Flappers & Fiction

Mrs. Jane Weaver offered a highly creative and practical DIY solution for reviving worn luggage back in July 1883. Her charming article instructs readers exactly how to refurbish an old traveling bag by beautifully covering it in dark green plush fabric and adorning it with custom cross-stitch floral embroidery.

Published in Peterson’s Magazine in May 1883 by Mrs. Jane Weaver, this vintage article provides detailed instructions for crafting a decorative, striped window valance. The project guides readers through creating a custom valance by layering contrasting cloth appliqué, chain-stitch embroidery, and plush fabric.

In the April 1883 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, Mrs. Jane Weaver provides detailed instructions for crafting a decorative willow basket. The article explains how to embellish a foundation with an embroidered cloth lambrequin, fluffy silk tassels, and a plaited satin ribbon handle.

In the March 1883 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, Mrs. Jane Weaver describes an elegant window treatment designed for a young lady’s sitting-room. The article details the use of embroidered cretonne appliqués, scalloped valances, and blue reps to create a tasteful interior display.

In the February 1883 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, Mrs. Jane Weaver provides instructions for creating a decorative silk and embroidered flower-pot cover. This craft project is designed to beautify ordinary houseplants like begonias or ferns for use as dinner table decorations.

This article, written by Mrs. Jane Weaver for the February 1883 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, provides instructions for creating a decorative DIY table. It details how to construct a simple pine frame and finish it with embroidered plush fabric and elegant fringe.

In the February 1883 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, Mrs. Jane Weaver provides instructions for creating a decorative, standing letter-case. The article explains how to construct the case using embroidered myrtle-green velvet lined with satin and reinforced with cardboard.

In the February 1883 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, Mrs. Jane Weaver describes a new style of “Art Embroidery” featuring conventionalized floral designs. This article provides detailed instructions for working dandelion, pomegranate, and blackberry patterns onto functional household items like chair-backs and sofa-backs.

This article, written by Mrs. Jane Weaver and published in Peterson’s Magazine in January 1883, provides a detailed guide on how to master the Kensington-stitch. It explains the proper technique for this embroidery style, emphasizing consistent stitch length and the best materials to use for a high-quality finish.

This article, written by Mrs. Jane Weaver and published in the January 1883 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, provides instructions for crafting a light-gray kid leather needle case. The piece describes how to construct the case with a satin lining and a decorative flap featuring a painted Kate Greenaway figure.

In the June 1882 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, Mrs. Jane Weaver provides detailed instructions for crafting a decorative knitted quilt featuring a diamond motif and embroidered crosses. The article guides readers through the specific knitting rows and finishing techniques required to create this warm, fringed coverlet for a bed or bassinet.

Published in the May 1882 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, this article was written by Mrs. Jane Weaver. It provides detailed instructions for creating a “toilette tidy” using colored cardboard, crimson ribbon, and decorative “scraps” to form a functional pocket for a toilette table.