Culled from two popular American women's magazines of the Victorian era, here are alphabets, initials, monograms, and common names in various letter forms — script, floral, geometric, Old English, block, ornamental, more.

The Victorian woman put initials on nearly every piece of linen and clothing she owned ? everything from handkerchiefs and blouses to tablecloths, napkins, and towels. The modern needleworker may not be quite so avid about initialing everything, but initials and monograms are still attractive and popular ways of decorating common items. This book brings you a large selection of alphabets, initials, monograms, and common names from Godey's Lady's Book and Peterson's Magazine, the most popular American women's magazines of the Victorian era. Each is available in a variety of letter forms, so that you may find the most suitable for your sewing needs: scripts, floral, geometric, Old English, block, ornamental, and many more. Although eminently usable for embroidery, there are also a number of alphabets for crochet and needlepoint. You will find these motifs of the highest quality ? both easy to use and productive of professional-looking results. For traditional embroidery and sewing needs, these alphabets, monograms, and names are ideal but you will also find them applicable to a number of modern uses: for decorating blue jeans and hats, for patches, and even a variety of non-sewing needs.

Reprint: Originally published: New York: Sterling Pub., 2004.

It doesn't have to take months or years to make a quilt ― believe it or not, these patterns require only 24 hours or less! Whether you're an absolute beginner or an experienced quilter, these simple instructions for 20 projects offer everything you need to know from start to finish. You'll discover innovative, time-saving techniques that make fast work of cutting and sewing heirloom-quality quilts. Full-color photos illustrate directions for pinwheel layouts, zig zag arrangements, patchwork designs, and appliqué motifs. Create wall hangings, decorative throws, and traditional quilts of all sizes that will add charm to any room. This wealth of projects — many of which can be finished in just six hours—offers designs that look as if they took months to stitch. In addition to their keepsake value, the quilts make wonderful gifts for all occasions.

Twenty-four quick and easy patterns include stylish hats, scarves, sweaters, and purses as well as afghans, doilies, and baby clothes. Includes full-color photos plus a helpful "Refresher Course."

New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea.

Richly illustrated with photos, charts, and drawings, this guide features more than 100 patterns for children's and adults' sweaters, jackets, caps, mittens, stockings, and shawls. Includes suggestions for adaptations to individual tastes.