Godey’s Lady’s Book Jan 1859

As a little Christmas treat for you, I photographed some of my favorite pages from the Godey’s Lady’s book I got a few months back.

The next picture goes with a story later on in the magazine.

These seem to be patterns for beaded purses.

I love the color plates! The red dress is so pretty!

Another line drawing.

Then a series of fashions.

Here is the floor plan for a cottage.  Nothing like any cottage I have ever been in.  Mansion, yes; cottage, no.

A vague sewing pattern for a nice bodice.

Then a sock pattern that I got all excited about…

until I realized that it doesn’t seem to tell you anything about wool size or how many stitches to cast on.  They don’t seem to say anything about the ribbing…I guess they assume that is obvious.   A couple of the abbreviations are a mystery but I think they are indications to wrap the wool around the needle to create the lacey holes.  The look is pretty but I doubt these will become socks in my lifetime.