The Diligent Needle The Diligent Needle
  • Home
    • Acknowledgements
  • Diligence
    • Specimens of Needlework
    • Sewing exercises
    • Darning sampler
    • Linen shirt
    • Handkerchief
    • Sampler
      • Portrait of Mary Elizabeth Hiester
    • Canvaswork picture
    • Whitework sampler
  • Profit
    • Quilted petticoat
    • Advertisements
    • Rebozo
    • Bedcover medallion
    • The Ascension of Christ
    • Mantle
    • Catalogue of Art Needlework of Quality
  • Pleasure
    • Bedcover center
    • Embroidered waistcoat
    • Embroidered bedcover
    • Hearth rug
    • Needlework picture
  • Ornament
    • Work bag
    • Petticoat border
    • Embroidered pockets
    • Canvaswork fire screen
    • Plush stitch cushion cover
    • Embroidered chair cover
    • Table cover
    • Crewelwork picture
      • Crewelwork placemats
  • Home
    • Acknowledgements
  • Diligence
    • Specimens of Needlework
    • Sewing exercises
    • Darning sampler
    • Linen shirt
    • Handkerchief
    • Sampler
      • Portrait of Mary Elizabeth Hiester
    • Canvaswork picture
    • Whitework sampler
  • Profit
    • Quilted petticoat
    • Advertisements
    • Rebozo
    • Bedcover medallion
    • The Ascension of Christ
    • Mantle
    • Catalogue of Art Needlework of Quality
  • Pleasure
    • Bedcover center
    • Embroidered waistcoat
    • Embroidered bedcover
    • Hearth rug
    • Needlework picture
  • Ornament
    • Work bag
    • Petticoat border
    • Embroidered pockets
    • Canvaswork fire screen
    • Plush stitch cushion cover
    • Embroidered chair cover
    • Table cover
    • Crewelwork picture
      • Crewelwork placemats

Pleasure

Not everyone loved to embroider, but those who did often continued to develop their skill and artistry throughout their lifetime. Many women took great pleasure in using their needle to create objects that might commemorate a special event, be given as gifts to friends and family, or display the artistic taste of their makers.

Bedcover

Embroidered waistcoat

Embroidered bedcover

Hearth rug

Needlework picture

Needlework has historically been central to a young woman’s education. The Diligent Needle: Instrument of Profit, Pleasure, and Ornament features the plain and fancy sewing of skilled women.

This exhibition was curated by Linda Eaton and was on view in the Winterthur Galleries from August 2014 to July 2015.

 

 

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