CONCLUDING REMARKS.
In bringing the Ladies' Work-Table Book to a close, we cannot persuade
ourselves to dismiss the subject, without a word or two to our fair
friends, as to the use, necessary to be made, of all the useful or
ornamental accomplishments their circumstances and situations may enable
them to acquire. We should never, for one moment, suffer the utile to be
absent from our thoughts: she who has no definite aim in what she does,
can never have any good ground of hope, that, in her progress through
life, she can attain to excellence.
These remarks apply principally to that large class, who are dependent
upon exertion of some kind, for the means of comfort and respectability,
in their respective stations. But, as those ladies, whose circumstances
render a practical acquaintance with the arts here treated of, a matter
of indifference, a knowledge of them is, by no means, unnecessary. In
many ways indeed, a lady, blessed with affluence, may render an
acquaintance with the details of needlework extensively useful.
It is often the case that young persons are engaged in families, whose
education has been, from some cause or other, lamentably neglected. In
those cases, the lady who feels her obligations, and is actuated by a
true Christian spirit, will consider herself as standing in the place of
a mother to her humble dependents; and, under a deep sense of her high
responsibilities, will endeavor to improve, and fit them, by suitable
and kindly-imparted instructions, for the proper discharge of the duties
of that station, which it may be presumed they will in after days be
called upon to fill. In this case, how useful will the kind and careful
mistress find a knowledge of that art, which teaches the proper method
of making those articles of dress which are so essential to every family
who, however humble, are desirous of securing the respect of the wise
and the good, by judicious economy, and a neat and respectable
appearance.
Those ladies who are in the habit of devoting a portion of their time to
the superintendence of our female charity schools, will also find such
knowledge extremely beneficial. To those who are disposed to follow the
example of the holy Dorcas, in providing garments for the deserving and
destitute poor, an acquaintance with _plain needlework_ is
indispensible; and indeed, it will, in every walk of life, be found
useful to her who is, by the animating love of the Lord Jesus, disposed
"To seek the wretched out,
And court the offices of soft humanity."
Another advantage may also be gained, by a manifestation of the kindly
solicitude for the improvement of domestics, here pointed out. In cases
where the secular tuition of young persons has been neglected, it will
be generally found that their religious and moral training has been
equally uncared for. Let the Christian lady evince a real desire to
improve the temporal condition of those beneath her influence, and she
will soon find that the best affections of the heart are opened to the
reception of instructions of a higher and still more important
character. Hard indeed must be that heart which can resist the influence
of genuine kindness exercised in a friendly Christian spirit. We once
had the pleasure of seeing a young servant baptized in the faith of
Christ, while those in whose service she was, and two others, highly
respectable persons, answered for her at the font. This beautiful
meeting together of the rich and the poor, took place in one of the most
splendid parish churches in England, and left on our minds an impression
which will never be effaced.
In the foregoing pages we have endeavored to lay before the young votary
of the needle, such instructions as we hope will be found sufficiently
clear to enable her to produce many a delightful specimen of her
assiduity, taste, and judgment. We have sought to be concise, without
being obscure; and to give plain directions, without making our readers
mere imitators, or copyists. One fault which is to be found in all the
books on these subjects, which we have seen, we have carefully avoided;
that is, the giving a list of the various colours to be employed in the
fabrication of each example given. Nothing can be more absurd, and
mischievous than this. The young work-woman can only exercise her
judgment, to any extent, in this department of her labors. The various
stitches she must form according to the prescribed rule; because, in
most instances, they can be performed in no other manner; but in the
choice of materials, and colors, she should have free scope: here
judgment, taste, and fancy, should range untrammelled by rules and
forms; and yet this is rarely done, because the lady is taught to rely
upon her patterns, and scarcely ever to consult her own sense of beauty
or propriety. We see the effect of this, in the sameness, and monotonous
appearance of almost all kinds of fancy-work: and we have endeavored to
do our best, to introduce a more correct taste and principle into this
department of the elegant arts, in which females are engaged. We know
that much native genius exists among our fair countrywomen; and we wish
to see it expand, as freely as the refreshing breeze, that sweeps over
our native hills.
We have before alluded to the various and interesting uses to which the
needle can be applied, and the high moral ends it is so well calculated
to promote: and if such be its importance, then it will be readily
admitted by all, that he who has made the most improvements, and
produced the most finished specimens of this all-important instrument,
has conferred a real benefit upon his race.
