‘How do you like my trimming?’: Accessories, Making and Jane Austen’s Novels

We are delighted to welcome acclaimed Austen scholar Professor Jennie Batchelor for a fascinating and intimate evening talk in the Drawing Room of Jane Austen’s House, examining the needlework that Jane Austen practiced in the home and the important role that stitched items and embroidered accessories play in her novels.

On 2 June 1799, during a stay in Bath, Jane Austen wrote Cassandra a typically newsy letter about visits made, conversations had, walks taken, and the business of getting, maintaining and making clothes and accessories. Responding to Cassandra’s latest, in which she learned that two friends had asked for the ‘pattern of our caps’, Jane is initially ‘quite pleased’ by the request before flattery turns to reproach: ‘I am not so well pleased with you giving it to them’. Knowing someone wants to emulate you is one thing. Having them wear the same thing, cut to the same style and embroidered or ‘worked’ – to use the language of the day – after the same fashion was another.

Jennie Batchelor is an academic, author and speaker. She is Head of Department and Professor of Eighteenth-Century and Romantic Studies at the University of York, and Patron of the Kent branch of the Jane Austen Society. She has written and edited several books on women’s writing, eighteenth-century dress and early women’s magazines, including the perennial favourite Jane Austen Embroidery – a unique book showcasing recently discovered 18th century embroidery patterns expertly repurposed into 15 exciting modern stitching projects. The patterns and projects are brought to life with glimpses into the world of Regency women and their domestic lives by lively historical features, quotes from Jane Austen’s letters and novels, enchanting illustrations and inspirational project photography.

~

This event will be filmed for an online audience (watch this space for details!), but a small number of tickets are also available for the live event! As our live audience you will enjoy special access, you’ll be invited to ask questions, and you’ll enjoy the unique atmosphere of Jane Austen’s House out of normal opening hours.

After the talk, join us for drinks in the Historic Kitchen and raise a glass to our favourite authoress!

Details:
Date: Sunday 13 July
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: £35

🍷 This event will include a glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative. Please let us know of any dietary requirements upon booking.

🎥 Capacity for this event is very limited, to allow for the event to be filmed in our historic Drawing Room. Seating will be arranged around the filming equipment.

🕓 As this event will be filmed, unfortunately latecomers cannot be admitted. Please arrive in good time to take your seat.

🏠 The House will be closed for this event so access will be restricted to the Drawing Room, where the talk takes place. General House entry is not included with the event ticket.

📖 This event is part of our Emma Festival, running from 12 – 20 July 2025