Mrs Jamieson (fl. 1810s), the wife of an Ayr cotton agent, was an enterprising philanthropist who introduced sewed muslin to Ayrshire ca. 1814. Perhaps inspired by Italian Luigi Ruffini, who in 1782 had set up an embroidery school in Edinburgh,Heather Toomer, Embroidered with White (Heather Toomer Antique Lace, 2008), p. 106. she undertook to teach local women the necessary embroidery techniques, allowing them to work as outworkers at the trade. The finished product was widely marketed and exported, especially to North America.Margaret Swain, Ayrshire and Other Whitework (Shire Publications, 2001), p. 15. Her scheme had so much success that it was later exported to Madeira as relief work.Gail Marsh, 19th Century Embroidery Techniques (Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd, 2008), p. 72.
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