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A Child’s Zither

Nov 9th, 2007 by Kathy

I’m just sick over all this toy stuff. My girls are 9 and 12. We’re pretty much out of the danger zone when it comes to buying new stuff, it’s difficult to put an iPod in your mouth. I cringe thinking about the days of Leil walking around sucking on Polly Pocket outfits (a little spit made the clothes slide on easier). How much lead paint have my two dear children sucked off toys in their young lives, ugh.

A bright alternative: this beautiful zither that I gave Leil last Christmas. She’s played with it all year. A highlight in the never ending search for toys that will be played with long after the holiday. I had a zither as a kid. Forcing my own nostalgic childhood memories on my children: guilty as charged!

I found James Jones via a google search. I ordered a little late, like a week before Christmas. James was incredibly helpful over the phone, working with me to ship it the cheapest way possible but still have it arrive on time. When the zither arrived I was in awe. The wood and the craftsmanship is utterly magical. Each wire hand tied. It makes a beautiful sound.

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I received a note from Margaret that organizes the Four Seasons Quilt Swap. She’s currently taking participants for the Winter swap. I signed up for this one and can’t wait to start creating!

Posted in Musings, Quilting | 15 Comments

15 Responses to “A Child’s Zither”

on 09 Nov 2007 at 11:48 am1Courtney

hey, where’s that pattern?? I was hoping this was it. That zither is beautiful. I was thinking of something like a kinderharp, but may wait until next year…
on 09 Nov 2007 at 12:06 pm2katrin

do you know that a zither is traditionally played around here?
i`m not able to play it, though. *sigh*
it’ wonderful that you support the musicality (
on 09 Nov 2007 at 12:36 pm3Mama Urchin

The plastic toy thing makes me sick. I don’t even want to get started about it. A zither is a great idea for a gift, I bet me kids would love one.
on 09 Nov 2007 at 12:48 pm4patti

I love the zither. I am so upset about all of the toy recall issues too. I swear I don’t want to buy presents this year! (unrealistic). But I am trying to find things only made here in the United States.

I wanted a pair of rubber rain boots a’la wellies, but they were made in China. I am waiting. I don’t want to buy anything from China- who knows what they will find in it!

Yet another reason to be glad I make a lot of my clothing!

I ordered the table runner pattern- I am so excited about it! I wanted my mama to make me something and this is perfect!
on 09 Nov 2007 at 2:10 pm5Amy

What a beautiful instrument! Thanks for the tip, I know my husband and daughter would both love strumming (or plucking ) a zither : )
on 09 Nov 2007 at 2:12 pm6Kathy

I know! My son (now much bigger) once ate a piece of Barbie money — I was worried about chocking, aspiration. Now I can add lead to that worried.
on 09 Nov 2007 at 5:28 pm7Lynn in Tucson

Hmmm…I wonder if that could ever edge out the Barbie guitar….

;-)
on 09 Nov 2007 at 6:30 pm8Kristin

So, you joined the swap! I’m on the fence about. It would probably be more than I can handle right now, but it’s tempting! The zither is beautiful. I love those gifts that just last for years and always look beautiful and are lovingly used. Ryan still plays with the enormous wooden blocks from his toddler days and two of Chloe’s favorite gifts are the kinder harp and a thumb piano.
on 09 Nov 2007 at 8:34 pm9Lisa

I never heard of a zither, but that looks awesome! I think my 3 1/2 year old would love it, am considering it. I know, she has a million little plastic Doras and Elmos and such. I had no idea everything was made in China before this all started coming out. So far nothing she owns has come up on the recall list, but that doesn’t mean I feel comfortable that they are safe. It is IMPOSSIBLE to find any of these things NOT made in China. Luckily she’s never been one to put things in her mouth. What do you do? Take every toy they love away? Aaaaack!
on 10 Nov 2007 at 2:42 pm10Ashley

Oh, I ALWAYS wanted one of those when I was little. I think my parents got wise, though, after I quit, sequentially, piano, violin, and flute lessons

I’m anxious about the plastic stuff too–only handmade toys for my nephew this year, I think, whether I make them myself or buy them on Etsy.
on 10 Nov 2007 at 7:23 pm11Linda

Another thanks for the tip. His other instruments are beautiful too!
on 11 Nov 2007 at 2:59 pm12Kristin L

I would never have expected a zither to be “cool” enough for a teen/tween to play, but it’s wonderful that she does play it! As for the current toy situation, it’s just one more example of how many people there are in the world who just don’t care about the repercusions of the choices they make — and I’m not pointing fingers only at Chinese toy manufacturers. (Of course, I’m not totally free of blame myself: I can’t resist a new pair of jeans once a year, especially when they are $30 or less and you know that means the factory is spewing toxic waste, or operating a sweat shop, and/or the company is undercutting as many people as possible…. blah, blah, blah — like I said, it’s depressing).

On a happy note, did you see that your Notetaker pattern was featured on the Sew Mama Sew blog?!
on 12 Nov 2007 at 7:09 am13Tab

I love the zither, thank you for the idea. I have an 11 year old boy who I’m so stuck on what is a great gift for him. This will be perfect!
on 13 Nov 2007 at 12:21 pm14susan

oh we have one too and even though they are quite grown up, we pull it out and strum along… so funny to see it here too!
on 30 Nov 2007 at 11:39 pm15Jean

Thanks so much for the site on the zithers! Funny I should find you and then see that you are talking about this on “my” birthday! Sounds great! I’m not beyond asking for this for a gift for myself! What beautiful instruments. Happy day! Thanks again, and your stuff is great! Jean