This is a lovely book with beautiful illustrations and photography.
It is split into three sections; Clothes, Accessories, and Items for the Home, as well as an introduction.
The introduction is an essay on embroidery in Jane Austen’s time and some family recollections.
Jane could not resist telling her sister Cassandra, ‘she was the neatest worker of the party’
The rest of the introduction contains information about the Lady’s Magazine (from which all of the original patterns in this book are taken.
Each section has its own introduction with more information about Jane Austen and the Lady’s Magazine. These are really fascinating and are worth reading even if you’re not a stitcher.
The instructions and diagrams look good, I haven’t attempted anything yet, but I did read them and think they were comprehensive and easy to follow.
Most of the projects aren’t really things that I would make, but I would like to attempt the ‘Harvest Housewife’ and the ‘Glittering Gold and Green Workbag’ (although I think I would embroider something different – perhaps the ‘Fireflower Apron’pattern).
The projects are made with silk thread, but there is a DMC conversion at the end if you prefer to stitch with cotton. There is also a list of resources and further reading suggestions. I am quite keen to read
- 18th Century Embroidery Techniques – Gail Marsh (I have ordered a copy)
- Jane Austen and Leisure – David Selwyn
Some of the others in the list I already own and need to reread (Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England – Amanda Vickery, and The Subversive Stitch – Roszika Parker)
