excelled in this beautiful art
of decorative needlework; it must have also made considerable progress
in the country soon after the Norman Conquest, from the accounts that
are recorded of the robes embroidered in gold and silver, generally worn
by persons of rank at that period. The Bayeux Tapestry also remains to
us as a lasting trophy of the skill and industry of Queen Matilda and
the ladies of her court, and is not more interesting as a historical
record than as a specimen of the needlework of the mediaeval age. The
introduction of knitting into this country is comparatively of modern
date; so late as the middle of the sixteenth century. The invention of
the art is usually ascribed to the Spaniards; though the Scotch, with
some appearance of justice, assert their claims as its originators. Like
all inventions, knitting has undergone wonderful improvements since it
was first simply used for stocking-making: and the value attached to
stockings so made may be judged from the fact, that a pair were deemed a
fitting present from one sovereign to another. A pair of knitted hose
was amongst the gifts received by that lover of finery, Queen Elizabeth;
but no record remains to shew if these were preserved with the three
thousand robes which were found after her death in the wardrobe of
England's Maiden Queen.

The love for domestic occupations, which is so admirable a trait in the
character of our countrywomen, has often been a subject of gratulation;
and that female ingenuity and skill may continue to be employed in
embellishing the drawing-room, rather than in directing the political
intrigues of the _salon_, must be desired by all interested in the
preservation of those domestic attributes which give so pleasing a charm
to home, and secure the comfort of all around.

The taste which her Majesty Queen Victoria evinces for feminine pursuits
and occupations has naturally exercised considerable influence in
preserving habits of industry amongst her female subjects; and to her
Majesty's example, and that of the amiable Queen Dowager, may be
ascribed that the labours of the English embroideress are now justly
appreciated, and her work esteemed as in no respects inferior to the
produce of foreign ingenuity.

In expressing their thanks for the patronage extended to the _Lady's
Album of Fancy-Work_ for 1849, the Publishers take leave to state that
the present Volume contains designs and patterns for various articles in
Embroider