Purchasing this kit at the Mary Dickenson shop in the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg last summer, I found the kit wonderfully complete.
COMPLETE KIT
Full of much historical information, this kit contains all the needed supplies from lovely linens, wool yarns, detailed charts, color enlargement of the original pocket, reproduction binding, and tape to complete the project.
HISTORY OF POCKET
The original two pockets (of which the kit replicates one) were made by Sarah Leonard to wear for her wedding on December 15, 1786, in Warwick, Massachusetts.
Enclosed in the kit was a reproduced note from Sarah’s granddaughter, documenting the pocket.
STITCHES USED
Four stitches were used in the embroidery of this pocket…stem stitch, buttonhole stitch, running stitch, and New England laid stitch.
Of those four stitches, the latter one was new to me.
Learning that the New England laid stitch economically filled large areas while creating an interesting pattern, I got lots of practice!
Finding this stitch fascinating, I previously used satin stitch or chain stitch to fill large areas, both of which have different looks and used more thread than New England laid stitch.
HAPPY MEMORIES
Working on this project brought happy memories of my girlhood when my grandmother taught me to stitch.
After the completion of several kits, I laid them aside to pursue cross stitch, then sewing dresses to wear to work as a schoolteacher, quilting, then historical clothing beckoned me.
Now that I’m into the historical sewing mindset, I’ve come full circle to where I began!
Reviving my embroidery stitching in such a lovely and practical manner, I didn’t realize how much I missed embroidery projects.
WOOL THREAD IN SHADES OF BLUE
In my reproduction, I stitched the light blue and dark blue wool threads in the same places and in the same directions as the original, as so clearly marked in all my information sheets!
CHINTZ BINDING
The binding provided is of 18th chintz, which was super easy to apply to the edges.
HUGE POCKET
This pocket is quite large, measuring 18″x13″.
For myself, I find that quite practical since I’ve worn 18th century gowns for entire days with my children in Colonial Williamsburg.
During those times I needed large pockets to store all my necessities to survive the day of a modern tourist.
However, I’ve read somewhere that pockets of this size would have stored yarn and sewing supplies.
For more photos, check my Flickr set.
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Graphicstitches – May 8, 2020 at 3:29 AM – This is absolutely fantastic! Searching so many blogs for this explanation. Your blog is so informative. I really like it. Thanks for sharing this blog. Embroidery Warwick
