The Needle's Excellency with Janet O'Dell

Needlework, especially embroidery and patchwork, played a significant role in the lives of women from various social classes in the 16th to early 19th centuries, serving both practical and artistic purposes. These textile arts demonstrated skill and literacy, and reflected social status and creativity.

Sewing samplers from the 17th and 18th centuries often serve as rare historical traces of ordinary middle- and lower-class women, showcasing literacy and needlework skills essential for employment and homemaking. For affluent women, embroidery was integral to daily life, adorning clothing, furnishings, and books, with intricate designs often sourced from commissioned pattern draughtsmen, tutors, pre-drawn fabrics, or widely circulated pattern books despite frequent plagiarism.

In 18th-century Britain, wealthy bedrooms showcased luxury through ornamental patchwork and quilted bed covers made from fashionable imported fabrics or recycled textiles, highlighting both wealth and resourcefulness. A highlight is the circa 1810 patchwork coverlet made by Jane Austen, her sister, and mother, exemplifying intricate design and careful planning through the English paper piecing method with precise symmetrical patterns and fine hand stitching.

Janet O'Dell is an experienced independent quilt researcher, quiltmaker, and antique quilt collector. Since 2005, she has actively participated in international quilt study groups, seminars, and exhibitions. Her leadership roles include serving as Patron and Past President of Victorian Quilters Inc. She is an accredited quilt appraiser and judge, and has contributed as a guest curator and volunteer in various quilt-related institutions in Australia and overseas. With a professional background in business administration and adult education, Janet is now retired and dedicates her time to quilt and textile research and travel.

Your ticket includes tea or Market Lane coffee served before the presentation, and time to browse our exclusive range of books, gifts, and homewares at TJC Emporium.

This event is presented on-site at The Johnston Collection. Please see your ticket for details. NOTE: Tickets for this event do not include access to our house museum, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately.

This event is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust.