first two days of January each year. Women would save all year to buy needles and pins on that sale day, thus the term "pin money" came into being. If your husband happened to be a good craftsman, he would make your needles and pins for you. I am sure you would be envied by all of the ladies in your village.
 
The Highly Values Pincushion & Needle Case:
You can see how valued the needles and pins were in the 14th & 15th Centuries these women had to have a place to keep these valuable items from getting lost, rusty and dull. As early as the 16th century the pin pillow, often called "sticking pincushions" stuffed with wool, were being used. As the needles and pins were stuck into the pillow, the lanolin in the wool coated the shaft, keeping them from becoming rusty or dull. Even though wool was prevalent, hair, sawdust, sand or a combination of these items were found to be used as pillow stuffing. Highly valued, very beautiful needle cases were carved out of wood or bone.

Silver was also crafted into wonderfully shaped containers to protect these valued items. Needle books (cases) with leaves of flannel or felt, tied with ribbon were also used to keep needles organized and in good condition. Your husband's status determined the value of your needle case and contents. Pincushions and Needle Cases became sentimental as well as functional objects and were made to celebrate or commemorate a special event. A young lady, could receive a hand-made pincushion, fashioned of white silk, with fancy lace and ribbon. Add a set of tiny straight pins called "manikins", in a heart design, add the bride and grooms initials and you have a wonderful wedding gift. Mourning pincushions were also very popular gifts and most designs were outlined with black headed manikins.

Wulfert, Kimberly, "The History of Sewing Needle and How They Are Made", www.historyofquilts.com/needle.html
McConnel, Bridget, "The Story of Antique Needlework Tools", Atglen, PA Schuffer, 1999
Pinaceck Dorothy, "The Picushion", Frederickburg, TX: Pieceworks, September/October 1999