We have a higher end in view, than promoting the acquisition of
accomplishments, however elegant or pleasing. We wish to direct the
minds of those whom we are thus endeavoring to interest and instruct, to
the immortal beauties of moral excellence. These works may be made
conducive, in a high degree, to the development of family affection, and
the promotion, to a vast extent, of the purposes of genuine charity,
benevolence, and friendship. But there is yet a higher kind of use, to
which we would apply them. We would have the young lady, who is becoming
expert and clever at her needle to reflect, as the beautiful fabric
grows beneath her forming hand, that her work, and the power and skill
to plan and execute it, is an emanation of the Immortal Mind; of that
Mind, whose creative powers are a faint, but legible transcript of the
Omnipotent Wisdom of the Deity. This thought gives a permanency to what
would, in any other light be only transitory as the summer cloud. It is
Omnipotent Wisdom and Power, which has contrived and executed all the
beautiful wonders of creation; and that Wisdom and Power were called
into activity by Omnipotent Love. We wish to impress this sublime truth
upon the mind of our young readers, because we wish them to place their
Heavenly Father before them--as their pattern and example--in all that
they take in hand; and to remember that, as He formed the universe by
Wisdom, from Love--so all their actions and elegant contrivances should
be the result of judgment, guided by affection--that they may thus
become like their Father, who is in Heaven.
Indeed, it is only when accomplishments are rendered subservient to the
development of moral goodness, that they may become pursuits at all
worthy of an accountable being. We were not sent into this world to
flutter through life, like the gaudy butterfly, only to be seen and
admired. We were designed to be useful to our fellow beings; and to make
all our powers and capabilities, in some way or other conducive to the
happiness and welfare of our co-journeyers on the path of time. To this
end, we wish our fair countrywomen to devote their best attention; and,
in its attainment, to exert every energy which they possess. We wish
them to make all the knowledge which they may acquire subserve some
noble purpose; which will outlive the present hour. But to do this, the
well-spring of the purest affections must be opened in the soul; and the
elegant productions of taste and genius become vitalized, and animated,
by the spirit of love. Thus, and thus only, can the occupations of a
leisure hour be converted into efficient ministers of good; and such
they will assuredly be found, if practised from right motives, and
placed in due subordination to the right exercise of more important
duties. The young votaress of the needle, of drawing, or of music,
should ever bear in mind, that the time employed in those pursuits, will
be accounted lost or improved, by the impartial Judge of all--just in
proportion as they have been made to serve the purposes of selfish
gratification, or to minister to the development of an elevated moral
character--generous and warm affections--and the cultivation of those
virtues, which, as essentials of the Christian character, shall outlive
the ravages of time, and qualify the soul for all the beatitudes of a
coming eternity.
In all then that the young lady aims to learn, or to accomplish, let her
place a high and moral standard before her, and resolve to render every
transaction of her life conducive to her preparation for a higher state
of being. Our various faculties and powers were not given us to be
wasted, but to be used to the honor of our Creator--the comfort and
welfare of those around us--and, as a consequence of our faithful
discharge of our several obligations, conducive, in an eminent degree,
to our happiness. No mistake can be more fatal, than an idea that, for
what we call trifles, we shall have no account to render. What we call
trifles, may be, in their consequence, both to ourselves and others, the
most important acts of our lives. It is not by great events that our
characters are formed; but by the neglect or performance of our duties
in that state of life, into which the Wisdom of our Heavenly Father has
seen fit to call us. To elevate the sufferings, soothe the sorrows,
increase the comforts, and enhance the joys of all around us, should be
the highest aim of a laudable ambition--and every endeavor should be
most assiduously devoted to the accomplishment of these important ends.
It is, in fact, only when we thus employ our various talents and
capabilities, that they are really useful, in any other case, they are
only ministers to our personal pride, and selfish gratification, instead
of becoming links in that golden chain, by which the faithful
performance of appointed duties is elevated to the possession of "a
crown of righteousness, that fadeth not away."
Let, then, the youthful female, as she plies her needle, or exercises
her judgment or ingenuity, in the choice of colors or materials, or in
the invention of new developments of creative genius, ever remember to
exercise those powers as a Christian--let her cultivate, in her inmost
soul, the conviction, that all her skill and power is imparted from on
high--and let her be careful to make all she does, a sacrifice,
acceptable to her God, by doing all in the spirit, and under the
influence of that sacred charity--that boundless benevolence--which ever
rejoices, in making its various capabilities subservient to the good of
others, and thus gives to the otherwise perishable occurrences of time,
an endurance and a continuity, that shall endure for ever.
INDEX.
