Jane Austen Embroidery

Jane Austen was as skillful with a needle as she was with a pen, and this unique book showcases rare and beautiful embroidery patterns from her era, repurposed into 15 modern sewing projects. Derived from Lady's Magazine (1770–1832), a popular monthly periodical of fashion, fiction, and gossip, the projects consist of embroidered clothes, accessories, and housewares. Designs include an evening bag, a muslin shawl, an apron, a floral napkin set and tablecloth, and other pretty and practical items with timeless appeal.
These authentic patterns — many of which have not been reprinted in more than 200 years—are enlivened by vivid glimpses into the world of Regency women and their domestic lives. Fascinating historical features, quotes from Austen's letters and novels, enchanting drawings, clear instructions, and inspirational project photography trace the patterns' origins and illustrate their imaginative restoration for modern use. A must-have for every Jane Austen fan, this book is suitable for needleworkers at every level of experience.

Jennie Batchelor is Professor of Eighteenth-Century Studies at the University of Kent and the author of five books on women's roles in history. Jennie has co-hosted embroidery workshops and given talks about embroidery, Jane Austen, and Regency fashion for many events, including the BBC documentary Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors.
As a practicing embroiderer, Alison Larkin lectures and provides workshops on various aspects of needlework. She has won many awards and written for the journals Costume and The Journal of Dress History.

CONTENTS

Introduction: Embroidery in Jane Austen’s Britain
Materials and Methods

Embroidered Clothes: Dressed to Impress
Simple Sprig Pattern, Stitched Two Ways
Beaded Pencil Case
Evening Clutch Purse
"Fireflower" Apron
"Harvest" Housewife

Embroidered Accessories: How Do You Like My Trimming?
Pretty Floral Napkin Set
Quilted Cell Phone Pouch
Quilted Tablet Sleeve
Elegant Regency-Style Reticule or Jewelry Pouch
Delicate Regency-Style Muslin Shawl

Embroidery for the Home: A "Nest of Comforts"
"Christmas" Tea Box Top
Glittering Gold and Green Work Bag
Etruscan Circular Cushion
"Georgian" Sewing Set
"Autumn" Adjustable-Size Tablecloth

Endnotes
Select Further Reading and Resources
Embroidery Threads Conversion Chart
Acknowledgments