Knitting for All
With the intense winter cold of the Finger Lakes and a yarn-bomb challenge we have going here at Mann Library, this last week of January has us on to a cozy topic—needlework and knitting. Whether as artisanal craft, high fashion design, or work of art, knitted creations have been the object of intense human focus and activity across time and culture. The earliest piece of true knitwear ever found—a knitted sock—dates from about 4th century Egypt, while ancient Mongolians were also known to have created knitted vests with abstract floral motifs to help ward off the bitter Central Asian winter cold. Distinctive knitting traditions developed in other corners of the globe following those early Near Eastern origins. Over the years—thanks to the work of artisans, fiber artists, designers and cultural historians—these traditions survived the process of industrial revolution to remain a solid, even resurgent part of culture today.
J. A Fleming’s How to Teach Needlework in Schools, published in 1887 by George Gill & Sons publishers of London, is a charming introduction to all types of needlework: from crochet to embroidery to knitting. It features lovely illustrations so the reader can easily follow along, like this one that shows the reader how to complete an exercise that will help them learn how to “cast on.”
For those of us new to the needle arts, in knitting, “casting on” is the process of getting the first loops, or row of stitches, on to the needle. Adversely, “casting off” is the act of finishing your last row of stitches so that your piece doesn’t unravel. Jane A. Fleming was an active English educator in her day, with a particular focus on promoting skills in sewing, knitting, and mending. In addition to authoring books such as How to Teach Needlework and Common-Sense Needlework, she contributed to the The Practical Educator, a British late 19th century monthly journal of advice and lesson material for teachers. We heartily recommend a browse through Fleming’s writings for a look at some beautifully clear and helpful guidance in some remarkably timeless (or, given today’s growing “maker” movement, perhaps better said, delightfully timely) life skills. Thank you Miss Jane!
How to Teach Needlework in Schools” is a rare book in the Mann Special Collections and may be browsed here at Mann Library via special request. Fleming’s Common-Sense Needlework has been digitized and made available via the library repository partnership known as the HathiTrust. To view there, visit goo.gl/xh8qBw.