This is a needle point craft book by the great great aunt of my mother. Henriette Smit started needle point at the age of 10 and completed this book at the age of 16 (from 1890-1896). In those days, young girls had to learn all the needle point techniques in preparation for marriage.
Henriette died at the age of 25 of tuberculosis, just before her marriage to a doctor.
I love the different types and techniques of the textiles, therefore this book with its fine handcraft is a historical treasure and very inspiring. Every page shows a different skill from colored embroidery to miniature dresses and there is a personal quality to it to which I can relate.
Below is a page from the book where Henriette, practiced her knitting, crochet and darning socks.
