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Mary Corbet

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I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

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Old Embroidery Books: Online & Elsewhere & Stuff

 

Amazon Books

After last week’s free hand embroidery pattern and the online resource for the old book it came from, I received a slew of email with several questions pertaining to that article. They were mostly pertinent enough to combine into an article on Old Embroidery Books Online, which, as today’s title suggests, is exactly what I’m doing.

If you’re not into old books, I won’t hold it against you! But I am a Strangely Passionate Old Book Fiend (“old” modifying “book” in that phrase, please). Ok, come to think of it, I’m a Strangely Passionate Book Fiend, whether old or new.

But, like I said, if you’re not into books, feel free to pass by me today, because that’s what I’m going to talk about. We can resume our relationship tomorrow, right where we left off!

Old Embroidery Books: Sajou

Now, by old embroidery books, I mean books published anywhere from about the 1970’s, backwards – pretty much anything “before my time.” I think they attract me because they are before my time. But I seem to lean towards “the older, the better.” This isn’t exactly the case in every book instance, though, because there are some old embroidery books that I can easily give a miss, and there are some newer embroidery books that I’d turn summersaults for.

Old Embroidery Books

I collect old embroidery books and old embroidery pamphlets and periodicals. But I only collect them occasionally. If I buy one online, it’s because I already know what it is, and I’m looking for it specifically. When I come across one in a used book shop, estate sale, antique shop, or what-have-you, and it is a book that I would really be interested in, and the price is right, then I buy it. But I don’t just buy up any old books – I try to be discerning in the books I collect.

(Admittedly, if the old family manse here were a bit larger and had a room devoted to books only, I might be less discerning and this could develop into a serious problem…)

Old Embroidery Books

Discovering Old Embroidery Books

Some questions that came up: How does an old book come to my attention, and how do I know to look for it, and where do I look for it?

First, there’s this matter of reading. I actually do read the books in my needlework library, and in them – especially in anything that’s historically based – there are usually references to other books or authors. These references often intrigue me, and they lead me down various paths of exploration.

I also tend to look for books by specific authors or by people notable in any given era of embroidery. Mrs. Archibald Christie comes to mind. She wrote many excellent books on embroidery in the early 1900’s. (Samplers and Stitches is one of my favorites.) Once I had made Mrs. Christie’s acquaintance, it was easy to look for her hither and yon, and I generally keep an eye out for her at the various book haunts. I’ve collected several of her books for my own shelf, and I’ve also come across many of her works free, online.

I’ve also visited the rare books rooms at libraries to view certain of her books and other authors’ books. For example, the Topeka Public Library has a rare copy of Christie’s English Medieval Embroidery, which I’ve perused a few times. I don’t own my own copy of it, but I’d like to. The $2,000+ price tag is (needless to say) quite prohibitive!

Besides exploring references and looking for specific authors, I look for books by era. For example, the Arts & Crafts Movement intrigues me, so I tend to seek out information or read a lot about that era. My interests also tend to cross other fields of study, and because I have an interest, for example, in the Oxford Movement, in World War I poetry, in Renaissance music, in medieval illumination, and whatnot, I tend to find the art and needlework of the same eras more intriguing, too. I explore those interests and come across the names of the “movers and shakers” in the various fields of art, and this all leads to the discovery of old needlework books.

Old Embroidery Books

Old needlework periodicals are a little bit different. I know they exist, but my favorite ones are from France, from the mid 1800’s through the mid 1900’s. Sometimes, it’s hard to get my fingers on them. I generally search for those by the name of the publication, like La Brodeuse or La Broderie Blanche or Journal des Demoiselles or Sajou.

In English, the Carmela Testa Variety publications from the early 1900’s and the various journals like the Needlecraft Practical Journal and Weldon’s, are all favorites.

I keep up an ongoing search for these types of publications through used book sources and through eBay.

Online Needlework Books

Where to Find Old Embroidery Books Online for Free

The other overwhelming question was concerning recommendations for finding free online embroidery books.

There are four online sources for free, good-quality old texts that I frequent. They are:

Internet Archive
Online Digital Archives of Documents on Weaving and Related Topics
Project Gutenberg
Antique Pattern Library

Internet Archive and Project Gutenberg both have excellent search features. If you type “embroidery” into their search field, you’ll come up with some real treasures! It sometimes take a lot of browsing to find books that particularly interest you, and you can narrow your search by adding other words, like “embroidery design” or “embroidery Christie” or “Jacobean embroidery” and so forth.

