"In an interview that she gave to the magazine Needlecraft in December 1906, Lady Carew professed to spending several hours each day at her embroidery frame. She strongly recommended needlework to women of all classes of society as a panacea for 'the bustle and fatigue' of everyday life. Plying her needle was for Lady Carew a cathartic experience which soothed the mind, dulled mental anxieties, absorbed the worries of the day and brought a good healthy rest at night."
Look here for more information on Lady Carew and her sister Lady Cory, "famed throughout society for their needlework skills and for the scale of the embroideries they produced for their Irish and London homes," and click here for the article from which I've quoted above - I love the bit about Lady Carew's aptitude with a needle having come from her mother who had cross-stitched her own stair carpet [don't we all?] , "a task her daughter believed every young bride should undertake".
Oh to have the time to sit down after luncheon with my needlework.
Posted by: Claire | 27 May 2015 at 08:22 PM
I admit, I've never cross-stitched a staircarpet but since I live in a house with no stairs, I don't feel bad about that. I have, however, cross-stitched most of a large rug using 6 of the Elizabeth Bradley needlepoint kits. One day perhaps I shall be a bride and I shall have my cross-stitched rug ready in my trousseau!
Posted by: Ros | 27 May 2015 at 09:51 PM
I do find cross-stitch to be very soothing as well, which is something that my non-crafting friends don't understand. (Although, I think embarking on making an entire staircarpet would stress me out to a whole new level!)
Posted by: Heather | 28 May 2015 at 01:08 AM
I love that quote! It's marvellous! I so enjoy embroidery too. Is that a picture of something you're working on? It looks gorgeous! xxx
Posted by: Miranda | 29 May 2015 at 05:05 PM
Indeed!
Posted by: Cornflower | 29 May 2015 at 08:33 PM
Elizabeth Bradley designs are wonderful, and to do six is no mean feat. Well done, Ros.
Posted by: Cornflower | 29 May 2015 at 08:34 PM
It's lovely to work with your hands, isn't it, whether painting, drawing, or plying a needle.
Posted by: Cornflower | 29 May 2015 at 08:35 PM
It's a piece of crewelwork I started ages ago and must work on regularly again. I do enjoy it!
Posted by: Cornflower | 29 May 2015 at 08:36 PM
A stair carpet no less! A book you would like is Susan O'Connors "Embroidered Flowers for Elizabeth" very inspiring.
Posted by: Kathleen. | 02 June 2015 at 08:56 PM
Noted! Many thanks, Kathleen.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 June 2015 at 09:37 PM