Needlework through History: An Encyclopedia (Handicrafts through World History)
Needlework serves functional purposes, such as providing warmth, but has also communicated individual and social identity, spiritual beliefs, and aesthetic ideals throughout time and geography. Needlework traditions are often associated with rituals and celebrations of life events. Often-overlooked by historians, practicing needlework and creating needlework objects provides insights to the history of everyday life. Needlework techniques traveled with merchants and explorers, creating a legacy of cross-cultural exchange.
Beeton`s Book of Needlework, by Mrs. Isabella Mary Beeton (1836 - 1865), published in 1870, is a classic reference book for all crafters, beginners and experienced alike. It contains descriptions and instructions illustrated by 600 engravings of tatting patterns, crochet patterns, knitting patterns, netting patterns, embroidery patterns, point lace patterns, Guipure d`Art, Berlin work, monograms, initials and names, pillow work, and lace stitches. Beeton`s Book of Needlework is presented here in it`s entirety for your gentle use.
