Ragged Soldier Sutlery and Vintage Volumes

Plain Needlework is no longer in print so when our supply runs out we will be out of stock. As of November 5, 2013, we have two copies in stock.

This book is new for us although it was written in 2000. The title of this book is quite accurate in that the plain needlework described in the book includes the basic information used in garment construction as well as some simple decorative work.

The Civil War period was a transitional time in clothing construction. Although the first sewing machine was developed in the 1820's, the mass production of machines that made a locksticth did not begin until the 1850's. But, not everyone owned a sewing machine and, even if the sewing machine could do the straight stitches for seams, there was still plenty of hand work necessary to finish the garment or to provide decorative flourishes.

This book is done in an 8 1/2 x 11 inch format and shows how to do a number of hand stitches and other hand techniques used in clothing construction during the civil war period. Also included are numerous techniques that take the person doing the sewing beyond the basic construction and allows them to add some decorative work if they so desire. It is a handy reference work for anyone involved in making period clothing. (Also see The Lady's Guide to Plain Sewing and Book II of the same title which are listed in the modern books)

63 pages. 8 1/2 by 11 inch format. Paperbound

Price: $ 19.95

If you want to look at the previous book in the list,
Mid-Nineteenth Century Parlor Games,
click here

If you want to look at the next book in the list,
Powdered, Painted, and Perfumed,
click here