In Jane’s day, crafting was…well, not so much “awesome spare-time activity” as “unpaid job.” Today, we’ve gotten lucky: what better way to get the Austen-lovin’ stuff you want than to make it yourself? The following craft ideas and patterns should get you started.
Knitted Projects
Note that many patterns here link to Ravelry, a large fiber-arts website. Ravelry is currently open only by (free) registration. As much as possible, we have attempted to link both inside and outside of Ravelry.
Jane Austen Girls’ Dress [Ravelry]
Jane Austen Girls’ Shrug [Ravelry]
Knitted Crone-Findlay Jane Doll [Ravelry]
I Heart Jane Austen Dishcloth [Ravelry]
Other Craft Projects
Inspired by Chinese Valentine’s New Year’s Day 2010: loving Jane Austen quotations chosen by your dedicated Austenacious literary chefs and formatted for use in fortune cookies. Because nothing says “love” like baked goods and good old-fashioned nosiness, make some cookies and do some heavy prognostication! Go forth and rule the destinies of your friends! In bed!
From the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, UK: “Jane Austen created this little needle case for a niece of hers just learning to sew. It is on display at Chawton cottage and bears the following inscription: “With Aunt Jane’s Love”. This tiny gift would make a great stocking stuffer or small token for a friend at Christmas.” Very cool!
The Stitching Janeite’s Pattern Book
Photo credit: Tanya Marie Anderson
Photo credit: Tanya Marie Anderson“Netherfield Park is let at last!” Brilliant. See also: “Darcy & Me,” “Jane Austen Lives Here,” and the perfect excuse to channel your inner Regency lady. And really, who doesn’t need a tiny embroidered pillow? Nobody, that’s who.
