Traditional  Needlework in Miniature
by Annelle Ferguson
This book tells the story of the needle arts with lush illustrations of miniaturized designs. Top miniaturist needleworks contributed 54 projects you can make and use authentically in settings spanning seven centuries. Hard bound, 200 pages, 54 patterns, 198 color, 31 illustrations, $35.00

RICAMI D'ASSISI 2: A collection of traditional Assisi embroidery motifs, with color schemes
Taken from actual historic patterns dating back before the 16th century, this full color book contains a diverse and fascinating collection of patterns, including borders, mythological motifs, floral, avian, animal and geometric
charts, and stitch diagrams for proper execution of the technique. The text, which is minimal, is in Italian, but the patterns and diagrams are self-explanatory. Paper, 51 pages, $20.00

A  SCHOLE-HOUSE FOR THE NEEDLE
First published by Richard Shorleyker in 1632, this edition has been produced directly from the original 1632 book, now in the private collection of John and Elizabeth Mason. John Mason bought the edition at a rummage sale in England in the 1940's, paying a few pence for it, and being unaware of its significance. Through her pursuit of lacemaking, Elizabeth Mason became acquainted with another extant edition in the Bodleian Library in Oxford, dated 1624, but lacking some of the pages that her edition still contained. Pattern books such as this were essentially working tools for the embroiderer. The designs were copied from them by pricking and pouncing, which involves poking tiny holes through the outline of the printed design, then forcing fine powder through the holes to leave the impression on the fabric to be embroidered. As a result, very few original pattern books have survived, so the discovery and publication of this book is of great significance to the study of historic needlework. It includes over 60 illustrations of lace and embroidery patterns from the sixteenth and early seventeenth century, with an historical background by Santina Levey. Softbound, 62 pages $55.00

Virtue Leads & Grace Reveals: Embroideries and Education in Antebellum South Carolina
by Curious Works Press, in conjunction with the exhibit of the same name, at the Museum of York County, in Rock Hill, SC

America's southern females have been practicing their handwork skills since their foremothers set down roots in the British colonies. The most recent research on southern embroidery is presented in this new exhibit catalog, written by curator Patricia Veasey, with an essay by Jaime Robinson. Its focus is schoolgirl samplers from the upstate Carolinas, made from the late 18th century to the mid-Civil War era. The stories of these samplers are intertwined with stories of migration, religion, trade, socio-economic status, family ties, prescribed roles for southern women, and slavery. These compelling narratives counter existing stereotypes of the activities of southern women, and the embroideries themselves illuminate previously unheralded contributions of young southern needleworkers. Paper, 56 pages, 39 color plates, $20.00

Alphabets From Early Samplers
by Marsha Van Valin
This book features 64 different charted alphabets taken from antique samplers dating from the late 16th to the mid 19th century. It is an invaluable reference for designers as well as casual needleworkers looking for distinctive, and historically correct period lettering styles. The text includes historically appropriate color recommendations, with DMC cotton and au ver a soie Soie d'Alger silk numbers provided, as well as background on the evolution of lettering styles. Alphabetical and numerical sequences from the earliest band samplers, to elaborate Scottish illuminated lettering, to the austere Roman style Quaker letters, are featured. Softbound, 40 pages, $16.00

Textiles at Sulgrave

Sulgrave Manor, located near Banbury in Oxfordshire, England, is the home of George Washington's ancestors.
In 1539, Lawrence Washington purchased the land from Henry VIII and built the house which was to be his family's home for more than a century.
 Sulgrave Manor's collection of textiles and embroideries includes items of costume, of furnishing and decoration, ranging from the 17th to the 21st century, illustrating a variety of techniques including sampler making, canvas work, stumpwork, quilting, weaving, and surface embroideries.
All profits from the sales of this book are directed to textile refurbishment at Sulgrave Manor.
Paper, 32 pages, full color, $16.00

Diligence, Industry and Virtue: Samplers and Historic Embroideries

This newest 2002 exhibition catalog from Witney Antiques in England chronicles 300 years of samplermaking. It leads us away from the usual perception of samplers as merely decorative art. Many verses on samplers reflect the perceived feminine ideal, illustrating the traditional values and virtues taught from early childhood to young womanhood. The exhibition runs from October 14th until November 2nd. The earliest examples date from the 17th century, a journey ending over 100 years ago. All the samplers are unique, and the fact that often very young children were able to produce such painstaking and exacting work is indeed remarkable. 50 full color illustrations, paper, $25.00
 

TUDOR TREASURES TO EMBROIDER
by Pamela Warner
Over 500 years ago, great wealth combined with an explosion of artistic creativity to produce England's first truly indigenous fabric designs. Today, the Tudor style continues to inspire fashion wherever people desire elegance along with practicality. Your own personal accessories and home decor can incorporate elements of Tudor style with the eleven basic projects included in this book: from floral silk cushion covers, a band sampler, linen place mats and coasters, embroidered and beaded box lids, to beaded evening bags. Beautifully photographed finished projects combine with illustrated stitch diagrams and instructions to lead you through each step to a finished work. Paper, full color, 192 pages, $18.00

PERIOD PASTIMES: A Practical Guide to Four Centuries of Decorative Crafts
 by Felice Hodges.
This is an intriguing examination of four hundred years of domestic industry with practical instruction in how to make traditional heirlooms: finely painted chairs, stump works, samplers, delicate paper filigree pictures, striking silhouette greeting cards, brightly colored rugs, trays decorated with pressed leaves and flowers, beadwork boxes, and much more. Each craft is set in its period context, with vivid, meticulously researched and often amusing descriptions of the characters who made them. The book includes wonderful color photos of antique needleworks. This book is out of print, but we have NINE copies available. Hardbound, 189 pages, $35.00