Pocketbook Kits

Worked linen pocketbooks were often made in New England between 1740 and 1790, but reached their peak of popularity between 1760 and 1780. This type of worked pocketbook was more popular in America than in England. They were greatly valued by their owners, and mention of them can be found in wills, inventories, and diaries. Although leather pocketbooks were more common and sold in shops, more hand-worked examples survive, probably because of both personal and sentimental reasons. Both men and women carried pocketbooks. Inside the pocketbook, a woman might carry buttons, a thimble, needles, and important papers and receipts. Inside men's pocketbooks you might find important papers, bank notes, receipts and money; hence women's pocketbooks were usually smaller than men's. The pocketbook lining was usually a brightly color wool or silk fabric, sometimes a stiff interlining or pasteboard was added.

The ends were bound by an extension of binding tapes, or a metal clasp. Although cross stitched pocketbooks of the 18th century are rare, Irish stitch were fairly common. Some examples worked in Queen stitch survive, but usually done in silk rather than wool because of the intricacy. Most pocketbooks were made with wool floss.

Stomacher Kits

Stomachers came into and out of fashion through the 17th and 18th centuries and varied in style, throughout Europe and North America. Beginning in about 1740, most gowns were worn to reveal the stomacher, which covered the front of the torso from neckline to waist or lower. The bodice's lacings criss-cross over the stomacher, and eventually the lacings became a series of decorative bows. Stomachers were often embroidered and could be made of the same fabric as or contrast the dress.

Our 18th century stomacher kits are drawn by hand on 100% linen, using fabric pens to simulate period walnut inking. The majority of surviving 18th century stomachers are worked in silk threads, metallic threads or a combination on linen. Extant stomachers embroidered in wool threads are more rare. For the beginner working with wool is easy and goes quickly but experienced embroiderers will find satisfaction working in silk. All kits are currently available in wool but you may call us to special order them in silk. All designs have been inspired by extant examples in museums and private collections and created by Samantha Larkin. Kits include all threads, hand drawn design on linen ground, instructions and embroidery needles.

Women's 18th Century Pocket Kits

Women's pockets were sometimes embroidered usually with crewel wool but sometimes with silk. These kits are all inspired by original 18th century examples and come complete with hand drawn pocket design to imitate walnut ink on linen, linen pocket back, linen tape, binding, crewel wools, needle and instructions.

Sampler Kits

The earliest samplers were worked in the 15th to 16th centruy. As this tradition continued it became a way for girls at a very young age to demonstrate knowledge and learn an important task. The smaplers below are based on originals in museum and private collections.