THE ROMANCE OF THE SILK ROAD BY PAMELA D. TOLER Trace the history of the famed overland trade route from China to the West and back. MUSINGS ON THE SILK ROAD BY DIXIE RETTIG More on the world’s greatest trade route, including a Silk Road Timeline. On the Web: Fingerless Silk Mitts to Crochet designed by Dixie Falls Crochet these elegant but oh-so warm tussah silk mitts for yourself. EARLY SILK KNITTING BY DEBORAH PULLIAM Silk has delighted knitters since at least the Middle Ages. Knit a Victorian-Inspired Silk Purse designed by Deborah Pulliam You’ll love knitting this elegant bag with luxurious silk yarn. THREE AMERICAN SCHOOLGIRL SILK EMBROIDERIES FROM THE SMITHSONIAN BY SHERYL DE JONG Rare early-nineteenth-century needlework stitched by three New England teenagers. THE ALLURE OF CIGARETTE SILKS BY MARY POLITYKA BUSH Early-twentieth-century premiums are still prized collectibles and a favorite of crazy-quilters. SILK FABRICS—A PRIMER BY CHRISTEN BROWN Explore some of the fabrics that have been made from silk throughout the years. Embroider a Silk Purse designed by Christen Brown Silk ribbon embroidery and ribbon-work embellish this delightful purse; stitch an extra one as a gift. Using Silk Threads for Needlepoint by Shay Pendray Experiment with spun silk threads on needlepoint canvas using this handy guide. EXCELLENCE IN NEEDLE ARTS AWARDS PieceWork’s celebration of contemporary needlework. View the Online Gallery