Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries

Book excerpt: *History of needlework tools and associated embroideries from the seventeenth century to the Edwardian era*Answers the questions that collectors really ask*Of interest to collectors, dealers, auction houses, as well as embroidery and needlework enthusiastsThis is a comprehensive study of needlework tools from the seventeenth century to the Edwardian era. The format of the book groups these tools into periods and relates them to the style of embroidery fashionable at that time. The book starts with the heavy silver needlework tools of the seventeenth century which are related to the raised and padded embroidery of that era now known as stumpwork. The more delicate embroidery tools of the Georgian era are grouped together with fine embroideries. Illustrations of Georgian sewing boxes and sewing sets show the wonderful varieties available to collectors. Palais Royal sewing boxes and their superb mother-of-pearl contents, considered by collectors to be the ultimate sewing box, are illustrated as are the glorious carved ivory needlework tools that originated from the Dieppe region of France. The Victorian lady chose her sewing box, work table or sewing set from the tremendous range available of which illustrated examples include tortoiseshell, papier mbchi, Tunbridge ware and Mauchline ware. This was also the era of the sewing circle and handmade needlework tools were created in abundant numbers, many surviving for today's collectors' market.