The needle has been the instrument through which women have, aside from keeping things together, created beauty and expressed themselves... (from the Forward)

{HISTORY}

First invented in 1851, the Singer Sewing Machine is credited with being, not only one of the greatest, but one of the most important inventions of all time. Determined to not only make quality sewing machines that could last practically forever, Singer was the industry leader in providing educational tools to assist and inspire all sewers no matter their skill level or project need was.

In 1922, Singer published this instruction manual, Art Embroidery and Lace Work, a book that would go on to inspire the textile and home sewing industries for the next 95 years. This edition of the book was published in 1948, just two years after Singer started building sewing machines again, after diverting their manufacturing attentions to building weapons during World War II. 

Intended for electric singer sewing machines, this 225 page book explains how to make over 100 different types of lace and embroidery stitches to embellish a plethora of projects from tablecloths to napkins to lingerie and even a tea ceremony kimono. Technical information abounds here! The book is broken down by lesson, each style of lace is described as to fabric weight, ideal purpose and level of complexity as well as detailed info on each stitch's exact needle, thread and tension needed to order to achieve that specific style. 

What is especially marvelous about this book is that it's both a how to book and also a reference book for 125 different types of embroidery and lace styles. Mexican Drawn Work, Persian Embroidery, Hemstitching, all the laces (Venetian Lace, Irish Lace, Duchess Lace, Bone Lace, Brussels Lace!) and all the styles Hedebo, Cretonne, Battenberg are included here plus many, many more.  With the advent of modern sewing machines these days, whee you can hot a button and the design gets stitched all on its own, this book is a wonderful tribute to the talent of sewers past. After perusing this book you'll never look at a piece of vintage needlework in the same way again.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- 1948 edition

- 225 pages

- Includes 125 sewing lessons

- Illustrated throughout with both color and black and white photography

- Includes detailed index 

- Glossy pages

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition. All pages are clean and bright and contain no markings. Spine is tight and all pages intact. There is the slightest rubbing of corners on the coverboards.

{SIZE}

Measures 7.35" inches (width) x 11" inches (length) x .75" inches (thickness)

{FOR ADDED INSPIRATION}

Browse the vintage linens section of the shop for a little inspiration and to see the possibilities that await once you embark on a few lessons with the help of this book.