Plain & Fancy: American Women and Their Needlework, 1650-1850

by Susan Burrows Swan

Plain and Fancy is a thorough and thoughtful survey of two hundred years of American needlework – from the second half of the seventeenth century into the Victorian era. More than a catalog of embroidery forms, the text explores the social history of the women who created this wonderful needlework, which was their primary and most acceptable creative outlet.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is chock full of gorgeous examples of needlework, easy-to-read historical interpretation, and fascinating insight on the social importance of textiles. Though I had very little knowledge on the subject when I read this book, I absolutely devoured it! Since then, I've developed an insatiable urge to learn more about and create all types of needlework. This book is a great place to start if you're interested in quilting or embroidery or even if you're just proud to be an American woman!

[Victoria]

This is a wonderful book ! It has some very good close up pictures of detailed stitching. I was amazed at all of the history that the author added.
One of my favorite parts (something I did not know before ) was about the stitching schools that the young girls would go to. The exaples of there work was amazing !

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good history of American women and their needlework. There's enough description of each technique to identify it but not to do it. Read the glossary early as the author uses the earliest known names for stitches not the most popular.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this history. I wished that more of the photos were in color. Hard to see embroidered detail in black and white.