PREFACE.

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These Patterns were compiled for the benefit of a friend, who had some pupils; and she having found them of service, and a saving of time, when engaged in teaching others, the writer has ventured to lay them before the public, in the hope that they may be of further use.

Now that so much time is occupied with the higher branches of education, and only an hour or so allotted to instruction in sewing, knitting, etc., the pupil leaves school in general with a very imperfect understanding of how to shape a stocking. It is not always convenient to get an old woman to assist at the 'turning of the heel;' and many parents cannot themselves knit—the last generation being sadly behind in this simple but useful art.

The present manual is intended for the benefit of those who already know a little about stocking-knitting, but who are not very sure of their own unassisted powers; and it will also prove serviceable to the teacher, as she may see at a glance how many stitches, etc., to cast on for the different sizes required by her pupils. In following the directions here given, the young knitter is advised not to be alarmed at the appearance of the stocking when first cast on, imagining that it is too wide; for as the knitting advances, the work becomes tighter of itself, till the top-band is finished. Besides, it is necessary to have a good many stitches on at first, which are gradually to be taken in during the process of shaping the leg, as the stocking is much narrower at the ankle than at the top.

Though the loom has done away in a great measure with the importance of stocking-knitting, still it is a pleasant and profitable, if homely, accomplishment; and, moreover, a fruitful resource, by way of pastime, for old age. It is to be hoped that at no time will this thrifty household acquirement be allowed to fall into disuse, for the sake of more ornamental occupations.

It may be interesting to know, that the art of knitting is first noticed about the sixteenth century; and, according to some, originated in Scotland, whence it found its way into France. It is related that, in 1564, a certain Wm. Ryder, an apprentice of Master Thomas Burdett, having seen accidentally, in the shop of an Italian merchant, a pair of knitted worsted stockings, made a pair exactly like them, which he presented to William, Earl of Pembroke, and that these were the first stockings knitted in England of woollen yarn.

Though the open-work patterns are not taken directly from any book, the writer feels bound to acknowledge, that she is much indebted to the instruction she herself received, through a valued teacher, from Mrs. Gaugain's excellent Knitting and Crochet Book, which is, however, too well known to require any recommendation.

A. J. C.


THE

STOCKING-KNITTER'S MANUAL.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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