...beautiful pieces of needle craft that are a priceless heritage from our past. (from the editor's preface)

{HISTORY}

In 1961, editors at Woman's Day magazine ran a series of articles that told the history of American needlework. Included were examples of historic pieces found in museums and private collections around the country along with detailed instructions on how to recreate the specific patterns. The series was a hit and Woman's Day decided to compile the well-received information into its own standalone book with an accompanying box of patterns. 

Containing twenty sheets of 35.5" inch x 45" inch paper each folded down into 8.5" inch x 11.5" inch packets, each packet focuses on a single needlework craft and a project containing basic instructions and patterns. The range of projects is great - they run the gamut from an embroidered sunflower bedspread to a yarn-sewn rug to a needlepoint throw pillow - to an apron, table linens, door stops - all exact replicas of historic patterns. 

Included here are projects for...

• Candlewicking (bedcover and unsheared spread)
• Embroidery (apron, bedspreads, bed cover, firescreen)
• Patchwork (quilts)
• Applique (bedspread, quilt tops, coverlets)
• Crochet (kitchen linens, bedspreads, tray cloths, edging, doilies, capes, bonnets)
• Knitting (table linens, bedspread, rug, sampler, lace)
• Crewel Work (bed coverlet)
• Cross-stitch (samplers)
• Hawaiian Applique (quilts)
• Rug Making (floors rugs, bed rugs)
• Quilting (border patterns, bedspread and bed chamber ensemble)
• Hooking (rugs)
• Weaving (coverlets, blankets, carpeting, tablecloths)
• Needlepoint (pillows, chair seat, suspenders, chair cushion, door stop, firescreen, pincushion)

Most of the designs feature heavily one or more of the following themes:  flowers, birds, houses and geometric patterns. Pieces from the collections of the Henry Ford Museum (Michigan), the Farmer's Museum (New York) the Brooklyn Museum (New York) and the Smithsonian Museum (Washinton D.C) are just a few places where these patterns stem from. 

A fun idea for a sewing circle group or anyone interested in making beautiful and dynamic linens for hearth and home, this package of patterns and ideas would keep you busy for years!

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Boxed set

- Contains 20 packets with more than 75 projects

{CONDITION}

The paper pattern samples are in great shape with no rips or tears and clean paper. The cardboard box is not in great condition. It contains chippy areas, water stains, color fading and some ripped areas that have been patched together using archival materials so that contents rest securely inside. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

All 20 folded paper packets fit inside the cardboard box which measures 12" inches (length) x 9.5" inches (width) x 2.5" inches (thickness). Total with box and packets weigh 4.3lbs

 {FOR THE SEWER}

Find more vintage sewing books and accessories here.