Needlework
Posted by Tilde Binger on September 24, 1997 at 08:28:39:
In response to Re: Regency Needlework, written by Tilde Binger on September 19, 1997 at 07:13:18
I have been checking my books over the weekend, and am sorry not to know the english terms better.
Whitework: Several different sorts among those draw-work (drawing out of threads and "sculpturing" embroidered patterns and holes on the trend that was left), also what is known in DK as "broderie anglaise" which is cut (not drawn) holes that are embroidered around often with flowery motives. Sown lace (as edges on clothes and handkerchiefs) and again, tatting and aplique. Cross-stitching and gobelin-stitching was not much in use at this time as far as I can see. It is something which that belongs to a later age or takes other forms than the ones we use now.
The first schools for girls, teaching them to read, write, do algebra, history, geography (German and French languages optional, but they would cost more), drawing and "all kinds of embroidery, sowing, knitting, weaving and spinning" were started in Denmark in the latter half of the 18th c. and was definitely not for the really poor, since it cost money. It was more in the line of giving daughters of the up and coming towns-people some smattering of the learning that daughter of wealthier classes got from their governesses.
Some philantropical societies were formed to teach the daughters of respectable but poor families, but few survived any length of time. (But one of the early ones are still alive and kicking, though the curriculum has changed somewhat). In the poor-houses and asylums, only ordinary needlework (the more boring kind for everyday clothes etc.) spinning and, first and foremost, knitting was done.
Tilde Binger
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