AN EMBROIDERY CATALOG

Last week we told you about one of our latest acquisitions here in the Bullis Room--an embroidery guide. Along with that guide was another book with Nettie Bullis's name written at the top, titled Priscilla Embroidery Book. It was published by Priscilla Needlework Co., Boston, in 1914 and offered kits for making all sorts of articles.

Besides the usual pincushions and fancy bags were kits for corset cases, petticoat flounces, and baby clothes. An embroiderer could also purchase kits for men's gifts such as shaving pads, collar bags, necktie racks, and handkerchief cases. All of these kits came with a perforated pattern transfer or stamped linen.

For those wanting to learn new stitches, there were instructions for the: German Knot; Danish Italian, and Roman cut work; Balkan stitch; and Bulgaria stitch.

We wonder if Nettie Bullis ever placed an order from this catalog. And if so, which kit did she chose? Perhaps she just enjoyed reading the descriptions and imagining what the black-and white representations would look like in brighter colors. That's a good way for us to enjoy this book today. You're invited to stop by the room and take a look.