annieb123's Review of Jane Austen Embroidery

by Jennie Batchelor and Alison Larkin

15 beautiful embroidery projects from the era of Jane Austen.

Jane Austen was as skilful with a needle as she was with a pen. This unique book from Jennie Batchelor and Alison Larkin showcases recently discovered 18th century embroidery patterns expertly repurposed into 15 exciting modern stitching projects. The patterns and projects are brought to life with glimpses into the world of Regency women and their domestic lives by lively historical features, quotes from Jane Austen’s letters and novels, enchanting illustrations and inspirational project photography.

The book opens with an illustrated introduction on historical embroidery. Next comes the materials and methods section, clearly explaining the key stitches, as well as providing information on threads, fabrics and frames. The practical section includes 15 projects for modern items. The projects are divided into three chapters according to the item the 18th century pattern was originally intended for with patterns for different skill levels:

Embroidered Clothes: Dressed to Impress: Projects include Simple Sprig Pattern (Two Ways), Pencil Case, Clutch Purse, Apron, Housewife.
Embroidered Accessories: How Do You Like My Trimming?: Projects include Napkin Set, Mobile Phone Pouch, Tablet Sleeve, Jewellery Pouch, Muslin Shawl.
Embroidery for the Home: A ‘Nest of Comforts’: Projects include Tea Box Top, Work Bag, Cushion, Sewing Set, Tablecloth.

It is more than likely that Jane herself would have used these very patterns for her own embroidery, and now, with Jennie and Alison’s help, readers can stitch-a-long with Jane to make a selection of beautifully embroidered, practical items.

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Jane Austen Embroidery is a tutorial and pattern book for projects in the Regency style of the time period. Due out 13th May 2020 from Dover, it's 160 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a well researched and period accurate group of projects for surface embroidery embellishment. The projects are varied and all are appealing. There are small projects (pencil case, cushion, sewing kit, and more) as well as larger projects (tablecloth, stole, muslin shawl). None of these is outside the ability of a keen beginner (especially if they have some available help).

The book includes a good overview over tools and supplies for surface embroidery as well as meticulously annotated discussions of the daily lives of women who lived during the period (including Jane Austen herself).

There are abundant links and resources for further reading. The pictured finished projects use silks but the authors have included a conversion chart for Silk Mill, DMC, and Ancho flosses. Patterns are included in each project chapter along with illustrated construction notes.

It should be noted that this book is about surface embroidery, not cross stitch. It's lovely to see tutorials and and upswing in interest for the other fibrearts; it seems like only cross-stitch had any following for a long long time and it's nice to see surface embroidery enjoying a renaissance.

Beautiful projects. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Jane Austen Embroidery

by Jennie Batchelor and Alison Larkin

Reviewed by annieb123 on May 8, 2020

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