Needlework as Art, by Lady Marianne Alford and published in 1886, is definitely worth a look – and, if you’re a Lover of Old Needlework Books, it’s worth reading.

The beginning of the book features an overview of the history of needlework from the ancient world forward. It is not an in-depth, super-detailed history (who could fit an in-depth, super-detailed history of needlework into a quarter of a book?), but it is just enough of a detailed survey to put needlework in perspective historically.

The book has extensive chapters on patterns and materials as well. I like the line drawings throughout the book – several of them are just begging to be adapted and stitched. I’ve got my eye on a couple that might make interesting beetle wing embroidery projects, of all things.

You can download Needlework as Art as a PDF straight from Internet Archives, or you can read Needlework as Art directly online.

However you decide to read it, or even if you just want to browse for pictures (hey – I do that all the time!), I hope you enjoy it!

Have a jolly Wednesday!