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Punto Antico: Classic Italian Embroidery

Punto Antico (antique stitch), a type of Italian drawn-thread work, is thought to have its origins in the Levant. The geometric shapes are said to be inspired by the Arab influence that dominated the island of Sicily for centuries.

Framed—A Brief History of the Embroidery Hoop

Keeping fabric taut throughout the ages

Let Us Keep Knitting and Crocheting for the Bazar, Sisters!

Activists for women’s voting rights raised money for their cause by selling their handmade items, among other things, at the National Suffrage Fair in New York City. Knitting, crochet, and the movement’s own history played prominent roles at this event.

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Crochet a Hanging Garden of Violets

Enjoy taking a journey back to 1916 with this lovely crochet ornament project.

Victorian Needlework: For Pleasure or Profit?

Victorian needlework books remain a fragile connection to the past, reminding us that we are not so different from the stitchers who came before us.

A Tale of Two Thimbles: The Archaeology of Women and Their Sewing Tools

A look into the history of found objects and the stories they could tell

On the Mend: Victorian Rehabilitation with Crochet Granny Squares

Jabez learned to crochet granny squares as a part of his rehabilitation after he lost parts of several fingers to shrapnel in the Second Boer War (1899–1902).

Getting Dressed with Ann Lowe: The Art of Mounting Historic Garments

How are the fabulous museum displays of historic dresses created?

The Smithsonian Institution is Created

Thank you, James Smithson for making the Smithsonian become a reality.

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Weldon’s Macramé Lace

Remember Macramé from the seventies? Apparently, the Victorians loved the technique too!