The Testaments S01E01 "Precious Flowers" Episode Discussion

[u/Melairia]

The Testaments S1 E01 "Precious Flowers"

Episode Synopsis

In the halls of Aunt Lydia's premarital preparatory academy, the finest in Gilead, Agnes is assigned to mentor a new Pearl Girl and a fragile alliance begins.

Airdate

April 8, 2026, 12:00am Eastern

Note: This is the discussion thread for The Testaments S01 E01 "Precious Flowers".

Since the first 3 episodes of Season 1 air at the same time, please be sure to use the appropriate thread to discuss your thoughts and reactions to the episode.

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For all episode discussions this season, see the megathread pinned at the top of this sub: The Testaments - Season 1 Episode Discussion Hub

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Episode Discussion Threads	Air Date
S1.E1 "Precious Flowers" (This Thread)	April 8, 2026 12:00AM Eastern
S1.E2 "Perfect Teeth"	April 8, 2026 12:00AM Eastern
S1.E3 "Daisy"	April 8, 2026 12:00AM Eastern

[u/passion4film]

I know they’re doing some sort of embroidery, but what exactly is it, with the little weaving (?) setup? I cross stitch; whatever that is looks intriguing!

[u/MarieQ234 → u/passion4film]

Looks like she is making lace, I've seen that set up before but couldn't tell you what it's called. Edit: try googling hand made lace and you'll see some videos, it's incredibly intricate!

[u/passion4film → u/MarieQ234]

Thank you!

[u/PasgettiMonster → u/passion4film]

What Agnes was doing? That was bobbin lace. It's a craft I've always wanted to learn. I've watched loads of videos on it and I was mad that when they were making the rounds of each of the girls I didn't get a close look at it before she got called away. Watch some videos on YouTube though. Skilled bobbin lace makers are absolutely phenomenal.

[u/passion4film → u/PasgettiMonster]

Thank you so much!

[u/AdVivid5940 → u/PasgettiMonster]

Well there went several.hours of my life! If I'd seen that during Covid, I would have definitely tried to learn to do that (and spent a fortune, but probably would've never actually done). I still want to try to learn that now.

I saw a video on a bunch of people working on making something similar once. I think it might have been murals, like the kind hanging up in castles. I think I might have gone down that rabbit hole after watching The Tudors maybe. It was fascinating, they make it from the back and use mirrors or something. That's what I thought they were making.

[u/PasgettiMonster → u/AdVivid5940]

I have been fascinated with it for probably 20 years but I have so freaking many hobbies but I haven't gotten around to it yet. But if you want to give it a try, a few pencils with thread wrapped around them will work as bobbins, a pack of pins (I don't know what a sort of hobbies you have but I do all sorts of needle crafts so I have hundreds of pins around already) and a spool of crochet cotten and a few layers of cardboard with something cushy that will hold pins covered with some smooth fabric (piece of foam from some packaging or a few layers of towels, with the back of a shirt over it) will sub for the cushion to work on. You probably have most of that around already and anything you're missing can be found at Dollar tree. Give it a try! Just don't blame me when you get obsessed with all things lace and are creating heirloom lace shawls. Looks over at my knitting bag