New and Singular Patternes & workes of Linnen.
Seruing for Paternes to make all sortes of Lace, Edginges, and Cut-workes.
Newly inuented for the profite & contentment of Ladies, Gentilwomen, & others, that are desirous of this Arte.
LONDON Imprinted by I. Wolfe and Ed. White. 1591.
To the righte vvorshipfull Gentlewoman Mistres Susan Saltonstall, wife to the right worshipfull, M. Richarde Saltonstall, Alderman of the Citty of London.
IT beeing my chance (right Worshipfull) to lighten vpon certaine paternes of cutworks, and others brought out of forrein countries, which haue bin greatly accepted of by diuers Ladies and Gentlewomen of sundrie nations, and consequentlie of the common-people: this seemed vnto mee a sufficient instance and Argument, to bestowe likewise some paines for the publishing thereof. But beeing in suspence of the dedication: two causes induced me to imbolden my selfe to present it vnto your acceptation and patronage. First, because that rare deuises and inuentions are for the most part more agreeable and gratfuller accepted, then ordinarie and common thinges, although of great price and value. Secondlie, because these workes belong chiefly to Gentlewomen, for to passe away their time in vertuous exercises. Wherefore to fit and accomodate the dedication aright to the contentes and subiect of the booke, I thought it not amisse to offer it vnto your Worship, in token of thankfulnes for so many benefites [Page] which I haue receiued so bountifullie at your hands, assuring my selfe moreouer, that as these paterns will bring sufficient contentment and profite to all welwillers that are desirous of this art, so they shall for euer acknowledge thēselues to be beholden chiefly vnto you, being the chiefest occasion of the publishing and setting forth thereof. And therefore vppon hope that you wil take these inuentions in good part, which in time I am purposed (if God permit) to increase and augment with more new paternes of workes: In the meane time I pray God giue to your Worship, a happie, prosperous, and a long life, with a full accomplishment of all your vertuous desires.
The Epistle to the Reader.
HAuing framed a body of the best & rarest maner in true perfection, of sundrie sortes of deuises or workes, aswell for frame workes, as other Needle workes: I deuised with all dilligence and industruous studie to satisfy the gentle mindes of virtuous women, by bringing to light thinges neuer before as yet seene, nor committed to print: All which deuises are so framed in due proportion, as taking thē in order, the one is formed or made by the other, & so proceedeth forward, whereby with more ease they may bee sewed & wrought in cloth, and keping true accompt of the threads, maintaine the bewty of the worke. And more, who desyreth to bring the worke into a [Page] lesser form, let them make the squares lesse, and if greater, then enlarge them, and so may you worke in diuers sortes either by stitch, pouncing or pouldering vpon the same as you please. Also it is to be vnderstood, that these squares serue not onely for cut workes, but also for all other manner of sewing or stitching: noting withall, that they are made to keepe the worke or deuise in good order, and euen proportion. And if yee will that the squares be greater, make of two one, and of foure two, and so they will be larger: And in this maner may you proceed in all.
God prosper your desires.
New and Singular Patternes & workes of Linnen.
Wherein are represented vnto vs the seauen Planets, and many other Figures seruing for Patternes to make diuers sortes of Lace.
Newly inuented for the profite & contentment of Ladies, Gentilwomen, & others, that are desirous of thi [...] Arte.
LONDON Imprinted by Iohn Wolfe. 1591.