Historic sewing is a mother’s legacy

The meticulously researched recreation 19th century was a joint effort between Stotfold’s Carol Werrett and her daughter, Julie Speltickx. It is now on display at Stotfold Watermill.

The project came about when staff decided they needed an exhibit to show visitors how different life as a miller would have been in previous centuries.

Carol began work on the smock in November 2007, continuing despite increasing ill health and muscle loss in her hands.

Carol died at the end of 2009 before she had the chance to finish the smock but her daughter Julie, who is also skilled in needlework, decided to finish the piece in memory of her mother.

The smock has been displayed in its own cabinet alongside Carol’s working file. This includes detailed sketches, measurements and her correspondence in search of authentic items.

The smock has detailed panels of traditional ears of wheat and other items associated with milling. It also has hand-turned wooden buttons, which were made by Ray Kilby, the current miller at Stotfold Watermill.

The material is a special hemp weave, which absorbs flour dust and would have provided the miller with extra warmth.

The embroidery includes smocking on the front and feather stitching round the hem.

Leader of the archive group, Carolyn Monaghan, added: “The smock is a wonderful addition to the historical displays at the mill and one which visitors are amazed by.

“The delicacy of the embroidery and the attention to detail make it a really special exhibit.”

To read the full story see the Biggleswade Chronicle of Friday, July 29.``