Treasures in Needlework

This morning I was tidying up my studio (aka "Gramma's Playroom") and putting away all of my books after having entered them into Library Thing and Ravelry; and I happened to pick up a little book entitled, "Treasures in Needlework; Workable Patterns, Plain and Practical Instructions" by Mrs. Warren and Mrs. Pullan, first published in 1870. My copy is a little reprint paperback copy by Lancer Books in 1973.

I hadn't really looked at it in several years, so I started reading and got the brilliant idea to record some of my favourite bits here on my blog. So, to begin, the original Preface:

"The art of Needlework in every form is well known to be as old as the hills; but in past ages the higher or picturesque gradations of it were confined to the delicate fingers of Queens and Court ladies. Matilda, the accomplished consort of William the Conqueror, has left a memorable achievement in the Bayeux Tapestry -- a wondrous work truly, full of beauty, and most graphically presenting us with a history of the conquest. In our own times much has been done to raise the art of picturesque and useful Needlework in popular estimation; and it is gratifying to think that a spirit of emulation has been aroused, which must, sooner or later, render the knowledge of this art necessary to the perfection of womanly education.
"Treasures in Needlework" is brought out to help this good tendency, and to meet the wishes of numerous Lady-Needleworkers, who have felt the want of a Book of Reference in which could be found plain and practical instructions, combined with workable patterns, in every species of Fancy and Ornamental Needlework. We believe this requirement is fully met in the following pages, abounding as they do with examples of the utmost variety, and in all styles.

Perhaps no contemporaneous issue of the press, even in these days of illustrated literature, can boast of so many really useful engravings, or exhibit such manifest evidence of elaborate industry. Each design in the book can be worked out: the directions are the result of actual performance. They will, therefore, with the aid of the Errata, be all-sufficient for the reproduction of the patterns.

It only remains to say, that no expense has been spared to render the book worthy of universal acceptance. Upon the woodcuts and designs above two thousand pounds have been expended. This outlay does not include the cost of printing, paper, &c., nor any of the charges incidental to publishing in this shape. A very large sale, not only in "merrie England," but wherever fair fingers ply the needle, either for ornamental or useful purposes, can alone recompense the enterprise that now ventures to cast its bread upon the waters, earnestly entreating those who may derive pleasure or profit from the book to extend to it the kindness of a generous recommendation. "Treasures in Needlework" is suitable to all ranks; its instructions can be carried out by all capacities. Therefore let us hope, that while the work may grace the Boudoir of the Peeress, it shall also penetrate into the Cottage of the Peasant; that while it can become a source of useful recreation to the rich, it may also prove a reliable aid to the industrious effort of the poor."

Well, I guess this Peasant better get back to tidying the Cottage, eh! More snippets to come...