Needle lace began with the need to mend torn clothes or to hem a piece of fabric to stop it fraying. By the 1400s, though, thread was being used to decorate the fabric by teasing or braiding the  threads. Cutwork began to appear, with threads being pushed apart and embroidered around. ‘Ladies of the Castle” were required to be accomplished in sewing, and began to experiment with decorating their lavish clothes with silver and...

Samplers were originally used as a way of learning new embroidery stitches, and of recording which ones were learnt. They were first used in the latter part of the 16th century when needlework became very important in the education of girls, as it was used to decorate many items in the home, including linen, curtains and upholstery. Lovely examples of samplers exist from the 17th century, when girls had access to new designs. New printing...

Victorian society was very class-conscious, the ‘pattern’ of social life. The rich were ‘Society’ and shared their time between London and their country homes. Between May and August was the ‘London Season’ of social engagements and entertainment. Balls and dances were used to introduce young women into Society. A chaperone was always in attendance, who was usually her mother or another married woman....

Mrs Isabella Beeton, (‘Book of Household Management”, 1861), illustrated the Victorian appreciation of using cream, honey and milk in many sweet recipes. Simple to prepare, but delicious, these recipes are full of nutrition too! Swiss Cream 1 1/4 cups thick cream 6 sponge fingers 1/8 cup sugar 1 1/4 cups milk 1/4 cup corn starch liquer or sherry juice of one lemon Layer the sponge fingers into a serving bowl and soak in the...

Ice cream was originally invented by the Chinese , but was brought to popularity in Europe by Italian street icecream sellers, during the Victorian period. Home-made ice cream was also very popular. Isabella Beeton published her very successful book, the ‘Book Of Household Management’ in 1861, and this gave many simple but delicious recipes. Custard was often used as the basis for many of the different flavours. Ingredients: 1/2...

The word “chatelaine’ is derived from Latin, and is the female French word for ‘keeper of the castle’ or country house, and so referred to the person who was responsible for guarding the keys to the castle during Mediaeval times. This person also acted as the overseer of the running of the household. This involved managing the servants, the requisites and the associated book-keeping. Chatelaines were originally worn...

Queen Victoria reigned from 1837-1901. Her name has been given to this period, the Victorian Era. It is essentially an English (and UK) period, though its fashions and style were then copied by other countries. During the early part of this period, clothes were generally made-to-order, by tailors or seamstresses, with accessories being made by professional makers, such as milliners or glovers. Later, with the introduction of new...