This notebook contains sewing, embroidery, knitting, and lace samples as well as instructional text. Brown created this sampler while attending the Glasgow and West of Scotland College of Domestic Science. Established in 1908, the College awarded diplomas for work in single subjects such as needlework and cookery, which were in high demand during the interwar period. It became Queen’s College, Glasgow in 1975.
Brown’s notebook contains particularly complicated examples of needlework and embroidery along with extensively detailed instructions, with which she likely intended to train future students. This book reflects a rise in the professionalization of domestic labor and home economics at this time. Gould Library Special Collections has several other sewing model books in addition to this one, all of which can be viewed by appointment. Contacting specialcollections@carleton.edu to learn more.