PieceWork Presents: Vintage Lace with Mrs. Beeton eBook

One day in January 2016, if you had been in the PieceWork office, you would have heard shouts of joy. This was a special day—an original 1870 edition of Beeton's Book of Needlework that we had purchased had just arrived! We had been looking long and hard for a copy of this book for the PieceWork collection, and now it was finally here. It did not disappoint.

For PieceWork's second glimpse into the needlework world of 1870, we are very pleased to bring you the lace content from Beeton's Book of Needlework as an eBook. (Vintage Knitting with Mrs. Beeton was our first glimpse.) Here, you'll find instructions for Star in Point Lace; a Medallion in Point Lace; numerous borders, trims, and edgings; a Star-Centre for Toilette Cushion in Point Lace; a Cravat End in Point Lace; lace collars; a lace alphabet; and so much more. The section with general point-lace stitch instructions clearly illustrates a variety of techniques and the tools used to execute them. This truly is a treasure trove.

Please do note that all of the material presented here is reproduced exactly as it was printed in the 1870 edition. Neither alterations nor corrections were made. And the book was published in London, primarily for a British audience. Nonetheless, it presents a true portrait of the beautiful lace people were creating in 1870. Enjoy!