Susan Johnson

Heinrich Steyner's A New Modelbuch Susan Johnson

Published in 1534, Steyners' Ein New Modelbuch is one of the earliest collections of lace and embroidery patterns. The designs were offered for the use of embroiderers and lacemakers, and feature classic motifs which have appeared in needlework projects (and been borrowed by other Modelbuch publishers) ever since. 52 "plates" are reproduced from an 1889 reprint of the antique original that is part of my private collection, and have been slightly enlarged for ease of use.

23 pages feature designs charted on graph paper which are suitable for counted thread embroidery techniques such as needlepoint and cross stitch as well as filet lace or crochet. The remainder are line drawings and woodcuts intended for lace or embroidery; they are a wonderful source of inspiration for other techniques as well.