Needle & Thread: The Art & Skill of Clothing an Early 19th-Century Family

Rural New England housewives had multiple responsibilities in managing an entire household: cooking, cleaning, gardening, tending to the children and keeping the family neat and tidy. In addition to once-a-week chores like laundry and ironing, women spent innumerable hours making and mending an assortment of garments for the family. Drawing on Old Sturbridge Village's extensive collection, Needle & Thread showcases early 19th-century garments as well as essential sewing tools and household equipment that supported this undertaking.

Get an insider's view of our collection of textiles, garments, and tools for making and maintaining clothing from 19th century New England. The book also includes patterns to recreate some of your own period-accurate clothing and accessories.