Customer Reviews

Homespun and blue; a study of American crewel embroidery

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Martha Genung Stearns writes a concise book of the history of American crewel embroidery in 1940 and she re-released it in 1963. This is a ninety-six page book with fabulous and informative text. Ms. Stearns writes only of the New England location of America but none the less the knowledge she has is vast.

She has seven chapters which include Friendly With the Earth, the Historical Background, Colonial New England, The Golden Age (for domestic arts and crafts), The Rising Son (the young republic), The Deerfield Revival, and Needle in Hand (minor advices in needlework).

There are thirty-one pages of black and white photos in the center of the book and most detail is easily seen. The pieces are identified in the front pages of the book for those who wish to research further.

Ms. Stearns writes first person at times and gives her perceptions and experiences of New England needlework. This book is well written and well researched.

Revolutionary War reenactors would do well to own this book for a reference. This is not so much an illustrated book as a it is a book for reference of this time period.