
THE LIBRARY OF WORK AND PLAY. NEEDLECRAFT
THE LIBRARY OF WORK AND PLAY
ILLUSTRATIONS
I WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR WORK BOX, SEWING ON BUTTONS, BASTING, DARNING
II BACK-STITCHING, OVER-CASTING, CREASING A HEM AND HEMMING, ROLLING A HEM, FRENCH HEMMING, SEWING ON TAPES AND HOOKS AND EYES
III GATHERING, SEWING ON BANDS, A PRACTICAL SEWING APRON, HEMMED PATCHES, GUSSETS AND TUCKS
IV A DOLL'S SKIRT AND SEWING CASE, BINDINGS, DOLL'S BED LINEN AND A PIN CASE
V MAKING BUTTONHOLES, CUTTING FROM A PATTERN, A DOLL DRESS
VI A LESSON IN STENCILLING
VII WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH ONE SKIN; CUT LEATHER BAGS, BELTS, BOOK COVERS. ETC.
Step into a cozy world where thread and needle become tools for everyday joy. This clear‑spoken guide, written in the early 20th century, invites readers to build a personal work box and learn the essential tricks—sewing on buttons, basting, and darning—that once kept households humming. Its tone feels like a helpful aunt sharing secrets, making even the most timid beginner feel ready to stitch.
From simple back‑stitches to elaborate French knot work, the book walks you through each technique with step‑by‑step explanations and charming illustrations. You’ll discover how to turn ordinary cloth into baby dresses, doll outfits, embroidered linens, and even leather‑covered bags, while chapters on lace, crochet, and basket weaving open doors to creative gifts. Whether you’re fixing a button on a favorite shirt or planning a holiday project, the lessons feel both practical and delightful, encouraging you to keep the needle moving.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (359K characters)
Series
The children's library of work and play
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Chris Jordan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Release date
2014-01-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
A practical early-20th-century craft writer, she is best known for clear, hands-on guidance that made sewing, embroidery, and leatherwork feel approachable for young learners and beginners.
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