Hi, Prim friends - I could look at 19th and 20th century needlework books forever. I don't know what it is about
them, a simpler time? Attention to every detail in their
homes and wardrobe? The unhurried fashion that the
women seemed to go about in their world. But still they
managed to cook, clean, launder, be caregivers, then had
a quiet time at night to do their mending and marking of
linens, and some beautiful cross stitching or embroidery.
Needlework endures today, with our efforts to re-create
the work of so many girls and women that went before us.
I'm glad I'm a female!
Demonstrating the proper height and distance from table for needlework. The thread is drawn up as shown.
It's that attention to every detail again, these ladies certainly were efficient and organized.
Do a Google search on vintage needlework books and see
what you come up with. Demographics determine where the
search will go, I won't get the same results as you for example. The books for American young ladies are really
fun, they include toys, games, rhymes and needlework and
sewing crafts. My favorite is the The American Girl's Book by Eliza Leslie.
This book has some wonderful crafts projects for young
girls and they are wonderful early Colonial examples that
we can re-create.
So I hope you enjoyed the glimpse into 19th century girls'
pastimes.
Good Nite Primmies,
Susan