Schon newes Modelbuch...Page 9(r) 1617

Sigismundus Latomus created this page from "Schon newes Modelbuch" sometime in the early 17th century. These books served as guides, offering patterns for embroidery and lacework. During this period, sumptuary laws often dictated who could wear what, based on their social standing. Pattern books became tools through which women could exert creative agency, modifying and adapting designs. The emotional labor embedded in these textiles—the countless hours spent stitching, embellishing, and repairing—speaks to women’s critical role in economic production and cultural expression. This book of patterns becomes a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of women navigating a world of social and economic constraints. They represent not just decorative designs, but also a complex negotiation of identity, labor, and societal expectations.