
In this charming memoir, a humble sewing needle recounts its unlikely journey from raw ore to a polished point. The story begins with the needle’s “education” in a furnace, its first blows on an anvil, and the surprising moment a tiny eye is punched into its head, giving it a new view of the bustling workshop. As it undergoes filing, polishing, and countless trials, the needle reflects on the discipline and care required to become truly useful, drawing playful parallels to a child’s schooling.
The narrative then shifts to the needle’s first adventure, slipping into a seam and discovering how a simple stitch can hold fabric together, while also hinting at the subtle pride it feels in its role. Along the way, it meets other metal companions—screws, pins, and a compass—each with their own quirks, offering witty observations about the bustling world of makers and menders. By the end of the first act, listeners are left with a warm appreciation for the ordinary objects that quietly shape our daily lives, all told with gentle humor and a touch of Victorian charm.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (142K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Richard Hulse, Barry Abrahamsen, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2021-05-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1821–1893
Best known by the pen name A.L.O.E., this Victorian writer produced a huge range of stories and poems for children and adults, often with a clear moral purpose. Late in life, she left England for India, where her missionary work became a major part of her story.
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