Chapter I: Preface

If there be one mechanical art of more universal application than all others, and therefore of more universal interest, it is that which is practised with the NEEDLE. From the stateliest denizen of the proudest palace, to the humblest dweller in the poorest cottage, all more or less ply the busy needle; from the crying infant of a span long and an hour's life, to the silent tenant of "the narrow house," all need its practical services.

Yet have the NEEDLE and its beautiful and useful creations hitherto remained without their due meed of praise and record, either in sober prose or sounding rhyme,--while their glittering antithesis, the scathing and destroying sword, has been the theme of admiring and exulting record, without limit and without end!

The progress of real civilization is rapidly putting an end to this false _prestige_ in favour of the "Destructive" weapon, and as rapidly raising the "Conservative" one in public estimation; and the time seems at length arrived when that triumph of female ingenuity and industry, "THE ART OF NEEDLEWORK" may be treated as a fitting subject of historical and social record--fitting at least for a female hand.

The chief aim of this volume is that of affording a comprehensive record of the most noticeable facts, and an entertaining and instructive gathering together of the most curious and pleasing associations, connected with "THE ART OF NEEDLEWORK," from the earliest ages to the present day; avoiding entirely the dry technicalities of the art, yet furnishing an acceptable accessory to every work-table--a fitting tenant of every boudoir.

The Authoress thinks thus much necessary in explanation of the objects of a work on what may be called a maiden topic, and she trusts that that leniency in criticism which is usually accorded to the adventurer on an unexplored track will not be withheld from her.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
Page
Introductory 1

CHAPTER II.

Early Needlework 11

CHAPTER III.

Needlework of the Tabernacle 23

CHAPTER IV.

Needlework of the Egyptians 32

CHAPTER V.

Needlework of the Greeks and Romans 41

CHAPTER VI.

The Dark Ages.--"Shee-Schools" 56

CHAPTER VII.

Needlework of the Dark Ages 64

CHAPTER VIII.

The Bayeux Tapestry.--Part I. 84

CHAPTER IX.

The Bayeux Tapestry.--Part II. 103

CHAPTER X.

Needlework of the Times of Romance and Chivalry 117

CHAPTER XI.

Tapestry 148

CHAPTER XII.

Romances worked in Tapestry 165

CHAPTER XIII.

Needlework in Costume.--Part I. 186

CHAPTER XIV.

Needlework in Costume.--Part II. 209

CHAPTER XV.

"The Field of the Cloth of Gold" 231

CHAPTER XVI.

The Needle 252

CHAPTER XVII.

Tapestry from the Cartoons 273

CHAPTER XVIII.

The Days of "Good Queen Bess" 282

CHAPTER XIX.

The Tapestry of the Spanish Armada; better
known as the Tapestry of the House of Lords 301

CHAPTER XX.

On Stitchery 312

CHAPTER XXI.

"Les Anciennes Tapisseries." Tapestry of St.
Mary Hall, Coventry. Tapestry of Hampton Court 329

CHAPTER XXII.

Embroidery 342

CHAPTER XXIII.

Needlework on Books 355

CHAPTER XXIV.

Needlework of Royal Ladies 374

CHAPTER XXV.

Modern Needlework 395

THE ART

OF

NEEDLEWORK.