Collections record Beta

Ruffle Maker/Fluting Machine

1907-05-1 a,b

Wooden frame and reeds used for fluting muslin. A - Frame comprised of two rectangular wooden blocks, between which run four thick vertical wooden dowels (two at each end); the dowels pass through the lower piece and continue about 5". Running between the dowels at each end is a narrow metal rod, also extending 5" past the lower piece. In the space between the two wooden pieces, a number of narrow dowels or reeds are inserted on both sides of the metal rods, held between them and the thicker dowels. The muslin is passed over and under the horizontal dowels to create the ruffles, after which the dowels are removed and the muslin is freed from the frame. One strip of white muslin is currently held in the frame. The lower wooden block is painted red, the rest is unfinished. B - Homespun linen bag containing a number of extra reeds or dowels for the frame.

1850-1900

Width 8.5', Height 12.25', Bag Length 14"

• cotton
• reeds
• wood
• linen