An Album of Eleven Large Hand Stitched Cotton Panels: Student Sewing Class

early to mid twentieth century
overall size at its largest: 29" x 13", 74 cm x 33 cm

This large, hand made album of hand sewing techniques was produced by someone--most naturally a girl or young woman--was a student at a school where stitching and basic sewing was taught.

As is easy to see, each of the eleven leaves that comprises this set is studded with small hand written notes and comments. Each is hand stitched to the piece of cloth under it.

So many of the stitches seem to be running stitches, or basting stiches. The photos here give a good idea of the range of stitching included in the set: nothing is terribly advanced or showy, all seem to be in service of giving a good foundation to the much-needed task of sewing.

A few stains on some of the lengths, but overall this book of long, gauzy cotton sheets is in good condition.

A simply marvelous thing to study and to consider, this primer in the art of stitching bestows on the viewer a good deal of unintended artfulness in the way the notes interplay with the base cloth.

Very recommended.