Super interesting book for those of us interested in 18/19th century arts and crafts and in Jane Austen. I really appreciated the scholarly perspective in this one.

This book is such an interesting and detailed guide of Regency Patterns. The patterns were clear and well photographed and directions were very well explained. I loved this book and I strongly recommend it to all craft-entusiasts.

Oh my, but this is a lovely book! It is not just an instructional embroidery book; I learned so much about late 18th-early 19th century needlework, the daily lives of women of the time, the skills they learned. I had no idea monthly magazines existed then! I just never thought about it I guess, but it was so interesting learning about Lady's Magazine. The historical aspect of this book was fascinating to me, as I'm sure it will be to anyone interested in that era, in Austen's works, in antique needlework, or all of the above!
The instructional part of this book are very thorough, covering tools and materials of the time, the different stitches and embellishments used, techniques involved, and what modern equivalences can be substituted. While the projects will require some amount of experience, they do range in difficulty level; however, I think an absolute beginner might be in a little over their head here. The projects are reproductions from the Lady's Magazine, some recreated from actual patterns the author was able to find. There are two projects that are updated for modern times- a tablet sleeve and a cell phone pouch- but otherwise, any of them could have been made by Austen herself. The instructions are explained well, with tips specific to the project to make things easier. I loved the embroidery patterns, which would look lovely on any number of other items besides the pieces in the book.
This is a book any Austen fan should have, I think, even if they don't do embroidery themselves, as there is so much information about the time period Austen lived in and her interest in needlework, as well as giving insight into the lives of her characters. So very recommended!

#JaneAustenEmbroidery #NetGalley

I received an ARC in order to provide a review. Sadly, the ebook and my reading device didn't get along, and I wasn't able to get a good detailed look at the book. However, from what I could see, it looks like a lovely book, with lots of historical content, pretty patterns and good technical advice, which is what I'd expect from the author, who is well known in the field.
The patterns are actual reproductions from publications that were available in Austen's time - the author apparently found copies of these magazines with the patterns intact!
From what I could see in a preview on a commercial site, the projects look varied and representative. I hope that my library will eventually add this to its collection, but I might have to buy it first!

If you follow Drunk Austen on social media, then you know that Admin Bianca (me!) can rabbit hole weird and wonderful parts of regency costuming. So months back when I heard a book called ‘Jane Austen Embroidery’ would be coming out, I was excited but worried.

“Would this be another book that slaps Austen’s name on it to sell copies?” I wondered.

Well now I have read the book and I am delighted to say it’s a great historical resource and prime inspiration for history bounding enthusiasts. Jennie Batchelor presents a wealth of research around The Lady’s Magazine (a popular publication during Austen’s time that would have offered readers news, chemists, essays, poetry and embroidery patterns) and Austen’s own style. There is wonderful detail about the clothes in Austen’s books and period, which is just a great primer for people reading her works.

Batchelor gives us the wonderful research, history and reproduction of embroidery patterns from The Lady’s Magazine and Alison Larkin gives us projects we can try them out on. From reticules to tablet sleeves, there are fun projects for all occasions that incorporate these historical patterns.

I feel like this books is a perfect combination of historical research and creative ways to use the reproduced patterns. If you’re a historical costumer, you can totally just copy these patterns for use on dresses and accessories. If you aren’t into costuming, you can easily use these on some of the projects in the book.

I hate to admit that I've never actually read anything by Jane Austen....but I am fascinated by the history of needlework and was happy to have the chance to take a look at Jane Austen Embroidery: Regency Patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers by Jennie Batchelor and Alison Larkin. You don't have to be familiar with Jane Austen's work to absolutely love this book.

The patterns are adapted from originals that appeared in The Lady's Magazine in the late 1700s. Since most of us aren't likely to be creating sprigged muslin gowns or embroidered waistcoats, the patterns have been transformed into cell phone cases and tablet sleeves, along with a housewife and some other sewing accessories.

Even more than the patterns, I love the chapters explaining the original magazines and the needlework being done at the time. For the first time in my life, I actually know what "sprigged muslin" is. And I plan on researching map samplers, because as much as I've read and heard about different types of samplers I wasn't familiar with those.

