Rediscovering Grandma’s Most Cherished Craft Tool
June 16, 2024
Source: Reddit
There is something that seems almost enchanting to recall the noise of my grandmother sewing, tea boiling on the stove, and smell of cookies baking. In the corner of her warm sewing room there was a pair of elegant scissors that always attracted my attention – her beloved pinking shears. The elegant scissors with the intricately designed handles and the unique zigzag-shaped blades are dear to anyone who has ever tried stitching a piece of fabric or has witnessed a family member weave miracles with thread and cloth.
Pinking shears, with their blunt edged blades, were not just instruments; they were invaluable aids in every seamstress’s arsenal. These scissors, which came into use around the 1930s, changed the handling of fabrics significantly. They were not only intended to slice through fabric but to leave a specific zigzag pattern that would not unravel. This innovative yet very basic concept made them invaluable for anyone handling fabric in any way.
The two we are remembering here today have the imprints ‘Germany’ and ‘Griffon’, two brands that have always been associated with excellence. Griffon Cutlery Works, located in Solingen, Germany, was a manufacturer of quality cutlery and scissors. The design of the shears – practical yet beautiful – is a clear reflection of the period’s focus on refinement and craftsmanship in ordinary items.
Sewing was not merely a pastime in the mid-20th century; it was a necessity in many homes. Garments were either stitched, repaired, or even modified at home, and pinking shears were widely used in these activities. They allowed homemakers to make durable and presentable clothes and accessories and provided fabrics with a clean and tidy end that would not fray.
These shears were also symbols of a time when people could make things on their own and be more creative. Women (and men) who could sew were applauded for their talent and creativity. With their characteristic zigzag shape, pinking shears added a neat and professional finish to all home made creations, from dresses and curtains to quilts and doll clothes.
Just picture yourself having a conversation with a friend, reminiscing about the time when evenings were spent sewing in comfortable rooms with a radio on in the background. One can feel the longing for those moments. We recall the sense of accomplishment of building something beautiful and enduring with our own hands, to the rhythmic sound of pinking shears.
These scissors were not mere objects; they were members of the family handed down from one generation to the next, with each dent and scratch narrating a story of a project that had been done and the lessons that were learned in the process. The handles of the Griffon shears, with its detailed designs, is a symbol of an age where simplicity and elegance co-exist. Holding them feels like holding a piece of history, a connection to the past that still has not lost its relevance.
Thinking about those days makes one smile. The pinking shears bring to mind a bygone era when life was slower and people took the time to sew and craft as an essential and enjoyable activity. They remind one of imagination, innovation, and the pleasure of creating something by oneself. Today, we are surrounded by high-tech gadgets and gizmos, but there is a certain joy that comes with using a well-designed, well-made object, such as the pinking shears.
Therefore, the next time you encounter a pair of these cute scissors, do not forget to think about the history and the many stories that these scissors hold. They are not just artifacts of the past, but representations of a legacy of skill, innovation, and the inherent strength of the human spirit.