The Digital Archives on Weaving, etc. and Antique Pattern Library don’t have the same type of search feature, but if you go to the “books” page on Digital Archives or the “catalog” page on Antique Pattern Library, you can use your keyboard commands to search the listings. Just click control+F on a PC or command+F on a Mac, and a little search box will show up at the top of your browser. There, you can type in keywords, like “embroidery” and search the listings that way.

For Sajou and similar embroidery pamphlets, the best online source is Patternmaker, a blog devoted to making these old publications available. There, you’ll find many (if not all) of the old Sajou alphabet pamphlets, as well as many Russian and German pamphlets. It’s an excellent collection and well worth a browse.

Old Embroidery Books Online

Concerning Old Books and Embroidery Designs

And finally, the other questions I received concerning old books had to do with designs in particular.

Why do I bother doing a line drawing of a design that’s available in a free online book?

Fair question – because it’s easier for you (and me) to print it and use it; because my copy is cleaner and will take a lot less printer ink; and because my copy can be easily enlarged or reduced without losing resolution.

How do you make those line drawings and can you provide a tutorial for making them?

I use Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape to create vector drawings. You can look up either of these online (Inkscape if free shareware) and there are many, many tutorials online for how they work. You can also take classes to learn these things. It would be very difficult for me to offer tutorials for using them, because it would open up too many questions, especially from those not already familiar with graphics and design, that I don’t have time to answer and that are not the focus of Needle ‘n Thread.

Aren’t you violating copyright by putting that design on your website?

No. It’s in the public domain.

Someone else has already put it online in their own digital file, so isn’t that a violation of their copyright rights?

No. The design is in the public domain.

Why do you have a copyright on the design if it is from an old book?

The copyright is on my digital version, not on the design itself. It simply means you can’t take my digital version and sell it or publish it on another website, etc., without my permission.

Any Questions?

There you have it. All Old Embroidery Book Related Questions answered for this week! If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to ask! You can leave a comment below, or you can drop me a line. I’m more likely to answer your question right away if you leave it below, and other people can benefit from your questions, too, when they are left on the website.

Enjoy your day!

 
 

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(37) Comments

  1. G’day Mary,
    Old embroidery books are right up my bookshelf!
    An adapted saying ‘Don’t throw out your old embroidery magazines or sell your old books, just buy another bookcase.’ In my case it might be more appropriate to say ‘…just add on another room’ !
    Thank you for todays info. Cheers, Kath.

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  2. I really like that flowered font and the embellishments in the 3rd image from the bottom. Could you tell me the source for that image, please? Thanks! 🙂

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  3. Mary, I am looking for an old embroidery book that sounds delightful. It was a tool for teaching girls to embroidery. The author is Ethel R. Hambridge and the book title is “The Story of Girlie Bunting on the Island of “Never-Mind-Where””. I found a copy at amazon.com.co.uk for $31, but when I went back to order it, it had been sold. If you run across an archived copy, please let me know. Thanks!

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  4. I also am a fan of old books, patterns and tatters. It was very enjoyable to read the entire text but I was somewhat disappointed by the paucity of
    illustrations and look forward to searching the sources you have posted.

    And to Linda Hayes-Trent : there is one used copy of ‘The Story of Girlie Bunting’ listed at abebooks.com, that may be what you are seeking.

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    1. Hi Linda,

      I am am an avid craft book fan like yourself, and came across an old advertisement for the Girlie Bunting book when I was browsing the Internet Archive.
      The book sounds alot like the ‘Mary Frances’ book series, have you heard of them?
      Anyway, I was wondering, if it were possible, for you to put a copy of the book on the Internet Archive, if you have access to a scanner? If not I understand. I’d love to have a review of the book though, it sounds utterly charming.

  5. You had me going there for a few minutes. “Mrs. Archibald Christie” was the famed Agatha Christie’s first married name, having married Col. Archibald Christie. I figured you’d have mentioned the fact, but I checked the list of her published books to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. Found only several sour critiques citing her “embroidered” plots!

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  6. Mary, you have opened many windows of new learning for me. I am now retired and am so thankful I have the time and resources for learning and creating. Thank you so much and please do not stop what you are doing!!

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  7. Ah, someone with the same passion. I love the Patternmaker website and have devoted countless hours to it’s existence. If you are looking for Sajou alphabet patterns for doing monograms and such, then Patternmaker is excellent. The internet archive does take some searching and patience. For those who do fine crochet it is the best resource for old crochet patterns.

