First published in 1893, this work is an instructional manual on
embroidery. It discusses many aspects of decorative needlework, and
contains numerous illustrations to explain the techniques involved. It
is a fantastic book for anyone wishing to learn the skill and get
started on some needlework creations of their own. The following passage
is an extract from the work stating the author's aim: 'I have tried to
show that executive skill and the desire of and feeling for beauty,
realized in a work of definite utility, are the vital and essential
elements of this as of all other branches of art, and that no one of
these elements can the embroideress neglect or overlook if her work is
to have life and meaning. If she pursues her craft with due care, and
one might even say with enthusiasm, however, she will not only taste
that keen pleasure which every one feels in creative work, however
unpretending, but the product will be such as others will be careful to
preserve: this in itself being an incentive to good work.' To this
volume is added a specially commissioned introduction to the art of
embroidery.