I have recently lost then found this little pamphlet belonging to my mother from The Needlework Development Scheme for which she did many designs. as I gather it was to encourage women and children to take up embroidery and stitching generally, teaching how to use the basic embroidery stitches to embellish home dressmaking toys and articles for the home. Where could you be without a hand embroidered antimacassar, needle case, or exquisitely decorated, starched apron? It must have been a constant worry... Sadly the front cover is lost ...
I thought the whole leaflet had been thrown away with a stack of old magazines which I had taken to recycling, and an afternoon was wasted searching through books and mag stacks, ringing Ashford Borough Council to see if they would let me rummage headfirst in the recycling bin, to no avail, then it turning up with a grin on it's face saying it had been there all the time, and the relief was huge. I do love these old treasures.
So just for now here are some images from this little work. The dolls are incredibly frightening but worth examining. And the best of all pictures, the two demure little girls, Morag and Elizabeth, in their ankle socks earnestly contemplating a piece of gingham in their little drapery store. I can't help thinking what our modern equivalent would be, though it's great to have so much interest in these skills now. (I managed to stop myself being scathing and strike a more positive note there did you notice?)
Anyway hope you like them ... comments always enjoyed! Incidentally, I have a backlog of blogposts to post, as I really am going hell for leather to get the new kits out there. But they are on their way! My lovely ladies will now be receiving some kits to sample for me (this week hopefully) and the Colour/Stitch cards are coming in the next day or so. Pictures coming as soon as I have them! There are three packs of three cards to colour and stitch!
I thought the whole leaflet had been thrown away with a stack of old magazines which I had taken to recycling, and an afternoon was wasted searching through books and mag stacks, ringing Ashford Borough Council to see if they would let me rummage headfirst in the recycling bin, to no avail, then it turning up with a grin on it's face saying it had been there all the time, and the relief was huge. I do love these old treasures.
So just for now here are some images from this little work. The dolls are incredibly frightening but worth examining. And the best of all pictures, the two demure little girls, Morag and Elizabeth, in their ankle socks earnestly contemplating a piece of gingham in their little drapery store. I can't help thinking what our modern equivalent would be, though it's great to have so much interest in these skills now. (I managed to stop myself being scathing and strike a more positive note there did you notice?)
Anyway hope you like them ... comments always enjoyed! Incidentally, I have a backlog of blogposts to post, as I really am going hell for leather to get the new kits out there. But they are on their way! My lovely ladies will now be receiving some kits to sample for me (this week hopefully) and the Colour/Stitch cards are coming in the next day or so. Pictures coming as soon as I have them! There are three packs of three cards to colour and stitch!
So lovely Nancy!! Those dolls are wonderful and I'm really intrigued with the little sewing basket, could be good inspiration for a handbag too! Hope you are well you busy bee you! XXX
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah! Ah hope you are well to! Missing my girl Friday! We must have that day off after the show. Would you like to come? As for the handbag idea that would be completely lovely .... let's catch up soon xxx
DeleteI miss coming to see you and Bids too! I definitely positively do want to do that yes!! I actually stumbled upon the fabric shop a few weeks ago and we have to go! I could not take it all in it's so magical, we'll be lost in there for hours then have to go and get some huge pieces of cake at the place nearby! Defo need a catch up, speak soon Nancy! XXX
DeleteSarah ... doing your reference, hope to post in the morning. Show starts proper tomorrow so a bit frantic! xxx
DeleteI love this pamphlet too; I remember something like this or it looks very similar to something I remember from my childhood. I also LOVE the sewing basket......:-)
ReplyDeleteIt's all good stuff! x
DeleteCurrently working on a research project of NDS who published this booklet. Check us out at www.needleworkblog@wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteLindy Richardson, Programme director Textiles, Edinburgh College of Art
Hi Lindy, great to hear from you. How wonderful, I will take a good look when the show is over ... I have quite a bit of material from NDS belonging to my mother, which you may already have but happy to share. Will be in touch. BTW I think we were at RCA at the same time? 1982 I left?
DeleteN x
Dear Nancy
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of the dolls are amazingly familiar. Could you possibly let me know what publication they are from, as I would love to track down a copy?
Best regards
Myfanwy