Algerine Work, 69
Angular Stitch, 33
Applique, 84, 89
Apron, Girl's, 40
----, Morning, 40
----, Vandyke, 40
---- for a young person, 40
Aprons, 38
----, Dress, 39
Armorial Bearings, 83, 89
Baby's Cap, 111
---- Hood, 112
---- Shoe, 112
Barege Knitting for Shawls, 115
Basket Stitch, 66, 88
Bathing Gown, 40
Bead Stitch, 127, 145
Bead Work, 84
Beaufort Star, 71
Beautiful Fringe and Border, 113
Bed-room Linen, 54
Bee's Stitch, 101
Berlin Wire Stitch, 101
Biassing, 35
Binding, 59
Biroche, A, 111
Blankets, 54
Border for a Shawl, 124
Braces, 85
Braiding, 59
Braid Work, 84, 89
Brief Description of Wools, 22
Bustles, 41
Button-hole Stitch, 31
Cap Border Scollop, 140
Caps, 41
Cashmere Shawl, 49
Cast off, To, 100
Cast on, To, 98
Cast over, To, 99
Chain Stitch, 32, 102
---- ---- on Gathers, 34
Checked Patterns, 115
Chenille Embroidery, 80
Chess Pattern, 71
Child's Collar, 41
Cloaks, 42
Close Stitch for Waistcoats, 115
Comforter, A, 113
Comforter, Another, 113
Common Plait, 101
Common Tatting Edging, 155
Coral Pattern, 35
Corner for a Shawl, 122
Corners, To fill up, 69
Cravats, 42
Crochet Edging, for Collars, 148
---- ---- for Hdkfs., 150
---- Neck Chain, 152
Cross Stitch, 65
Crow's-foot Stitch, 102
Diagram, 61
Diamond Netting, 128
---- ---- 5 stitches, 128
Dice Pattern, 72
---- ---- Purse, 135
Dinner Napkins, 56
Dividing Line, A, 146
Dotted Knitting, Baby's shoe, 117
---- Netting, 129
Double Cross Stitch, 65
---- Diamond, long stitch, 72
---- Herring-boning, 34
---- Knitting, 103
---- Nightcap, 117
---- Open Crochet, 144
---- Plait Stitch, 69
---- Stitch Crochet, 144
---- Straight Cross Stitch, 65
Dressing Table Covers, 55
Dress Shawl, 49
Dutch Common Knitting, 104
Edge Stitch, 145
Elastic Rib, 105
Embroidery, 88
---- in Wool, 80
---- with Silk, 79
Embossed Diamond, 104
---- Hexagon Stitch, 104
Fancy Bobbin Edging, 34
---- Button-hole Stitch, 31
---- Chain Stitch, 31
---- Herring-boning, 33
Fantail Stitch, 105
Fasten on, To, 100
---- off, To, 146
Feather Stitch, 67
French Ground Net, 130
---- Stitch, 105
Frills, 42
Frame, to Dress for Cloth Work, 82
----, to Dress for Cross Stitch, 82
----, to Dress for Tent Stitch, 83
Gathering, Double, or Puffing, 30
----, 30
Gem, or Set Patterns, 85
Gentlemen's Belts, 43
---- Braces, 89
---- Collars, 43
---- Fronts, 43
---- Travelling Cap, 118
---- Waistcoats, 85, 89
German Knitting, 105
---- Pattern, 72, 88
Gobelin, 85
---- Stitch, 66
Grecian Netting, 130
Greek Cap, coarse Chenille, 152
Habit Shirt, 119
Half Handkerchief, 118
Harlequin Quilt, with Tufts, 119
Heart Pattern, 73
Hemming, 29
----, German, 29
Herring-bone Bag Stitch, 106
---- Purse, 118
Herring-boning, 33
Honeycombing, 36
Honeycomb Mittens, 136
---- Netting, 131
---- ----, with two Meshes, 131
----, Another kind, 130
---- Stitch, 106
Horse-shoe Stitch, 34
Housemaid and Kitchen Linen, 57
Imitation Net-work Stitch, 106
Indian Scarf, 49
Insertion, Crochet Beading, 150
Instructions in Grounding, 91
Irish Diamond, 73
---- Stitch, 66
Jelly Bag, 58
Joining the Threads, 146
Knee Caps, 116
Knit Herring-bone Stitch, 107
Knitted Footing, 117
---- Fringe, 117
---- Muff, 114
Knitting Stitch, 99
Lace, 73, 88
---- Wave Stitch, 107
Ladies' Drawers, 43
---- Flannel Waistcoats, 44
---- Night Jackets, 44
---- Purses, 139
---- Walking Shawls, 50
Landscapes, 85
Leaf Netting, 132
Long Purse, in Points, 141
Loop Stitch, 100
Making Buttons, 60
Maltese Netting in Spots, 133
Mantuamaker's Hem, 29
Materials for Plain Needlework, 17
---- for Embroidery, 21