All of the projects include detailed finishing instructions. The book doesn't assume that you have much, if any, stitching experience so there are stitch guides and explanations of the materials and tools needed.

Beautiful historical embroidery patterns from Jane Austen's time, in projects that are useful for modern stitchers.
I did find the title misleading, while we know that Jane Austen embroidered, and she might theoretically have embroidered some of these patterns, these aren't actually patterns from her embroidery work, rather they a patterns from a ladies' magazine available during her lifetime.
The author covers the use of embroidery patterns during the regency period, and what kind of projects they would typically have adorned. Personally I love everyday history, so I would have preferred the patterns of the book to actually have been used in a historically accurate fashion, as I have never felt the need to make smartphone or tablet covers (but that might just be me).
Nevertheless, there are some excellent projects in there, suiting anyone from beginning stitchers to the more experienced.

I was instantly charmed by Jane Austen Embroidery. As an avid embroiderer, I devoured all the history about Regency Era needlework, and the role it played in upper middle and working class society. Great and thorough explanations about what the modern embroiderer needs to have to start stitching. The projects are unique, and once completed look to become lifelong treasures. That said, the prospect of assembling/finishing the projects is a little daunting. As charming as hand-finishing is, it's a completely separate skill from hand embroidery, and many of us have to rely on professional finishers. I would encourage beginners to have fun with the projects, then perhaps pay a sew-handy friend or a needlepoint store to whip them into treasures.

Though I received a free ebook from netgalley, I also purchased the paperback.

Georgian Patterns for Modern Stitchers

If you're a fan of the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, you are familiar with the embroidery that is the introduction to each episode. If you ever wanted to make items with Regency/Georgian embroidery yourself, this is the book for you. Not only does it have beautiful old-fashioned patterns, some of which have been taken from a ladies’ magazine from that era, but it also tells some about Jane's personal embroidery—she was quite the stitching enthusiast—as well as different aspects of embroidery during that time in Georgian England. As a huge Jane Austen fan and longtime embroiderer, I found this book to be an utter delight. How fun is that the author is a historical pattern sleuth, and in this book, brings us ones that perhaps have not seen the light of day in over 200 years. If you enjoyed textile history, old-fashioned patterns (some of which have been repurposed for modern items like a cell phone pouch), or are a Janeite, you will most likely find this book to be as much fun, and insightful, as I did.

Jane Austen Embroidery is a wonderful book for historical fashion enthusiasts, as well as embroiderers looking to expand their skill set. Be warned; you'll want to have at least a working knowledge of basic embroidery stitches and sewing techniques before undertaking the projects in this book. For the seasoned stitcher, however, this book is a treasure trove of beautiful Georgian-inspired accessories. From heirloom napkins to a beautifully quilted tablet case, each project is a work of art. Whether you're a fan of Jane Austen or simply a lover of Georgian fashion, this book is sure to delight.

I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a cute book with around 15 different designs of embroidery patterns from the time of Jane Austen. It also includes a lot of cute Jane Austen quotes to go along with the patterns. Directions are clear and patterns are well explained. This would make a great gift for a book lover and crafter!

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

“Jane Austen Embroidery” by Jennie Batchelor and Alison Larkin Is exactly what a craft-enthusiast Jane fan would want it to be! It is packed with interesting Jane facts, historical notes and beautiful embroidery patterns.

I so enjoyed the research put into the book both in finding the patterns and in understanding their context. In our world of modern conveniences, the historical aspects clarify why needlework was abridged to be called just “work”. It was not a hobby but a necessity. Jane is reported to have been particularly skilled in this area of life and her personality has been stitched throughout.

The embroidery patterns are whole projects rather than just the attractive elements and including sewing and make-up as well as embroidery. Each pattern has been carefully chosen, related to Jane, and modernised to make it relevant to today, I appreciated all the guidance included for the less knowledgeable reader – a.k.a. Me – about fabrics and threads as well as how to sew each stitch. It is detailed with great photos and lots of tips!

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited my ability to access the various resources to put into practice what I have learnt but I look forward to doing so in the future. If you love Jane Austen and embroidery, this is one to get! It is five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.

