Near Alton in Hampshire the Jane Austen House Museum gives fans of the author an insight into how she, along with her mother and sister, would have lived and is valuable proof of how important textiles are in telling our stories.
As part of Regency Week the museum is running a series of Regency inspired events and workshops. Find out about the quilt that Jane made with her mother and sister, with a talk from Sue Dell, Collections Volunteer at JAHM, focusing on the history, construction, fabrics and conservation of this unique (mostly chintz) quilt. Furthermore Sue will examine how Austen’s work and needlework have inspired modern quilters around the world. 22 June.
Make and decorate a Regency bonnet in a day. In this workshop you will learn a quick and easy way of making a poke bonnet that could pass for the real thing. Everyone will leave with a finished bonnet, the morning will be spent creating the bonnet structure from sinamay, covering skills you can use again to make modern head pieces. The afternoon will be spent decorating your bonnet with ribbons, feathers and other trims. All materials are provided.
Alresford Lacemakers regularly visit Jane Austen's House and work in the rooms where Jane and her mother would have undertaken needlework projects. Visitors are welcome to talk to them about their work and see the beautiful lace take shape.
www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.ukJane Austen's Quilt - 22 June
Make and decorate a Regency bonnet in a day - 25 June
Lacemakers in the House - 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 September