Lucy's Prairie Pockets!

Lucy's Prairie Pockets pattern is all finished!

I just had the best time creating a bunch of these pockets for my new pattern.  Not familiar with what a Prairie Pocket is?  Here's a bit of early American history to fill you in......

Lucy Locket lost her pocket,

Kitty Fisher found it,

Not a penny was there in it,

Only ribbon round it!

This nursery rhyme, published in England in 1842, tells of poor Lucy losing her pocket, which was very likely a  fabric pocket worn separately, on top of her petticoats, and worn under her skirt or dress.  17^th, 18^th and 19^th century American women made and used these pockets as well, as their clothes contained no sewn-in pockets as we know them today.  The pockets were flat, and somewhat U-shaped, that tied around her waist.  A slit in the side of her outer skirt allowed the women discreet access to the pocket and its belongings, which lay underneath.  Women wore these pockets singly, and in pairs, which helped to accentuate her hips, being the style at the time. 

Pockets were made from every fabric imaginable.  Some were embellished with beautiful crewel and embroidery work, some with patchwork and scraps, and others of plain cloth.  Women kept all kind of needful things in their pockets such as letters, books, glasses, etc., and of course, thimbles, needles, thread, and patchwork.  At night, they often hung from the bedpost to hold a watch, handkerchief or glasses. 

Pockets were very much a part of housewifery in early America, and today, we can enjoy making a pocket for our own needful things, to wear as we work, or just to decorate a room. 

If you love reproducing old, antique quilts, and are a fan of early American life, Journey the Threads of Time, and make a Prairie Pocket for your collection!  It's a wonderful way of piecing the past!

Pockets come in two sizes.  The small pocket measures 6.5 x 8.5 inches, and the large pocket measures 11 x 14 inches.  These are historically correct sizes.

My Lucy's Prairie Pockets pattern features instructions for three different types of pockets:
A plain front which will showcase a beautiful reproduction print, a pieced tumbler front, and a hexagon front, for a wonderful scrappy look.  The pattern cover features both photos seen here. 

Click here to order Lucy's Prairie Pockets pattern and create a bit of history for yourself!

Thanks so much for taking a moment to visit with me today!

Pam