The Embroiderer's Story: Needlework from the Renaissance to the Present Day

by Thomasina Beck

140 pages in color & 265 b/w illustrations! Explore the rich history of the age-old art of embroidery with this exquisitely illustrated and spellbinding volume. Embroiderers from Elizabethan times to the present day are brought vividly to life through the use of a wide array of sources, including books, diaries, paintings, and of course embroideries. Inspiration, design, and the changing uses of needlework are discussed in detail. The impact of new tools and materials are described in their social context--from the first truly sharp scissors and needles in Elizabethan times to the sewing machine and photocopier of the twentieth century. Samplers show how successive generations learned their craft, and motifs from their work and from long-lost patterns books are reproduced and adapted for modern usage. Trim 8 1/2 x 12.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Fashion, Art, Design, Reference, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Teresa]

I loved it! Very thorough and authoritative, with lots of colour and b&w drawings, many or which i will trace for my own embroideries.

[Katharine]

Excellent historical overview.

[Jackie Bouvier]

One of the best historical embroidery books of it’s time.

Thomasina has provided a thorough, well researched history of each era, beautifully photographed stitched pieces, embroidery related art work and illustrations.

[Rachel E. Meyer]

A quite brief but interest overview of the history of embroidery. It focuses on England, which is understandable, but I would love to find a book that covers American or even worldwide embroidery history. Well explained and lots of great pictures.

[Felicia]

An interesting book for anybody interesting in how girls and women may have led their lives and the role that needlework played in the lives of girls and women in England.

[Alexandra]

An interesting and informative study of the history of embroidery.

[Andy Plonka]

It's been a long time since I did any needlework and this volume is a bit dated but the history of the subject was interesting