A Schole-house for the Needle Author:Richard Shorleyker A photographic reprint of a rare lace and embroidery pattern and instruction book first published by Richard Shorleyker in 1632, of which only two or three copies are known to exist. Additional introductory material discusses the historical significance of this manual on needle lace. — When first published in 1632 life was very different from tod... more »ay. Books were not the relatively inexpensive products of today. Plain sewing was often the first skill taught to girls. The ability to read was not considered essential for girls -- the practice and perfection of embroidery skills would have taken precedence.
The making of needle laces was an extension of basic techniques, but the problem was access to designs. Working samplers was one means by which patterns could be copied and then reproduced later, but this was time-consuming. This book may have been a "best-seller" amongst the books published at the time.« less