Book review, dateline 1959

Ok, so recently I've been waxing nostalgic about my mother's old copy of the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework. This was the book I taught myself to crochet from when I was around 8, and consulted every time I took a long break from knitting and forgot how to do it. In addition to teaching knitting, it also covers embroidery, needlepoint, various forms of rugmaking, quilting, macrame, and more.

(Most people my age remember their mothers having this book. This is not the book I'm reviewing.)

It's an invaluable resource even in the Internet age, and I decided I could no longer live without it, so I hit up Amazon for a used copy. All told I paid about £5 including shipping from the UK. It is, of course, the U.K. Edition, so the terminology differs slightly from the American English I grew up using, but the book is still every bit as good as I remember it being.

Anyway, that's not what this post is about. I was recently made aware of the existence of another similar, though much older, book of needle crafts. By this I mean Good Housekeeping's Complete Book of Needlecraft (Doubleday, 1959). 

(This is the book I'm reviewing. The dust jacket is pretty tattered, but that's ok. You should see the state of my old Betty Crocker cookbook.)

I came across a pattern offered somewhere online which was taken from this book, and I knew I had to have the original. So once again, I consulted the Oracle of Amazon and found a very reasonably-priced copy which I had shipped to my door for £9 (it took a little digging to find the original 1959 version, not the 1970's reprint). This one came from the States, so I waited on pins and needles for nearly a month. 

It was worth the wait.

This is hands-down the best needlecraft book I've ever seen. Not only does it cover so many different needle arts, but it does so with that charming 50's flair that no one really seems to be able to emulate these days. The chapter on sewing is huge and incredibly thorough, not only going into detail on basic sewing skills but also covering more advanced techniques like altering patterns and tailoring clothes. Even skills like jacket construction and pad stitching are covered, and there are some great tips on setting up an 'in-a-wall sewing room' for the home seamstress who's short on space.

(Love the mint green sewing machine!)

There are fantastic knitting and crochet patterns, a huge glossary of embroidery stitches, sewing patterns, detailed instructions for making various types of curtains, and SO much more.

(Twin sets!!)

(Tips for embroidering children's dresses)

And of course, one of my favorite bits: how to make this 50's light-up Christmas tree circle skirt!!! I am absolutely making one of these for Christmas this year. How could I NOT?!?!?

(Best. Skirt. Ever.)

This is the perfect book for anyone interested in the needle arts or in reproducing 1950's fashions. You need it. Like, now.

What's your favorite needlecraft book (or books)?

Peace, love, and cookies,

Kiki

Sign up for my mailing list, a.k.a. the best email you'll get all week: