Vascular anastomosis findings were first published in 1902 by Alexis Carrel with techniques still in use in the current day earning him the title “father” of vascular surgery. He subsequently conducted experiments on dogs transplanting kidneys and published the first successful finding in 1905 along with Charles Guthrie. His ongoing work was rewarded with a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in recognition for his work on vascular anastomosis and transplantation almost 80 years before Joseph Murray received the same recognition for clinical transplantation. Often a footnote or barely mentioned is Marie-Anne Leroudier a master seamstress who’s work includes the Paris Opera House curtains, dresses/coats for royalty and religious vestments for the Pope and Vatican. Many of her work is kept in the Textile Arts Museum in Lyon. Prior to his publication on vascular anastomosis in 1902 Alexis Carrel studied needlework under Leroudier recognising the need for extremely fine lace making needles with cotton or linen thread instead of using the commonly used catgut and surgical needles. Vascular anastomosis is an influential surgical discovery not just for transplantation but for other specialities. Whilst the work that Carrel did is not to be diminished, it is interesting that at the heart of some of the most intricate surgery performed today are skills developed by generations of women craftspeople.