HERB - FW: [Norsefolk] thorn needles, was Bone needles

[Sue Rogers]

In Anstoerra and neighboring kingdoms (Texas and surrounding areas) we
have several leguminous trees with BIG thorns - mesquite, honey locust
and black locust.  These are related to mimosas and such other plants as
vetch.  The thorns are up to 3 inches long and very straight.  I had the
impression that the thorns were similar to hawthorn, but I am not sure of
that.  

I have made needles from these, just by drilling a hole in the fat end
and smoothing it off some.  No other processing.  I have used the needles
for sewing up bags in handwoven fabric (woven like burlap, ie loosely).  

The only documentation I have on history of needles, so far, is Sylvia
Groves "History of Needlework Tools and Accessories".  In it she says
needles have been made from [among other things] fish bones, thorns,
ivory, antler, silver and gold.  But she does not back up her assertions.
 And I have not had time to do more digging for doc lately.

Suzanna, herbalist, Barony of the Steppes, Kingdom of Ansteorra (Dallas,
TX) 


On Wed, 20 Dec 2000 12:23:12 -0600 "Union County Historical Society and
Heritage Museum" <uchs at dixie-net.com> writes:
>There is a tree is the south (US) that is commonly known as "horse 
>apple".
>It is actually a beau d' arc or bodock.  The apples are not edible - 
>have
>some insecticide qualities, but the tree is very thorny and the wood 
>very
>hard - used for bows and fence posts.  The thorns grow several inches 
>long
>and could be used as needles.   Don't know if they grow in your area, 
>but
>are common  here in Mississippi.  Hope this helps. JS
>-----Original Message-----
>From: dwilson <dwilson at nbnet.nb.ca>
>To: herbalist at ansteorra.org <herbalist at ansteorra.org>
>Date: Wednesday, December 20, 2000 11:21 AM
>Subject: HERB - FW: [Norsefolk] thorn needles, was Bone needles
>
>
>>  Any one know of any apple trees with thorns that could be used as
>needles?
>>Also hawthorns grow wild all over the north do they grow in the 
>southern
>>states?
>>Thank you
>>Sheepstealer
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: dwilson at nbnet.nb.ca [mailto:dwilson at nbnet.nb.ca]
>>Sent: December 19, 2000 11:38 PM
>>To: Norsefolk at egroups.com
>>Subject: RE: [Norsefolk] thorn needles, was Bone needles
>>
>>
>>  I am not sure this is what we are talking about but I have never 
>seen an
>>apple tree with thorns. I think Shara is talking about Hawthorne 
>thorns.
>>http://members.nbci.com/wendysweb/haw.jpg
>>  I make needle cases and the thorns are like straight pins so I give 
>them
>>away with the cases.  If you go to
>>http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hawtho09.html   you will 
>find out
>>that hawthorns are all over the northern hemisphere and would have 
>been
>>accessible to people in period.  I have no proof they were ever used 
>as
>>needles.
>>Sheepstealer
>>
>>
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "Shara " <shara at 1nol.com>
>>
>>
>>>     Not bone etc, but another thing that makes great needles
>>> (i.e. I've made them) and grows in the scandanavian countries is
>>> the thorns of crab-apple trees.      The wood is quite hard. 
>Reddish-
>>> hued, great "needle" sizes, can be sanded slick smooth,and some oil
>>> and a touch of wax added.   Needles have a sleight curve, and are
>>> very comfortable to use.   The point on them is naturally very hard
>>> and sharp.
>>>    just a thought
>>> Shara
>>

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