---- for Fancy Needlework, 20
---- for Knitting, Netting and Crochet, 21
Marking, 59
Medallion Pattern, 90
Mosaic Work, 86, 89
Moss Stitch, 107
Mourning Shawls, 50
Narrowing, 99
Necessary Implements in Crochet, 26
Necessary Implements in Fancy Needlework, 25
Necessary Implements in Knitting, 25
Necessary Implements in Netting, 25
Neck and Pocket Handkerchiefs, 45
Net Cravat, 141
---- Scarf, 141
---- with Points, 132
Netted Bag, with Ring, 135
---- Cuffs, with Silk and Wool, 137
---- Cuffs, 137
---- Fringe, 138
---- Opera Cap, 138
---- Scollop Edging, 139
Night Gowns, 45
---- Stockings, 122
Open Cross Stitch, 108
---- Crochet, 143
---- Hem, 107
---- Work Stockings, 121
Ornamental Ladder Stitch, 108
Over Shoe, 114
Pantry Linen, 56
Pattern for a Light Scarf, 120
Patterns on Canvas, 86
Pearl Stitch, 99
Perforated Card, 86, 89
Petticoat Crochet Edging, 149
Petticoats, 46
----, Flannel, 46
Pillow Covers, 54
Pinafore, 47
Pincushion Covers, 55
Pine Apple Purse, 115
---- ---- Stitch, 108
Piping, 60
Plain Crochet, 143
---- Crochet Bag, in Silk, 151
---- ---- Purse, 152
---- Double Crochet, 143
---- Knitted Muffatees, 120
---- ---- Gentleman's Purse, 139
---- Netted Mittens, 139
---- Netting, 126
---- Open Netting, 133
---- ---- Stitch, 109
---- ---- Elastic Crochet, 144
---- Stitch Open Crochet, 143
---- Scarf, 48
---- Scollop, 140
Plaiting, 60
Pockets, 48
Point Stitch, 68, 88
Porcupine Stitch, 109
Princess Royal, 74, 88
Pudding Cloth, 58
Purse, with China Silk, 135
Queen Stitch, 68
Queen's Vandyke, 68
Quilts, 54
Raised Embroidery, 80
---- Stitch, A, 145
---- Work, 93
Raising, 99
Rib, To, 99
Ribbon Scarf, 48
Roman Pattern, 74
Round Netting, 133
Rough Cast Stitch, 110
Row, A, 99
Rug Bordering, 87, 88
Running, 29
Russian Pattern, 74
Scale of Canvases, 21
Seam, To, 99
Seam Purse, with Beads, 135
Serpentine Stitch, 35
Sewing and Felling, 29
Shaded Silk Netting, 129
Sheets, 54
Shifts, 50
Shirts, 51
Single Plait Stitch, 68
Slip Stitch, 100
Socks, 122
Sofa Pillow, 150
Star Pattern, 90
---- Tatting, 154
---- with Eight Points, 116
Stitches in Crochet, 142
Stitching, 30
Stitch, To take in a, 147
----, To increase or decrease a, 145
----, To incr. in Crochet, 147
Stitches, To cast on the Loops or, 98
Stockings, 120
Straight Cross Stitch, 65
Strong Knitted Purse, 114
Suggestions as to Patterns, 77
Table Cloths, 56
---- Linen, 56
Tatting, Open Stitch, 153
Tent Stitch, 64
Thread, To bring forward a, 100
----, To carry on a, in Double Crochet, 146
Towels, 55
Travelling Shawl, 50
Treble Open Crochet, 144
True Stitch, 145
Tucks, 60
Turkish Pattern for a Table Cover, 151
Veils, 52
Velvet Stitch, 69
Victoria Pattern, 75
Wave Pattern, 75
---- Knitting, 110
Welts, 100
Whipping, 31
Windsor Pattern, 76
Wire Work, 87, 89
Working Berlin Pattern, 93
---- Figures, 89, 92
Zephyr, A, 114
THE END.
Transcriber's Note
The following typographical errors were corrected.
iv human felicity changed to human felicity.
v fair one changed to fair one.
v then, how, to fabricate changed to then, how to fabricate
vi form and utilty changed to form and utility
ix netting of a purse, changed to netting of a purse.
18 very difficult t changed to very difficult to
19 both sides, This changed to both sides. This
20 MATERIALS FOE changed to MATERIALS FOR
21 Knitting Netting, changed to Knitting, Netting,
22 than others changed to than others.
22 Wool.--This changed to WOOL.--This
22 yarn, for mitts, changed to yarn, for mitts.
24 her to devise changed to her to devise.
