Historical needlework patterns available free from Project Gutenberg

[untonuggan]

Excerpt from Knitting, Crochet, and Netting, with Twelve Illustrations by Éléonore Riego de la Branchardière, originally published in 1846 and available for free on Project Gutenberg:

"The Authoress, having had much experience in teaching, and always writing her own directions, has been induced to publish this little Volume for the use of her pupils; and as all the receipts have been tried, she can with confidence answer for their accuracy. Should any further instructions be required, she will wait upon any Lady, who will apply at S. KNIGHTS, 6, 'Change Alley, Cornhill; HOWELL and JAMES, Regent Street; and at all the principal Berlin shops."

Patterns include those for a Turkish Pattern Muff, Driving Mitts, Travelling Cap, Bead Purse, and more doilies (aka D'Oyleys) than you can shake a knitting needle at.

So much fun to just read the historical descriptions, and there are more vintage/historical knitting/crochet/needlework books available on Project Gutenberg.

crossposted to knitting