Exploring Needlework of the Victorian Era

Sewing styles from the Victorian era have always been a major source of inspiration for Martha Pullen Company. From our Vintage Baby and Vintage Collection book series to countless antique reproduction garments, we have spent much of our time studying and recreating the exquisite designs and techniques made popular by sewists in this era. That’s why we are absolutely thrilled to present to you Weldon’s Practical Needlework: Deluxe Edition.

Weldon’s Practical Needlework was a popular Victorian magazine published in England roughly between 1885 and 1915. The go-to source for all things needlework, it offered a variety of technical instructions and projects. This special deluxe edition of the magazine is a box set containing the first six volumes of the series, and each hard-cover volume is comprised of 12 monthly issues. Each volume contains a variety of decorative needlework: smocking, embroidery, patchwork, drawn thread work, appliqué, macramé lace, beadwork, crochet and more.

It is such fun to read through these issues and see how the ideas and projects can be reproduced by today’s sewists. Here is a great excerpt on how to smock a herringbone pattern to give you a taste of what's inside:

In another smocking excerpt, read about the "Child's Smocked Princess Dress" pattern:

This set serves as a historical document and collector’s item that allows you open a window to another time and place as you explore the fascinating history of needlework. Visit our online store to read more about this limited edition set!