Book Description

"This is a most unusual book, dealing with a subject that has never previously been so thoroughly examined. It concerns the tools and accessories that have been used in needlework throughout the centuries, and their relation to the history and development of needlework itself. A glance at some of the chapter headings gives an indication of the scope of the book: Needles and Needle-cases; Scissors and Knives; Work-boxes and Work-tables; Embroiderers' Tools and Cord-making Appliances; Knitting; Netting; Knotting; Purse-making and Pillow-lace. Not only is the evolution of the more everyday implements traced in detail; the reader is introduced into a world of Hemming-birds, Niddy-noddies, Yarningles, Lucettes and Drizzling-pins - the terms used are as delightful as the objects themselves. There are more than 200 illustrations. Some are from museums and art-galleries in this country, the United States and the Continent; others are from the author's own unique collection of tools. There are metal sewing-boxes worn by Anglo-Saxon women; needles and pins of medieval times; costly knotting shuttles used in the days of Marie Antoinette; and all the varied paraphernalia of the Victorian era. The author quotes extensively and most appropriately from many literary sources including Chaucer, Defoe, Jane Austen, Hans Andersen, the diaries of Parson Woodforde, etc., giving some indication of the enormous amount of research she has undertaken. She is herself a needlewoman, familiar with all the processes she mentions. To anyone interested in needlework, and to the social historian, this will be a valuable book of reference. It also presents many challenges to the collector, who will surely be inspired to search for the numerous delightful and once useful things described - the delicate tubular needle-cases of the Georgian and Victorian periods; the sewing-clamps or grippers that were so popular in the United States in the early 19th century; the bobbins used for pillow-lace with their intriguing inscriptions; and the small stilettos needed for Broderie Anglaise or for that curious and long-forgotten pursuit of Parfilage." --