25 Tissue Paper changed to Tissue Paper.
27 extacy;" changed to extacy;
27 native sky. changed to native sky."
28 principal stiches changed to principal stitches
29 thread with out changed to thread without
30 GATHERING changed to GATHERING.
30 are gathered, Then changed to are gathered. Then
33 appropriate situations changed to appropriate situations.
34 intricate to describle changed to intricate to describe
36 must take grest changed to must take great
38 visiter changed to visitor
41 colico, ore changed to calico, are
44 ADIES' NIGHT JACKETS. changed to LADIES' NIGHT JACKETS.
48 wrong, side changed to wrong side
48 PLAIN SCARF changed to PLAIN SCARF.
51 Another meth d changed to Another method
55 into the other, changed to into the other.
60 in the middle changed to in the middle.
60 like a star changed to like a star.
64 painting in oil, changed to painting in oil.
65 CROSS STITCH changed to CROSS STITCH.
65 This is a stich changed to This is a stitch
66 arrangment changed to arrangement
67 same color changed to same color.
70 unavailable repentance changed to unavailable repentance.
71 increas-increasing changed to increasing
72 inprovement changed to improvement
76 is complete changed to is complete.
76 ane xtremly changed to an extremely
fn 79-* The footnote marker was missing on the footnote
80 CHENILLE EMBROIDERY changed to CHENILLE EMBROIDERY.
81 perseverence changed to perseverance
83 restored to changed to resorted to
84 braided with ther changed to braided with their
85 lavendar changed to lavender
88 CHAPTER X changed to CHAPTER X.
88 considerable size changed to considerable size.
89 assidously changed to assiduously
93 the, first changed to the first
96 forgotton changed to forgotten
96 incovenience changed to inconvenience
98 Lee., M. A, changed to Lee, M. A.,
98 first intoduction changed to first introduction
98 the means changed to the means,
99 PEARL STITCH changed to PEARL STITCH.
100 NOTE, in cas tingon changed to NOTE, in casting on
102 other three stiches changed to other three stitches
102 that tbe pins changed to that the pins
103 previous methods changed to previous methods.
104 stitches, you choose changed to stitches you choose
104 taking careto changed to taking care to
106 loops, and kniting changed to loops, and knitting
107 knit three siitches changed to knit three stitches
111 preceeding changed to preceding
112 five rows o changed to five rows of
113 ancle changed to ankle
113 each stitch; The changed to each stitch. The
114 fringe and borber changed to fringe and border
115 knitting three stiches changed to knitting three stitches
118 when it ouccurs changed to when it occurs
120 PATTERN FOR A LIGHT SCARF changed to PATTERN FOR A LIGHT SCARF.
120 generaly changed to generally
122 every other stich changed to every other stitch
123 Eleventh row plain changed to Eleventh row plain.
123 make a siitch changed to make a stitch
123 knit two togteher changed to knit two together
124 twenty-seeond changed to twenty-second
127 bottom of the preceeding changed to bottom of the preceding
128 For the fouth changed to For the fourth
129 principal beauty changed to principal beauty.
131 the end Work changed to the end. Work
134 You every is missing a word, probably "work." This change was
not made in the text
134 succeding changed to succeeding
135 ninety-eight stiiches changed to ninety-eight stitches
136 net seven stiches changed to net seven stitches
137 double silk changed to double silk.
137 to the whole, changed to to the whole.
140 loop Net changed to loop. Net
143 can be be varied changed to can be varied
144 each square, changed to each square.
145 back or the changed to back of the
145 loose in each changed to lose in each
145 TO INCREASE OR DECREASE A STITCH. changed to TO INCREASE OR
DECREASE A STITCH.
145 conceal the the half changed to conceal the half
146 means meaking changed to means making
150 This is done it changed to This is done in
152 same color changed to same color.
153 Take you tatting changed to Take your tatting
157 of a highe changed to of a higher
160 puposes of selfish changed to purposes of selfish
161 sooth changed to soothe
163 Bedroom changed to Bed-room
163 ---- on Gathers changed to ---- ---- on Gathers
164 Tatting Edging changed to Tatting Edging,
164 Fan-tail changed to Fantail
165 Travelling Cap changed to Travelling Cap,
165 Imitation Network changed to Imitation Net-work
The Index has been standardized to have a , between the index entry
and the page number.
The following words had inconsistent spelling and hyphenation.
cross-way / crossway
honey-comb / honeycomb
indispensible / indispensable
needle-woman / needlewoman
needle-work / needlework
net-work / network
pin-cushion / pincushion
vitalized / vitalised
End of Project Gutenberg's The Ladies' Work-Table Book, by Anonymous