plain-work

All the matter is, if I could get plain-work enough, I need not spoil my fingers.

Pamela 2006

For of the three companions I had this last half year, one of them refused to do plain-work an hour in the day, another thought twenty-five guineas a year too small a salary, and I was obliged to send away the third, because I suspected an intrigue with the chaplain.

The Vicar of Wakefield 2004

If she can spin, and is mistress of plain-work, so much the better — but she must not expect extravagant wages — having a family of my own, I must be more occumenical than ever.

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker 2004

Fly could not pour forth questions and reminiscences fast enough about all the beloved animals at Silverton, not forgetting the little G.F.S. nursemaid, for whom she had actually made an apron in her plain-work lessons.

The Two Sides of the Shield Charlotte Mary Yonge 1862

So her stock of underclothing was very small, and scarcely any of it new; but it was made of dainty material, and was finely mended up by her deft fingers, many a night long after her pupils were in bed; inwardly resolving all the time she sewed, that hereafter some one else should do her plain-work.

Wives and Daughters Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell 1837

Mr Benson saw this, but reserved his offers of help as long as he could, hoping that before his assistance became absolutely necessary, some mode of employment beyond that of occasional plain-work might be laid open to Ruth.

Ruth Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell 1837

Her duty would be to look to scrupulous cleanliness within doors, and employ her leisure in spinning, or plain-work, as wanted.

Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Volume V (of 10) 1824

The next in age could learn knitting and plain-work, reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Tales and Novels — Volume 06 Maria Edgeworth 1808

Constantia -- cook for the family -- take in plain-work -- teach school -- in short do every thing to make them comfortable, and find her own comfort in so doing.

The Loyalists, Vol. 1-3 An Historical Novel Jane West 1805

For of the three companions I had this last half-year, one of them ref used to do plain-work an hour in the day, another thought twenty-five guineas a year too small a salary, and I was obliged to send away the third, because I suspected an intrigue with the chaplain.

The Vicar of Wakefield 1766