Threads Magazine Podcast: "Sewing With Threads"
Episode 83: "The Art of Scissor Making" with Maggie Fox
Release Date: November 6, 2024

Introduction to Maggie Fox and Cecilia

In Episode 83 of the Sewing With Threads podcast, host Carol Frazier welcomes Maggie Fox, the founder of Cecilia—a luxury scissor brand dedicated to providing high-quality cutting tools for sewing enthusiasts and beyond. Maggie brings a rich background in marketing, particularly within the technology and software sectors, and a passion for small businesses and heritage crafts. Her venture, Cecilia, bridges these interests by focusing on the craftsmanship behind luxury scissors.

Carol Frazier [00:35]:
"Maggie has a background in marketing in the technology and software spaces with expertise in startups. She also has a passion for small businesses and heritage crafts..."

Inspiration Behind Cecilia

Maggie Fox shares the genesis of Cecilia, tracing it back to a serendipitous moment in Lisbon, Portugal. While admiring a shop window filled with beautiful embroidery scissors, Maggie and her husband realized the scarcity of specialized, high-quality scissors in the market.

Maggie Fox [01:41]:
"We realized we have no idea [where to buy really good scissors]. It is so unusual to come across things like that in this day and age where it feels like everybody's figured everything out."

Motivated by this gap, especially during the pandemic when she contemplated starting her own business, Maggie embarked on creating Cecilia to offer luxury scissors that cater to both the maker and the user.

Current Landscape of Scissor Making

Maggie provides an insightful overview of the global scissor manufacturing landscape. While mass production dominates in places like China, producing inexpensive scissors at around $4 per pair, true craftsmanship is preserved in regions like Sheffield (England), Zollingen (Germany), Pramana (Italy), and parts of Japan. However, even these heritage centers are dwindling:

Maggie Fox [05:10]:
"The workmanship in places like Sheffield and Zollingen is unparalleled, but the heritage scissor production is shrinking rapidly."

She highlights the challenges these centers face, such as outsourcing and cost pressures, which compromise quality and transparency.

Defining High-Quality Scissors

The conversation delves into what constitutes a premium pair of scissors. Maggie emphasizes the importance of construction and materials:

Maggie Fox [07:17]:
"You want forged scissors, not stamped. Hot forged and not cold forged... high carbon steel is essential."

She elaborates on technical aspects like the Rockwell hardness scale (HRC), recommending AISI 420 steel for its durability and edge retention. Additionally, Maggie advises against plastic handles, associating them with lower quality.

Maggie Fox [08:34]:
"If you see AISI420, that is a very good quality pair of scissors."

Maintenance and Longevity

High-quality scissors, when properly maintained, can last a lifetime. Maggie advises against DIY sharpening for those unfamiliar with the process, recommending professional services instead. She draws parallels between scissors and knives, noting that both require careful upkeep to preserve their functionality.

Maggie Fox [14:34]:
"Find out who sharpens the hairdressing scissors and see if that person will sharpen your household scissors."

Carol and Maggie discuss common myths about sharpening scissors, debunking methods like cutting aluminum foil or sandpaper, which can damage the blades irreparably.

Preservation of the Craft

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the endangered status of scissor making as a craft. Maggie laments the decline of skilled artisans, noting that regions like Zollingen in Germany have seen their numbers plummet.

Maggie Fox [25:56]:
"At Zolingen in Germany, there were dozens and dozens of scissor makers. Now there really are two."

She remains cautiously optimistic about a potential renaissance, driven by increased awareness and appreciation for heritage crafts.

Stork-Shaped Embroidery Scissors

The episode concludes with an exploration of the iconic stork-shaped embroidery scissors. Maggie uncovers the historical connection between storks and midwifery, explaining that these scissors were traditionally used by midwives during childbirth.

Maggie Fox [28:53]:
"Storks are used by midwives while they were waiting for the baby to be born. It's just been a traditional motif."

She also touches on the challenges of reproducing classic designs due to the loss of original molds and skilled craftsmanship.

Conclusion

Carol Frazier wraps up the episode by appreciating Maggie's insights into the intricate art of scissor making. The discussion not only highlights the importance of investing in quality tools but also underscores the need to preserve and support artisanal crafts.

Carol Frazier [31:23]:
"Thank you for telling us all about this. This is really fascinating. I hope our listeners have gotten a good understanding of what it takes to make beautiful scissors and why it's worth investing in something like that."

Maggie echoes the sentiment, emphasizing Cecilia's role in connecting consumers with heritage scissor makers and fostering appreciation for this endangered craft.

Key Takeaways

• Craftsmanship Matters: High-quality scissors are forged from high carbon steel (AISI 420), ensuring durability and sharpness.
• Maintenance is Crucial: Professional sharpening is recommended to preserve the integrity of precision scissors.
• Heritage at Risk: Traditional scissor making is an endangered craft, with few skilled artisans left globally.
• Investment in Quality: Purchasing luxury scissors is not only functional but also a support for maintaining artisanal heritage.
• Symbolism in Design: The stork-shaped embroidery scissors have historical significance linked to midwifery and childbirth.

Notable Quotes

• Maggie Fox [07:17]:
  "You want forged scissors, not stamped. Hot forged and not cold forged... high carbon steel is essential."

• Maggie Fox [08:34]:
  "If you see AISI420, that is a very good quality pair of scissors."

• Maggie Fox [25:56]:
  "At Zolingen in Germany, there were dozens and dozens of scissor makers. Now there really are two."

• Maggie Fox [28:53]:
  "Storks are used by midwives while they were waiting for the baby to be born. It's just been a traditional motif."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a profound exploration into the nuanced world of scissor making, blending historical context with modern-day challenges. For sewing enthusiasts and craft lovers alike, Maggie Fox's insights offer both appreciation and actionable advice on selecting and maintaining the tools that are fundamental to the art of sewing.

Listeners are encouraged to explore Cecilia's range of luxury scissors and support the preservation of this vital craft.