This is a comprehensive study of needlework tools from the 17th century to the Edwardian era. The format of the book groups the tools into periods and relates them to the style of embroidery fashionable at that time. The heavy silver needlework tools of the 17th century are related to the raised and padded embroidery of that era now known as stumpwork. The more delicate embroidery tools of the Georgian era are grouped together with fine embroideries. Palais Royal sewing boxes and their superb mother-of-pearl contents are illustrated, as are the glorious carved ivory needlework tools that originated from the Dieppe region of France. The Victorian lady chose her sewing box, work table or sewing set from the tremendous range available of which illustrated examples include tortoiseshell, papier mache, Tunbridge ware and Mauchline ware. The Edwardian era was the era of sterling silver and needlework tools of sterling silver were produced in enormous varieties. Many were English in origin but American silversmiths produced a vast variety of distinctive designs. 230 colour & 20 b/w illustrations