Sampler (The Brontës—I Took Especial Care), Part 2 of 5. 1997. Hand embroidery and beading on linen. 22.375 x 16.5 in. ( 56.8 x 41.9 cm)

I took especial care to touch neither
needle nor thimble, scissors nor muslin.
Many a jealous glance did M. Paul cast
at the implements; he hated them
mortally, considering sewing a source
of distraction from the attention due to
himself.

— Charlotte Brontë, VILLETTE, 1853

Paulina’s quick needle was busily plied
by lamp-light. Graham followed with his
eye the gilded glance of her thimble, as
if it had been the golden head of some
darting little serprent.

Ibid.