An English Pronkerolle or Souvenir De Ma Jeunesse

I was delighted and surprised to see an English long record sampler turn up at Bleasdales auction last week. These works are normally associated with Catholic girls from continental Europe, usually The Netherlands or Belgium. St Judes School, Herne Hill, South London, where Gwendoline Martin, the maker of ths sampler was a student, is not and was not a Catholic school - nor was it specifically for the education of girls. It is mentioned in the memoir Most Secret War of of R V Jones who attended the school in 1916.

Festive Giveaway

The winter edition of Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly features this spectacular purse designed and stitched by Kimberly Servello and includes full instructions for you to make your very own.

Also included are charts for the two samplers shown and a delightful small Christmas ornament by Merry Cox.

To enter the free draw for this magazine give away - just click on the flying angel below. The winner will be announced 10 December 2012.

Agnes Richter's Jacket

Agnes Richter, a seamstress, was committed against her will to a mental institution in Germany during the late 1800s and early 1900s.While there, she took apart her institution uniform and re-made it as a jacket, stitching every surface (inside and out) with text. Her text has been difficult to decode and it is still being worked on - the text is believed to be autobiographical.

The jacket is now in the Prinzhorn collection in Heidelberg and you can read more about it and Agnes Richter in this book by Gail Hornstein. Click here for more details.

Lynne Roche's Winter Christmas Fairy

December is here and I am beginning to feel really festive. I have been bottling some rum soaked and spiced baby figs for presents - these are so delicious with a dab of mascarpone or clotted cream served with a strong espresso. Next it will be off to bake a few early mince-pies. And what could better bring the memories of Christmas Past flooding to my mind than Lynne Roche's latest fabulous doll creation - Bessie. To see more of Lynne's beautiful dolls, just click here.