Posted by Caroline on August 30, 1997 at 23:18:16:
In reply to Regency Needlework posted by JacqueJ on August 29, 1997 at 13:40:12
] I would appreciate some insights on needlework in the late 18th early 19th century. By needlework, I mean fancywork rather than mending or dressmaking.
Not much genuine Regency needlework seems to have survived,presumably because of its fragility, and because an article like a fire-screen , if useful but worn out, would be zealously re-covered by any Victorian woman who got their hands on it!
I have a few thoughts....
In P&P2 Jane Bingley seems to be working that green embroidery in wool on a linen cloth, does she not?
The Tailor of Gloucester (a Georgian character, surely) uses silk twist to embroider in satinstitch upon the waistcoat."The Fabric of Society" shows silkthread embroidered on silk for waistcoats and coats.
I have seen what in Engand is called Tapestry work and in North America usually called Needlepoint which is worked in wool threads on a linen canvas, supposedly done by the ladies of Grand houses.I assume this is what Lady Bertram does.
One feature of needlework which often survives is beadwork on slippers and purses. The beads are usually glass, and tiny, rather like what is referred to as Indian Beading these days. Presumably the beads were not expensive, because they were often worked by girls in orphanages, and the ones that I have seen were produced in France and Belgium, not England.There are some excellent examples from around 1800 in the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto.
Lace was still made by hand, and either of the knitted or bobbin type, I think. I have never heard of it being a genteel occupation to make lace.
Bone needles and wooden oneswere in use in the Middle ages in England, but as for Regency ones, I have't a clue.Drawn wires, shaved by hand, maybe?
I'm sorry to be so vague about this(It's late at night but that's not the real reason!)It's something I would like to know more about myself, so if I find anything concrete, I'll let you know!
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