✨ Hidden Treasures for Embroidery Lovers – My Secret Source of Inspiration✨
Fashion fades but style, as books, is eternal.
Dear stitchers and textile lovers,
Before running errands in preparation for Salon Révélations, I wanted to drop you a quick note from my embroidery desk to share something I truly cherish — my love for vintage books and magazines. This runs in the family: my father was an 18th century books restorer and bookbinder and one of our dearest family friends is a major 19th century books collector (more than thirty thousand books!!!). So I have always been surrounded by old and dusty treasures, basically. If you’ve ever found yourself swooning over an old pattern like me, you’ll understand exactly why I keep hunting for these gems.
There’s nothing like flipping through the worn pages of an old needlework book, tracing your fingers over hand-drawn illustrations, or discovering a long-lost embroidery motif that sparks a whole new project idea. These books and magazines are more than just references — they’re windows into the creative worlds of those who came before us.
Whenever I can, I make a beeline for vintage book fairs, and of course, the magical antique bookshops here in Paris. You wouldn’t believe the treasures I’ve found hidden in dusty corners and old boxes! One of my favorites is La Librairie Antique. This is how they see their wonderful treasure sourcing:
“Today, after scouring many collections, libraries, cellars, sheds and attics, we are delighted to present you with a wide selection of books. Our strength lies in choosing, selecting and retaining works that are tasteful, picturesque, rare and unusual, and that will fall in love with their collectors. We love to pile up, preserve and sort these finds, whether they've been picked up on a walk, through a chance encounter, or bought for cash at outrageous prices. Our mission is to preserve, pass on and perpetuate this precious heritage of works that are sometimes centuries old, that have stood the test of time, rubbed shoulders with so many generations and crossed paths with so many destinies. Come and discover these unique objects, most of which will never be republished!”
Yesterday, my friend sent me a fabulous list of their vintage books that are pure gold for textile enthusiasts. And of course, I thought of you. If you're someone who loves to research, dream, or simply collect beautiful things, this list is a gift:
A Les créations parisiennes sketches collection!
This was a supplement to the No. 93 issue of Les Creations parisiennes, a fabulous magazine from the 1920’s. 15 plates measuring 18 x 27.5 cm each, printed on heavy paper, enhanced in colour & some even highlighted with gold or palladium! They come with a 16-page catalogue describing the models shown on the 15 plates. What a dream!
An extremely rare specimen of the Journal des Demoiselles from 1839
Le Journal des Demoiselles was a French newspaper published in Paris from 1833 to 1922. Aimed at girls aged 14 to 18 from well-to-do backgrounds, the Journal des Demoiselles devoted a limited amount of space to education and science, in favour of literature, fashion and theatre and provided many patterns and designs as well as detailed tutorials.
“Costumes de fantaisie pour un bal travesti” by Alfred Grévin.
This first edition from 1870 is illustrated with 24 hors-texte plates decorated with superb original colour chromolithographs by Alfred Grévin, 23x32,5cm, paperback.
“Dentelle Maille”
A 30-page 22 x 17.5 cm notebook, with 13 models glued into the notebook from 1883 by lace maker Irma Lambert-Cueno from a tiny little village near the swiss border called Doubs au Belieu.
A complete collection of the Almanach des Dames et des Demoiselles, from 1851 to 1904
These are 54 issues, paperback, their covers are illustrated in colour, the inside is richly illustrated with black and white engravings. Can you see all the wonderful crafts instructions? Even if it’s written in French, I feel it’s totally worth it! 70 pages approx. per year followed by a few pages of advertisements. The covers are slightly faded at times but the interior well preserved, 13,5 x 18 cm. A rare and delightful collection, complete from the first year 1851 to 1904!
And of course, my favorite:
An issue of the wonderful embroidery magazine Mon ouvrage from 1949!
I love everything about these vintage magazines: the paper, the smell, the colors, the details, the illustrations! So many beautiful details in these pages, don’t miss this one!
Let me know if you end up finding something special — I’d love to see what inspires you. And in the meantime, I’ll keep prepping for the show happening at the Grand Palais in a couple of weeks.
Bises from Paris,
Nadia 🧵✨
P.S. If you have a favorite vintage bookshop or secret spot for textile finds, hit reply and share it with me! Let’s build a little embroidery treasure map together.
What a beautiful sampling of inspiration, skill, and creativity. I treasure my shelf of books, magazines, and catalogues about needlework with awe and thankfulness. My little collection is thanks to my mother, grandmother, and dear sister.