Second to none in their admiration of fine stitchery, the Victorians adorned their homes and wardrobes with lavish displays of needlework and similar handicrafts. Most nineteenth-century women engaged in some form of sewing whether for pleasure, economy, or both and in the absence of a tutor, they turned to handbooks such as this rare and authentic guide to the rich and varied intricacies of needlecraft.
Scores of diagrams and photos offer clear illustrations of the step-by-step directions for mastering an array of techniques and patterns. Ranging from a practical lesson in hemstitching to...