Thus it is pleasant to see that what was late only a dainty accomplishment with which the gentlewoman idled away her time, promises to become a means of support to the working classes.
In this country, Crochet work can only be denominated an accomplishment, but we must consider it not merely as an elegant way of whiling away time, but as one of those gentle means by which women are kept feminine and lady-like in this fast age. Masculine women of hard and coarse grained natures, are seldom given to these pleasant household employments. We never hear that Elizabeth amused herself with the needle, she was too busy with her pen signing death warrants, or with her tongue scolding her council, for any thoughts of the graceful art which brightened the prison she gave to her beautiful rival. Indeed, fancy work in all its branches is always subservient to the household spirit which attends every true woman.
There is a careless fashion among gentlemen, of speaking lightly regarding those graceful exhibitions of female industry, which pass under the head of Fancy Work. Yet, to our mind, there is no amusement more innocent and graceful. One of the most distinguished literary ladies of this country once told us that she cultivated a love of her old-fashioned knitting, because it gave employment for her hands, which were so used to motion, that she really felt uncomfortable when they were unemployed. Our friend is only singular in the homeliness of her taste in knitting useful stockings, instead of pretty ornaments. The ladies of almost every country we have ever seen appear most natural and charming when employed in some graceful task of needlework or knitting.
But a love of it is increasing, and still increasing. Let gentlemen deride these pretty occupations if they please; we know how much of a soothing influence lies in the dreamy habit of counting stitches, and how many bright faculties are pleasantly exercised in arranging and matching colors.
On no occasion does a lady seem more lovely than when half occupied with some feminine art which keeps her fingers employed, and gives an excuse for downcast eyes and gentle pre-occupation. This sort of playing at work, and working at play, sheds a home feeling around the guests which no studied effort at hospitality can produce, and forms habits of usefulness which consumes many an hour of idle time that might be put to far more harmful uses.
There is an air of tranquility, and a proof of innocent contentment in these domestic accomplishments, that have a beautiful significance in the family circle. It is only in well regulated households that leisure moments are thus gathered up. It is only minds composed and serene in their joy, or submissive in sorrow, that can constrain themselves to the gentle monotony of work like this.
With a crotchet-needle in the hand, we join more pleasantly in conversation; the little implement fills up all embarrassing pauses: its use gives a feminine and domestic air, which men may smile at, but cannot condemn; and, under all circumstances, it is better than counting beads, like the modern Greeks, or flirting fans, like the Spanish belles—or flirting without fans, as sometimes happens to ladies of all nations.
The time which any lady gives to ornamental needlework is usually made up of those leisure moments which would be lounged away on a sofa, or in a rocking-chair; and it is wonderful how many pretty objects start into existence, that, but for this taste, would be dreamed away into nothingness.
Of course, no person of well regulated intellect would make a business of this graceful accomplishment, unless compelled to exercise it for a subsistence. We advocate it simply as an amusement, like all recreation, to be indulged in only when the more serious duties of life are disposed of. But it has advantages not always recognized. Many a fine eye for colors has been cultivated into artistic perfection, by the nice discrimination necessary to assort the tints of a worsted rose. Grouping may be learned from a close study of patterns, and a thousand charming associations may be woven in with the forget-me-not or heart’s-ease, which we have wrought tremblingly into the canvass, which a beloved eye was gazing upon.
Without a gift for needlework, what should we ladies do for appropriate mementos for our brothers, husbands, and friends, at Christmas time, and when birthdays come round, sounding their yearly remembrances upon our heartstrings? What should we do for wedding cushions, and christening robes, when our favorite cousins insist upon becoming heads of families, and useful members of society? What excuse should we have for casting down our eyes, when other people’s eyes become troublesome? Every lady knows how many heart-tremors can be carried off in a vigorous twist of the crotchet-needle; how many pleasant words may be innocently received in a sensitive heart, when all its defensive faculties are busy counting stitches? In short, we persist in it, that a feminine character cannot be quite perfect without a knowledge of all sorts of needlework, and a down-right hearty love of it, too. For our part, we have buried many a heart-ache in the growing leaves of a silken rose, and blunted the sharp edge of pangs that would not be wrestled with by the sweet, calm monotony of a shining bit of steel.