Description:
Needlework booklet wrought by Stella M. Brooks of Hartford, Vermont, while attending the Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1896. Brooks attended the school at least between the years 1891 and 1896. Pasted onto the introductory page are general needlework instructions from Emily B. Bryan (1856-1927), a New York educator who likely provided or published the original instructions and lessons. Brooks' booklet contains handwritten basic instructions in ink (probably by Brooks) on the left hand side of each open page, and the execution of these instructions on the right. The examples, all in red cotton thread worked on cotton muslin, include stitches such as running, basting, overcast and French (seaming). The red color served as a high contrast to show clearly the different sewing techniques and appearances. There are also examples for mending and patching. The front of the booklet also prominently contains the name of Caroline A. (Ardelia) Yale (1848-1933), a teacher at the Clarke School in 1870 who became assistant principal in 1873, and principal from 1886 until her retirement in 1922. Brooks' own name appears in the upper right hand corner of the cover, written in cursive ink. The booklet is an important example of the continuation of needlework in girls' educations into the late 19th century, although in a more modern, standardized format published by Bryan.
Subjects:
Cotton; Embroidery Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2012.26 |
