Esther Allcorn's instructional and sample book
Cover
Name/Title
Esther Allcorn's instructional and sample bookEntry/Object ID
2025.10.55Description
This book features typed instructions with corresponding samples. Samples are done on white and patterned cotton, flannel, and cashmere. The book opens with "How to sit down," explaining the best posture for optimal stitching. The pages follow with: Plain sewing; Stitching, back stitching, combination stitch & overcasting; Overhanging and matching stripes; Hemming; French hemming on damask; Cutting gores and felling; Catch stitching on flannel; Making a gusset; Putting on bands; Overhanding and whipping ruffles; Hemstitching fringing; Buttonholes, loops, sewing on buttons; Hemmed patch; Overhand patch; Patching on flannel; Stockinette darn; Darning on cashmere; Mitered corners; Blind hemming.Context
The sample book was likely completed at the Greenwich Academy or Ely School for Girls, both all girl schools in Greenwich, Connecticut. Esther Elmendorf Allcorn (1896-1977) was born to Leonard Lionel Allcorn (1871-1956) and Marquerite "Margaret" H. Elmendorf (1873-1949) and had one younger brother Leonard Lionel Allcorn Jr. (1897-1959). She was never married and spent a majority of her life as a private and public school teacher in Greenwich.Category
Sample books