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  8. Love the info on old books, and I’m saving those you reference. Looked one up, and saw several alphabets I’d love to work with. Any idea why most of them drop a letter or two from the alphabet? Bev

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    1. Thanks for the link, Kath! That’s a good point, especially when dealing with ancient alphabets.

      With the typical monogram alphabets of the last 100 years or so, there are a couple other considerations, too:

      In olden days, printing and graphic design was not quite as easy and accessible as today, so certain shortcuts can be made with the alphabet. For example, an M can serve as a W – just flip it over. An “I” can serve as a “J” (this is also a linguistic consideration, kind of similar to the article in the link Kath posted). Last names beginning with certain letters are also not common in some languages, so the infrequent use of the letters in names was a sufficient excuse to exclude the letters from monogram alphabets.

      MC

  9. If you get to Spain, especially the Madrid flea market, look for the tatty little women’s magazines from the 70’s. I was stationed there, during Franco’s time, and came to love the picture of family life I saw in those magazines. I still have a couple of them and being much older than you, I will keep you in mind! In those days without birth control, with women paid less than men, couples had long engagements and had to fit out their new home beforehand because once married, the babies would come! (The discotheques were very dark!) The dowry included hand-embroidered linens. Also, back then, as men had to do military service, women had to learn things in their own class, including fine embroidery. This was called Seccion Feminina. I purchased several luncheon sets from them in various embroidery styles. Inside all these magazines was a pattern sheet with the most exquisite designs. I’m sure they were borrowed, maybe French, but lovely. Also in Lisbon in 1986 I picked up some folded sheets full of embroidery patterns, crocheted lace, etc. Just the picture being all that was needed. If I could go back, I would eat up all the paintings that showed glorious blackwork. I would photograph interlocked paving stones. And I would definitely collect talking dolls in all different languages! You keep on keeping on! I love your column! Mimi in South Lake Tahoe, CA [Dad born in St. John, grandmother from Sylvia, KS]

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  10. Hello Mary, I’ve only recently been referred to your blog/newsletter and I love reading it. I’m only a beginner embroiderer, having had a go at embroidering some little things for a trousseau for my first daughter’s wedding in February this year, and continuing with another for my second daughter’s wedding in November this year. But I’m now hooked and will continue, so all your tidbits of information are terrific for me. I’d really love to have a go at Sashiko and was wondering if you have any hints for a novice. Thank you again for your time and effort. Erica

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  11. Have to agree about Grace Christie. However another of my Favourites is Louisa Pesel.
    The links are great

    Cheers Darrell

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  12. Hi Mary.

    I thoroughly enjoy receiving your emails and this latest one re Samplers and Stitches by Mrs. Archibald Christie is no exception. In fact, I have found a few of these books in the UK and have purchased one for myself. The details are just devine and I am looking forward to receiving it so can pour over the pages and try not to drool 🙂 You are so kind to share all of your secrets with us.
    Also, the needle ID cards are fantastic!

    Maria

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  13. Thank you, thank you. I was about to buy a copy of ‘Samplers and Stitches’ but your comprehensive list of free sources led me straight to it. I need the answer to a very important question: where do you get the time and energy to do all that you do? And could I have just a little of them please? In the absence of that I will continue reading your post every day and learning and when I grow up I might just be nearly as good as you.

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  14. Yes, the love of “Old” books. Last week I purchased one I had been watching for over a year. The price had been coming down and finally – it was within reach. I grabbed it and love it. It is a collection of full sized Ecclesiastical embroidery plates taken from actual items. One draw back is that the pages are so very fragile. It must be used with the greatest care, but the information contained there in – it’s priceless!

    For those who love that Antique Pattern Library, there is a “French” variation found here: http://bleudecroix.pagesperso-orange.fr/anciensediteurs.htm
    Another is here:
    http://patternmakercharts.blogspot.com/
    The sites are a bit difficult to navigate at first, but there are gems to be found amongst the tangle.

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  15. These are indeed lovely sources for old books and pamphlets, I think I’ve lost a few months of my life looking at and downloading from them. Not only good for embroidery, but knitting, crochet, sewing,…

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  16. All I can say, Mary, if I ever find out where you live, I’m popping in to see your collections. If only.

    Don’t worry, I live in New Jersey and don’t travel at all.

