I love all of the examples shown here ladies. Thanks for sharing.
As I remember, a chatelaine was worn pinned on your belt at your waist in the front. So they were in your lap when you sat down. The ladies of that day had on long skirts and it wouldn't slip in between your legs by wearing jeans like we do.. But, anyway, the items were all within reach of using it on your projects as you hand sewed. See?
They were also a status symbol as well. Only the wealthy women could afford the metal fancy ones. When the ladies axillary would get together to sew, the tools were all right there and handy.
I have seen some of the modern pattern company's offer some really beautiful embroidered hand-sewn ones done in a shabby chic style. I bet if you googled embroidered chatelaine patterns under images, some nice ones would be offered.