This year is the 250th anniversary of the birth of beloved British novelist Jane Austen (1775–1817). Throughout the past two centuries, countless readers have been charmed by Austen’s books. One thing that makes her stories especially fascinating is that they provide a window into the role that textiles and needlework played in the everyday lives of people in early-nineteenth-century England, drawn from her authentic perspective as a stitcher and a knitter.
Keep your needles handy with this slipper stitched by Natalia Frank.
We are thrilled to bring you a glimpse of Jane Austen’s world: a unique time and place in history that allowed some women to ply their yarn, needles, and thread for reasons other than necessity. Turn these pages for Sophie Reynolds and Lizzie Dunford’s peek at some of Austen’s own projects from Chawton House in Bath, England. Even if you are not familiar with Austen’s writing, I am sure you will relate to her as a fiber enthusiast! Get swept away by Shirley Paden’s ethereal knitted Regency Shawl, which was designed to make you feel like the belle of a Regency ball, and Sarah Kelly’s elegant mitts to knit that will help you keep Elizabeth and Darcy right at your fingertips. Natalia Frank’s miniature dance slippers are fanciful things of beauty—needlepoint not just for the leisure class of Austen’s heroines, but also for our precious leisure time now. Escape with us into an era when a needle and thread was considered a suitable way to while away the days, exhibit one’s accomplishments and creativity, and perhaps dream of a storybook ending.
Sarah Kelly was inspired by characters in Pride and Prejudice for her Dear Elizabeth Fingerless Mitts.
Happy stitching,
Pat
Pat Olski is the editor of PieceWork.
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