Vintage sewing book - 1930s needlecraft / embroidery / cross stitch / tapestry

Lillie London's Needlework Book

Published by John Leng and Co. Ltd, London, UK
Undated but known to date from the early 1930s (1933 in all probability)

Large format hardback book - approx. 8 1/2" x 11" or approx. 21.5 cm x 27.5 cm - 128 pages - illustrated with drawings and black and white photographs in the main (plus a coloured frontispiece)

Lillie London's mail order shop sold embroidery transfers, patterns, and pre-printed 'ready-to-sew' linens/garments. This volume was intended as a catalogue for her wares. It provides detailed illustrations and instructions for each embroidery project - though no actual patterns (please note: no patterns for the actual garments etc). In addition there are general instructions on particular needlework techniques; e.g. needleweaving, cut-work embroidery, applique, Italian quilting, deep pile rug making, toy making with wire and wool. Also a 10-page section entitled 'First Steps in Embroidery' which provides guidance on various stitches

 Please note that the projects illustrated required embroidery transfers or pre-printed linens that were NOT included with this catalogue, as they had to be purchased separately. However, the instructions/illustrations are clear and it should be possible for the experienced needlewoman/embroiderer to replicate many of the designs without the use of transfers. At the very least, this volume will provide inspiration for your own vintage style creations. It features some very appealing projects

 If you would like further information on the contents of this book before purchasing please feel free to ask

 CONDITION:
This book is in reasonably good condition overall. There is wear and tear to the cover - wear to corners (with boards exposed), some scuffing/chipping to edges, some discolouration/fading/crinkling to fabric spine. Back cover is a bit grubby. Age discolouration/tanning throughout. Considerable foxing/tanning to endpapers.  Some rippling to front cover linings. Two pages have a slightly grubby appearance (pages 84-85 rugs - see photo) but this appears to be linked to the printing process rather than later damage. The odd small mark here and there. But otherwise good. Binding is tight. Hinges are intact. Internal pages are otherwise clean with no major flaws - no major stains, no tears or annotations. Please see photos for more information. Please note that it has proved difficult to reproduce the colours totally accurately in the photos. 

I have estimated the shipping costs. If I find that I have grossly over-estimated the shipping charges (after allowing a small amount for packaging) I will, of course, refund the difference

** At time of listing, I have many more vintage and antique knitting/sewing/needlework books and patterns listed. Please take a look at my other items. Postage costs will be combined wherever possible. Please either wait for a combined invoice before paying or, alternatively, I can refund any possible overcharge **

 Any questions, please feel free to ask 

RETURNS ACCEPTED ON THIS ITEM (please see Terms and Conditions below)

750-08-24(?)london

2021/22-105

2022-02-04photos

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:  

PLEASE NOTE:
My goods come from a smoke-free home. However, I do have a dog. Although the majority of my textile items are laundered before selling – and I endeavour to keep my dog away from any items that I am selling – please be aware of this if you are acutely allergic to animals.

Although I make every effort to take accurate photographs, please be aware before bidding that, due to the limitations of digital photography and variations between computer browsers, it is impossible to reproduce colours totally accurately on computer screens. If I feel that the original colours diverge greatly from those shown I will allude to this in the description.

Postage and Packing:
Please refer to the listing description for details of delivery methods and charges. Items that sell for more than £20 are usually (though not always) sent via a Signed For service (or, if sent overseas, via the ‘International Signed For’ service) and will require a signature on receipt.

I am happy to combine postage costs on multiple purchases (providing the auctions finish within 5 days of each other and you do not pay for any of the items until you have finished bidding on all of them – and, of course, providing it is safe and practicable to send the items within the same package). If you are still bidding on any of my other items, please let me know when you have finished bidding and I will send you a combined invoice.  Please note however that if the combined value of the package is more than £20, 'Signed For' or ‘Special Delivery’ costs (as applicable - or ‘International Signed For’ costs if sending overseas) will need to be taken into consideration before calculating the combined shipping discount.  
If your goods are damaged on receipt, please notify me immediately and retain the original packaging for possible inspection by Royal Mail in the event of a claim.

RETURNS:
Returns accepted in most instances (UK buyers only). There may be a few instances from time to time where returns are not accepted, so please consult the listing for clarification.

Please notify me of your intention to return the goods as soon as possible and please then return the goods in the same condition as you received them (e.g. still unworn/unused if the items are new, with original tags still intact etc) and in the same – or equivalent - packaging within 30 days of receipt. 
The refund is dependent on the safe receipt of the goods by me so you are advised to use a fully insured method of delivery and to package securely. 

Return postage costs are the buyer’s responsibility.

OVERSEAS BUYERS: please contact me before bidding/purchasing for details of international shipping costs/methods of delivery (if not already stated in the listing). Items valued at less than £20 will normally be sent via Airmail, with more valuable items usually (though not always) being sent via Royal Mail’s ‘International Signed For’ service. The method of shipping will normally be stated in the listing. If you require further clarification, please feel free to contact me.

Please note that you, the buyer, are responsible for all customs/import duties and fees in your own country (plus any related handling charges).
Combined Shipping / Returns / Goods Lost or Damaged in Transit: same Terms and Conditions as for UK buyers (please see above)