New Book | Jane Austen Embroidery

Jane Austen Embroidery is a new book by Jennie Batchelor and Alison Larkin which successfully demonstrates that the author of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Emma’ was not just a talented writer, but also a skilful embroiderer.

Bringing together Regency fashion, history and contemporary embroidery patterns, this book marries Austen’s needle and pen into one elegant publication.

Alison Larkin kindly wrote in to let us know how the genesis of this book was pure serendipity. Originally a biology teacher, Alison set out to be a full-time embroiderer some 7 years ago. Through a friend who was the Chair of Trustees at a museum in Whitby, Alison was invited to undertake a project to create a replica of  Captain James Cook’s waistcoat, which had originally been stitched by his wife, Elizabeth.

This project led Alison to start researching 18th and 19th century costume embroidery. Through social media, she met Jennie Batchelor. Jennie was involved in research around The Lady’s Magazine, a publication from the 18th and early 19th centuries which was one of the first periodicals to publish regular embroidery patterns.

Alison and Jennie managed to uncover a number of original patterns from The Lady’s Magazine, and together they reproduced and modernized them. Combining these reworked patterns with a rich history of the period, including Austen’s own connection with the patterns and styles, the two have produced a fascinating and unique book.

If you’ve ever swooned over Mr. Darcy or dreamed of Empire Line dresses and beribboned dance cards, then this book is just for you. With a perfect balance of practical projects and engaging history, Jane Austen Embroidery is available now.