We do not know the exact date when these immaculate needlework specimens were created by a teenage school teacher. It was probably at the end of the 19th century or in the earliest years of the 20th.

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They were sewn as teaching aids by Clair Parlett, who was possibly aged 14 or 15 at the time. The illustration shows a seven page specimen book with eight samples of work. Most of the items were sewn by Clair and include: a gathered cuff with a worked buttonhole in pale blue thread and a covered button; two different techniques for use in an applied calico mending patch, and a paper pattern for a chemise sleeve.

 

The tiny, even stitches and the quality of her work are notable.

Talented teenage girls were employed as pupil teachers at their elementary schools from the mid 19th century. By 1870 they were encouraged to continue their education at special pupil teacher centres, returning to their schools for teacher training practice. However this was not always possible for pupil teachers in more remote rural areas.

In 1900 the Board of Education recommended a school leaving age of 14 (it had previously been 12). However many children continued to leave school at 13.

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In 1902 the rules were tightened up to improve the education of pupil teachers and within a few years, teacher training colleges were established.

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Clair’s needlework skills would have opened up job opportunities apart from teaching, such as dressmaking, upholstery and millinery.