La Pratique de l'Aiguille, page 3 (recto) 1605

This is page three from Matthias Mignerak’s *La Pratique de l'Aiguille*, a book of needlework patterns, printed sometime in the 17th century. During this period, printed pattern books democratized access to intricate designs, previously held by the elite, thus changing fashion and home decor. Here, Mignerak elevates needlework, associating it with divine inspiration and mathematical precision, emphasizing that needlework is not born from chance. In a patriarchal society where women’s intellectual contributions were often dismissed, needlework was a space where they could express creativity and skill. While restricted to the domestic sphere, these women transformed textiles into potent symbols of personal identity and social commentary. As the text notes, the patterns imitate ones from the heavens themselves, brought down by the patron saints to be then imitated by ladies. Consider how this intricate pattern embodies the fusion of art, mathematics, and the quiet strength of women's creativity during a transformative era.