Customer Reviews

Jane Austen's Sewing Box

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book focuses on sewing and craft projects, which Jane Austen's characters were busy working on within the storylines of her novels. The Regency period crafts and needlework that are described in this book include: A fabric letter case, a linen pillowcase, a Cravet (a man's necktie-scarf), an embroidered workbag, paper flowers, a small coin purse, a knitted miser's purse, a huswife (fabric case for thread, scissors, and needles), a carpet-work pillow, a muff and tippet (neck wrap), a pin cushion, a thread case, a transparency (small painted glass decoration), a bonnet, a reticule (a drawstring purse), a knitted rug, and a muslin cap.

Instructions for each project include a photo of the finished item, drawn illustrations, and a supply list. Note: the fabric measurements in the instructions are all in centimeters since this book was published in the United Kingdom. Each project also suggests whether it is for beginners, intermediate crafters, or for the advanced.

The book is like a picture book; almost every page has some sort of illustration. It includes period paintings and drawings that help illuminate how women lived and dressed during Jane Austen's day, and has photographs of Regency period fabrics and furnishings. Even if you do not plan to recreate one of these period crafts, it is a colorful book that gives a visual presentation of the home decor, crafts, and dress styles during the period in which Jane Austen's novels take place.

I purchased my book from Amazon UK.

So, Gentle Reader, you are interested in the crafts practised in Miss Austen's novels? Perhaps you wondered about all of that stitching that genteel women pursued while discussing life and marriage? How did they do it and what materials were used?

In this beautifully illustrated book, Ms Forest provides a social history of the late 18th century as viewed by Miss Austen and her characters. She includes snippets of the novels relevant to the craft projects described and illustrated.
Which crafts? Mainly fancywork: the type of decorative work undertaken by ladies while visiting. There are eighteen projects in this book: each illustrated and with clear directions so that you, Gentle reader, can also make pieces familiar to Miss Austen and her characters. You can make a muslin cap; a reticule; a workbag and linen pillowcases. You could even make a man's cravat, and diagrams show the many different ways in which a cravat can be tied.

Perhaps you chose instead not to make any of these projects but instead to enjoy a link with Regency women during what was a beautiful period in arts, craft and design. Many of the projects in this book (particularly the workbag and the huswife) would be useful to women who enjoy similar handcrafts today. These two projects in particular are ones I intend to undertake.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

This book not only has wonderful projects and great historical notes, it is also beautifully illustrated. If you are even a little interested in Jane Austen and/or the regency period, this is a must have for all needlework enthusiasts.

This book is fun, but practical. It is not meant to be a treatise, but a leisurely stroll through the handwork of the Regency era. For the do-it-yourselfer fan of Miss Austen's novels, there are some outstanding gift ideas inside. After reading this book, I wanted to curl up by the fire with my worktable beside me, and sew, while someone read an improving book and another someone poured tea.

I recommend the stationary holder and the workbag in particular. The directions are easy enough to follow, and don't assume prior sewing knowledge. However, should you chance to get in a muddle, you can certainly call on someone for help.

The projects included in this book were not what I expected. They are, for the most part, too complicated to make for beginner crafters.

I loved this book because I am a Jane fan. I think this book is another book that tries to explain some of the world of Jane Austen. I have enjoyed this book as have some others as I have it on my coffee table.