The type of crafts practiced depended on the class of the person. Upper and middle class ladies often took part in activities such as embroidery that were considered ladylike. Working class ladies tended to use the skills in more practical tasks such a knitting,dressmaking and activities with practical value. Upper class men may paint but most chose to take part in sport or games rather than crafts. Working class men may practice skilled  craft as part of their working life but few took part in crafts otherwise. Crochet Crochet was one of the most popular crafts capable of simple talks like a simple trimming or fancy work rivaling lace. The attraction was that once a few stitches were mastered most tasks could be undertaken with a crochet hook using whatever threads were available. Once the design was complete the product was very strong and long lasting. Decalcomanie A craft that became popular in the late 1800's. Transfer varnish was painted onto pottery or glass, a small painting on paper was then put onto the glass and after a few minutes the painting will transfer to the glass. Embroidery This term covered many different craft activities that involved sewing with a needle for ornamental purpose onto a canvas. The most common canvases were muslin, cambric, velvet, satin, cloth and leather. One of the most popular forms of embroidery was to embroider paterns on silk strips that were then attached to the dresses on girls and young ladies for decoration. The frame often took the form of a wooden hoop although for large pieces of work and easel type frame was used.
	large embroidery stand from 1912 Knitting Knitting was very popular amongst poor people to produce warm clothes. Although a little more complicated to master than crochet it was quickly mastered. Experience knitters were able to continue knitting whilst talking or even taking part in a game. Silk Silk was produced naturally from the silk worm and imported in several forms depending on the weaving process. Silk was one of the most sought after products. Straw or corn plaiting Click the below button to visit a page on straw plaiting Wool The most valued wool was german wool that was particularly good for tapestry work Other wools include english fleecy wool, shetland wool, andalusian wool , merino wool, angola wool and camel hair wool. Scottish fingering wool and thin lambs wool were much thinner and used for knitting and repairing stockings and socks