I loved that this book took you beyond the embroidery and included the history of the craft and the author. The embroidery is well photographed and the instructions are well explained.

Jennie Batchelor has modernised the Georgian patterns and included them on things like tablet cases so you can take your love of Jane Austen everywhere.

This book would make the perfect gift for that classic crafter in your life.

An interesting book showing patterns and ideas from magazines from 1770 to 1810. Some nice patterns, and cute ideas for making bags and other items. Might try the shawl pattern. Would recommend, although more for the history than the patterns. Nice details and layout throughout.

I am currently deeply immersed in a Jane Austen phase.  I recently reviewed reread Emma, finished The Other Bennet Sister and am currently deeply immersed in The Jane Austen Society (a new novel) which I will review soon.  It comes out later this month.  So, I was delighted to be approved by NetGalley and the publisher for this title which was full of information on Regency era women and their craft.

While I don't anticipate doing my own embroidery, I was impressed by the scope and detail of what was covered in this nicely illustrated book.  I recommend it to those of you who would like to start a project (there are fifteen here) or just learn more.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Jane Austen Embroidery is a fascinating peek into the world of Georgian crafting as well as the world of the author Jane Austen. Throughout the book are fascinating discussions of decorative crafts during the era--a history that even non-crafters may find fascinating. The volume then presents an introduction to embroidery, complete with stitch guides and lists of necessary materials. Next comes a series of beautiful patterns, some fairly straight forward and some quite a bit more complex. I can't wait to try my hand at making the beaded pencil case!

Jane Austen Embroidery is a tutorial and pattern book for projects in the Regency style of the time period. Due out 13th May 2020 from Dover, it's 160 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a well researched and period accurate group of projects for surface embroidery embellishment. The projects are varied and all are appealing. There are small projects (pencil case, cushion, sewing kit, and more) as well as larger projects (tablecloth, stole, muslin shawl). None of these is outside the ability of a keen beginner (especially if they have some available help).

The book includes a good overview over tools and supplies for surface embroidery as well as meticulously annotated discussions of the daily lives of women who lived during the period (including Jane Austen herself).

There are abundant links and resources for further reading. The pictured finished projects use silks but the authors have included a conversion chart for Silk Mill, DMC, and Ancho flosses. Patterns are included in each project chapter along with illustrated construction notes.

It should be noted that this book is about surface embroidery, not cross stitch. It's lovely to see tutorials and and upswing in interest for the other fibrearts; it seems like only cross-stitch had any following for a long long time and it's nice to see surface embroidery enjoying a renaissance.

Beautiful projects. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Jane Austen Embroidery: Regency Patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers By Jennie Batchelor I was interested in this book because I just finished reading a book about Jane Austen’s home town. This book is a small sampling (15 )of the embroidery during Jane Austen’s time. The book is divided into three major sections: accessories, home décor and clothes. At the beginning of each section is a history lesson. So the book is part historical information and part embroidery patterns. There are a few ‘modern’ adaptations like the cell phone case and tablet holder embroidered with an embroidery on them from the Regency Patterns. There are a few of ‘old-fashioned’ items like a reticule ( a purse with strings) aprons and a shawl of sorts. Each pattern is detailed and with each pattern is a list of all the materials needed for that project.
The title seems misleading as the reader is lead to believe that these are Jane’s embroideries. There are quotes from Jane Austen’s works and letters. The patterns are however derived from a lady’s magazine which was popular during Jane’s lifetime. I am sure there was considerable work in researching and reprinting these patterns
I would like to thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely book.
Embroidery designs are true to the period and for any Jane Austin fan, I'm sure they would love to stitch something.
Very good instructions and pictures. Would be easy to pick the book up and start a project immediately. Not just designs, but patterns to make the designs into a project - eg a small purse, pillow etc.

A great book for those who love a bit of hands on history. It includes projects with embroidery patterns in the Jane Austen era style. You could just use the embroidery patterns and put them on anything rather than following the full projects. There are clear instructions, although I would guess they are not really suited to a complete beginner. The photographs and illustrations are lovely and the inclusion of the history and extra information means you can really immerse yourself in each project.