A Sampling from The Corgyncombe Old Cap Collection

"The Workwoman's Guide" at The Corgyncombe Library

An old cap and "The Workwoman's Guide" originally published in 1838.

 

In referencing bunnies and knitted rabbit wool items from Beatrix Potter's stories and a knitting pattern, Tasha Tudor mentioned "The Workwoman's Guide" and wrote to us "Maybe you also own this invaluable work?" Those at Corgyncombe find that "The Workwoman's Guide" is indeed a most valuable guide. It contains information, patterns, and instructions relating to bonnets and caps, collars, stitches, shawls, frocks, sleeves, knitting, household items, and many other things. The book has instructions for making little stitches and "neat" and "neatly" are predominant words.

 

Lena, an elderly cousin of Diane's great grandmum, gave Diane the little delicate baby cap that is on the dolly. Lena did not make this cap, as it was an antique when it was presented to Diane.

 

As was discussed in the March 2nd Edition of The Corgyncombe Courant, Diane's great grandmum's cousin Lena always emphasized tiny stitches in needlework.

Here is a link to: The Corgyncombe Courant, March 2nd Edition 

Lena's occupation was a seamstress. She not only sewed clothing and doll clothing but also made many of the type of things that are in "The Workwoman's Guide". She and her husband also made hooked rugs and wove chair seats. 

Tasha Tudor liked to make doll clothing and did an exquisite job of fashioning and sewing. 

Tillie Tinkham, seamstress for the dolls at Corgyncombe, used "The Circular Long Sleeve" pattern and instructions from "The Workwoman's Guide" in a scaled down version to make a trial pattern to fit the lady dolls at Corgyncombe. 

Here is a link to: Photographs of Tillie Tinkham 

Another old cap from The Corgyncombe Old Fashioned Cap Collection

 

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