For several centuries, white-on-white embroidery in various forms has been practiced in Ireland. Mountmellickwork is probably the best known style of Irish white embroidery. In around 1830 Mrs. Johanna Carter invented this style of embroidery, using a thick cotton thread and it was named after her native town. Many of the richly decorated designs are based on natural forms, especially the local fauna. The craft sadly declined in the early years of the 20th Century, but the old paper patterns were preserved by local enthusiasts and by the devoted sisters of the Mountmellick convent who continued to work the designs. Jane Houston-Almqvist had access to these invaluable resources in preparing this book, which details not only the story of the craft, but is also a practical manual with many full-sized patterns based on the originals.