    People hear “embroidery” and they say “oh — embroidery”. What they don’t realize, poor little things, is that “embroidery” encompasses books, antiques, materials, threads, patterns, history, color, art, beauty. Oh well, they just don’t get it.

    THANK YOU AGAIN. How many times can I thank you?

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  17. I have slowly come to the realization that I am a collector of embroidery books, most especially those with stitch directions. I know most of them overlap but there are many many stitches out there that are rarely seen. Like you, I read all my needlework books cover to cover. For me it’s not just all about the pictures – I need to absorb the information too. Thanks for this post!

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  18. Oh Mary all these kindred spirits. we built another room and have filled the new bookshelves already! I think they all came out of hiding and what fun to reacquaint myself with some old friends. I have a collection of Girls Own Annuals the bound collections for the colonies- 1904 to 1934 not all of them but some of the embroideries and other needlearts are fascinating. My darling Mum used some of the black and white illustrations for her needlepainting and they are exquisite.So you dont necessarily need an embroidery pattern to do interesting and beautiful work.Many many thanks for your emails Mary I enjoy them so much and look forward to them a good way to start the day Bless you

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  19. Hello

    I wondered if you knew of anyone who might be collecting Embroidery magazine. I have about 15 copies from the early 1980’s looking for a home if there is one!

    Janet

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    1. Hi, Janet
      I am interested in them. Please send me an email so we can discuss (hayestrent@yahoo.com)

      Thanks

  20. I have found a book soulmate! I have never really run into someone that collects sewing books like I do. Not only on embroidery, but general sewing, and quilting. I have stacks of back issues of magazines, full bookcases, and can’t stop, well when I am broke like now I tend to stop. My collecting goes through every era up to the present, but I have found as I come across books, I’m much more discerning now than I used to be. You can many times give a more recent book a pass just because of who the publisher was. I do want to mention that in your’s and other’s searches for embroidery ideas, many of the older general sewing books have chapters on embroidery and designs so don’t pass them up until you have had a chance to check out those chapters. So many aspects of needlwork overlap such as embroidery that can become a form of lace making. Just so glad to have found your site and thank you for the ideas on who to look for. One on my list is Mary Brooks Picken, not so much for embroidery but anything she wrote is marvelous. She helped teach thousands of women how to sew via correspondence classes back in the first half of the 1900’s.

    I’m disabled with bad arthritis and I find reading about any form of needlework or looking at my magazines helps take my mind off of my pain. I also started a sewing related business on line of selling sewing patterns, and still have much to list although we have over 8000 patterns up for sell at this point. Maybe then I will get to the booklets and leaflets I have set aside to sale. Always too much to do, but rather that than be bored! So my life is surrounded with needle and thread! I found your site via Pinterest by the way.

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  21. I am trying to locate a vintage (60’s-70’s)book
    of embroidery project containing an unusual
    alphabet…believe the author’s last name to be
    something like Arbrutter – Ambrutter ???? I am
    not able to locate my copy and would be willing
    to purchase another… Any idea of the author?
    Trusting in your expertise for help. Many thanks
    Mary Bellingham

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    1. Hi, Mary. Please provide as much information as you can on the alphabet (i.e., was it a hippy font, did it have swirls, flowers, etc.).
      I am searching. If I find anything close to that author’s name, I’ll let you know. Good luck on your hunt!

      Cheers,
      Linda

  22. I have a copy of “Simple Stitch patterns for embroidery” by Anne Brandon-Jones published by B.T. Batsford.
    The preface is dated May 1926 but I can’t find a date of publication, how can I find out if it has a value?
    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    Thank you

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  23. A copy of an 1880 embroidery book is on eBay at the moment! One the smithsonian has I think ‘Embroidered book of designs by F. Delamotte’ !

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  24. The image of the pink chrysanthemum needlework reminded me of a kimono dressing gown I made in the 1980’s and I purchased this same embroidery transfer design and embroidered mine onto the back of my dressing gown which was blue cotton with pink borders and a pink tie belt. Very pleased with how it turned out. Loved the effect of satin stitch ❤️

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  25. Just happened on your article about old patterns and books. Where would I find old crewel work patterns that could be blown up to be done as a major crewel work wall art? I used to love crewelling as a teen and in university but left it to build a career. Now retired I want to get back into it but the bigger pieces can’t be found. there are only small tiny pieces of embroidery and crewel work pieces available. Are there any companies left who produce the old large crewel designs and kits anymore?

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