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On the weekend I received a box full of lovely old textiles from my friend Helen who lives in the North Island. Once my heart had stopped beating so loudly (there were some amazing pieces in there) I had a look through two British magazines she sent me: Needlewoman Needlecraft' magazine, from the mid 1950's. There are some hilarious things in these publications, starting with the politically-incorrect descriptions and fanciful outfits. There's also a pattern for a large wallhanging featuring appliques of Shakespeare's greatest tragic characters. I wonder if anyone finished that project back in the 50's?

I found two transfer sheets for floral embroideries and fell in love with those immediately. I transferred them to some antique linen I had and have used them simply as prints – reminiscent of colour-by-number books. The pouch above is part of my shop update today.

Hope your Wednesday is going well! See you tomorrow.

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16 responses to “colour-by-numbers”

  1. Louana Avatar

    I love that pouch melissa! it’s just beautiful.

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  2. essie Avatar

    oh yay! i am usually too slow to snap up my favourite pieces from your shop, but i am so happy to have been in time to snap this up. it is the loveliest.
    i had a paint by numbers kit when i was little. my mum and i worked on it together and it was so much fun 🙂
    x

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  3. joanie Avatar

    What a wonderful gift to receive and a very sweet pouch. I love the language of the old needlecraft books and magazines, I read them far more than modern craft books and mags.

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  4. joanie Avatar

    Forgot to say that it’s because they are so amusing, not because I strive to be a fabulous “housewife.” 😉

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  5. Minji Avatar

    After my kids’ kindergarten, I take a small time to sew and buy a lovely case from your shop! Do you have still clara fabric? I love to have one too.

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  6. Margaret Oomen Avatar

    i love using them as prints or using printed linen for crewel or burlap for needlepoint as back grounds on my inspiration boards

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  7. www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawn_wQ8DSe02Gw2CW9Vp66YSDwTmymetXJo Avatar

    Can we also see some inside pages from the mags and Shakespeare too?AriadnefromGreece!

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  8. Chrissie's Ribbons Avatar

    Oh I love the lady on the front cover of the magazine… a picture of housewifely perfection! Love the paint-by-numbers effect pouch too x

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  9. Annika Avatar

    Such a good idea! I love the print, it looks understated and quite elegant!

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  10. Brittany Avatar

    so pretty. 🙂 i think the numbers and everything themselves are a design all their own!

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  11. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar

    It is so interesting to look at old magazines and see all of the ads and articles and the many things that were acceptable during another time and are not now. Just as I’m sure someone time traveling from the 1950s would faint if they saw some of what is acceptable now in 2011.

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  12. Avis Judd Avatar
    Avis Judd

    Hello Melissa, I have a great pile Needlewomans, I fell in love with the magazine about 8 years ago, it was published from about 1924 to 1978, buts is heyday was 1932 to 1940, I recommend getting hold of any of them from those dates, they have some truly timeless and wonderful designs, that can be made up easily. Some of the wartime embroidery designs were hilarious. There was a Needlewoman shop in Regent St in London UK from 1930’s to 1978, it was the place in England for art needlework supplies, my mother/grandmother/aunt used to say how great it was, people still go into John Lewis Dept Store even now looking for the Needlewoman shop. I am a great fan of the Needlewoman as you can see. Avis London UK

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  13. tinyhappy Avatar

    thanks for your comment, its great to hear more about these magazines. 🙂

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  14. Annie B Avatar
    Annie B

    I just love that red skirt!

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  15. Lucinda Avatar

    Hi Melissa, as usual your work looks beautiful! I hope you don’t mind, I have added a link to your site on my blog. Please let me know if you’d prefer me not to. I just think you’re great!

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  16. regina Avatar

    What a fun idea for a bag!

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