Weldon's Practical Knitter, Series 14 eBook

Discover Vintage Lace Stitches for Edgings, Borders, Veils, and Shawls

PieceWork magazine is pleased to present this exact reproduction (neither alterations nor corrections were made to the original published in the 1800s) from Weldon's Practical Needlework, Volume 5.

We have reproduced for you the knitting material from the fourteenth series, complete with knit stitch guides for edgings, borders, and even lace shawls using fife (or fine) lace yarns. This 15 page eBook includes 40 patterns ranging from simple to ornate, such as the Pheasant's Eye Pattern for a shawl, Cross-Stitch Knitting for a Shawl or Cloud, a Lady's Cap in Puffed Knitting, and several edgings such as Cypress, Willow Leaf, Belgrave, and Sea Shell.

The instructions might perplex a contemporary knitter accustomed to detailed charts and succinct directions, but the patterns are often ingenious and transcend to the modern era.

It is a fitting example of needlework and knitting history, hand in hand. This electronic pattern book opens a window on another time and another place. The time is the turn of the twentieth century and the place is London, England. Needleworkers of that era would be amazed to see their favorite knitting patterns in a virtual format of which they could never have dreamed.

In an effort to bring needlework to the emerging middle class, Weldon’s, a paper pattern producer of the Victorian era, began to publish monthly newsletters devoted to various crafts (beading, knitting, crochet, patchwork, and the like). These newsletters were typically 14 pages and cost 2 pence. Later, they were collected into book form, titled Weldon’s Practical Needlework.

This electronic eBook serves as a curiosity, inspiration, and a resource to link to a time beyond our memories. In using and enjoying it, you keep the craft alive.