In a fantastic book about smocks and smocking I picked up last summer it quotes a 16th century guide  to ‘husbandrie’, listing the duties of a farmer’s wife. She must feed her husband and children and at about this time of year she would begin to get her seeds ready for growing plants and herbs. She would also sew hemp to make sheets, bedclothes and smocks.

Just imagine how formidable those women must have been. Providing for her family, making sure they were fed and clothed all from her garden. Now, after trying smocking I am even more impressed by these women’s skills and talents. Continue Reading »