Insomniacs like me might have already stumbled over this wee gem of a radio series but if not its worth seeking out Amanda Vickery’s A History of Private Life. It’s on BBC Radio 4 Extra in the UK, each episode is only 15 minutes long and looks at life in people’s homes. Being nosey I find it fascinating, yes even when she reads lists of pots to be mended in an 18th century home.
The episode I thought you’d love is the one on embroidery, cross stitch and tenting and how it not only occupied young women but saved them for awkward silences – in the days before you could stare at a TV screen – and even helped their mental wellbeing.
Here’s a link to the episode called Ornamenting the Home which I believe is available for the next 4 weeks.
Happy listening.
Frayed at the Edges 