Purse embroidery

This is an example of an unfinished embroidered purse pattern. The pattern is by Marjory Mills, and printed on cotton in the United Kingdom. It features her signature on the bottom corner.

In the needlework business

Taught to embroider by her mother and a graduate of the Royal School of Needlework, Marjory Mills began her career as an embroidery pattern designer in the 1920s with Mary and Margaret Alcorn. The Alcorn sisters ran an Arts & Crafts inspired shop in Lambton Quay, Wellington, which included an embroidery section. In 1934, Majory opened her own needlework business in Palmerston North with Irene Esau. Combining their surnames, they called the shop Millesa.

Majory returned to Wellington  in 1938 and opened another business in the street now known Cable Car Lane.  She sold original needlework patterns, embroidery supplies and offered embroidery classes. Mills closed the shop in 1952. She had decided to pursue her love of watercolour painting.

English inspired

Mill's embroidery patterns, such as this purse design, were mostly English-inspired.