Sampler and Antique Needlework

by Darlene O'Steen

Book Overview

Book This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0932437028
• ISBN13: 9780932437020
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Symbol of Excellence Publishers, Incorporated
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.7" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

Book description

Sampler & Antique Needlework: A Year in Stitches (Volume I) [This book, ISBN 0932437028, copyright 1994, is not titled "Volume I." However, a companion "Volume II" shows a 1995 copyright and ISBN 0932437044, and carries the notation "Volume II" only on the spine and title page, not on the cover. Therefore the covers of the two books carry identical titles as well as similar artwork. Contents of the two books are completely different.] From the Introduction: Needlework possesses a rich and fascinating past that predates recorded history. From records that do exist, we can surmise that from very early times, needleworkers used the crudest of materials and tools to create utilitarian pieces that are today considered to be works of needle art. Within the realm of needlework lies sampler-making. While the earliest surviving example of what is believed to be a sampler from the early Nazca culture dates to between A.D.200 and 500, sampler-making's recognized history dates from approximately the sixteenth century forward. The making of samplers in times past provided a means by which a young lady learned the alphabet and numerals. But much more importantly, it taught her the needle skills she was required to master in order to be considered suitable for marriage. One of her primary responsibilities was to mend, tend and mark the linens and clothing needed for a household. Sampler stitchers of modern times enjoy sampler-making as a pleasurable hobby. While many of us ply the stitches to re-create masterworks from the past, we also have an incredible array of contemporary work from which to choose. The appeal for some may be simply to create beautiful, decorative pieces for their homes. For others, however, their pastime also serves to educate them to the art of the needle while stimulating interest in its origins. For those individuals, existing samplers from days gone by offer not only a glimpse at the techniques that were used to execute them but also a look at the times in which they were created. They speak to the morals and values of their times, as well as to the political and educational influences that affected entire cultures. They are a mirror of a way of life that has long since passed. It is the continued pursuit of education and joy in the needle that brings us together as stitchers to marvel at the skills of needle artists from the past, to educate ourselves to the skills and the history of the needle, and to leave a sampler-making legacy for future generations. Contains 3 articles and the 18 projects, sorted into **groups** as follows: ARTICLES - A Glossary for Collectors of Needlework Tools - An Historical Survey of Seventeenth-Century Needlework Cabinets - Westtown Samplers--Quaker Heritage PROJECTS **Diminutive Works** - Christmas Sampler - Hearts and Flowers - Shaker-Box Samplers - Trio of Hearts **Elegance in White** - Embroidered Purse - Heart Sampler **Stitches In Time** - Frances Lawson Sampler - Elizabeth Burch

About This Book...

A handsome, large book with a sturdy binding and glossy pictorial hardback boards. Released without dustcover. 143 pp. Over 200 illustrations, more than half of them in color. Table of Contents Introduction Historical Perspectives - Westown Samplers, Quaker Heritage - Rose Bouquet - An Historical Survey of 17th century Needlework Cabinets - A Glossary for Collectors of Needlework Tools Masterworks - Frances Lawson Sampler - Elizabeth Burcham Sampler - Dorothy Preston Sampler - Frances Jewkes Sampler Treasures for Tomrrow Elegance in White Diminutive Works - Christmas Sampler - Hearts and Flowers - Shaker-Box Samplers Sources for Supplies Artists and Artisans Acknowledgement Index