The title of this book embodies the authors attitude toward the collection that she presents, using vivid photographs to guide the reader through centuries of lacemaking and embroidery. The author has traveled throughout Europe carefully researching the origin and history of the pieces presented. Information is separated into eight chapters: Lace Trim, Bridal Hankies, Fashion, Society Embroidery, Appenzell-work, Bed Linens, Table Linens, and Miscellaneous Lace and/or Embroidered Pieces. Each chapter includes an overview, detailed descriptions, and photographs, including details that are excellent references for identifying various styles of lace and embroidery. The price range associated with each will help the reader understand the effect age, condition, and workmanship have on value. This book will appeal to beginners and experienced collectors alike.

Information on Old lace and linens, including crochet, that includes tablecloths, centerpieces, doilies, collars, bedspreads, pillowcases, and much more, with illustrations.

This book offers a process that will allow anyone with a good eye and a magnifying glass to determine what kind of lace they have, and its current value. Large, detailed photographs accompany step-by-step instructions in lace identification. Learn the secret codes of lace and linen terms and what to look for to determine when to save or sell a valuable piece.

A visual tribute to the elegant world of heirloom household fabrics, from the white linen cloth of ancient Egypt to the rainbow-hued coverlets of today. This lively text introduces heirloom household fabrics, their use, manufacture, embellishments, and care, as well as the infinite variety of fibers and materials used. The author explains how they serve as both unusually revealing testaments of the history of daily life and quintessential examples of the weaver’s craft, often so magnificently decorated that they rival works of art. The text is supplemented by a rich array of paintings, archival photographs, vintage advertisements, and original commissioned photography from collections, private homes, and workshops of the leading contemporary manufacturers. A comprehensive glossary of technical terms, bibliography, and index complete the book.

What is that lace? How old is it? Has it been made by hand or machine? What would it have been used for? These are the types of questions that this practical guide sets out to answer. Lavishly illustrated, it shows you how to identify the sort of lace that you might find hiding away in drawers and cupboards, or buy at a vintage textile fair. It deals predominantly with the hand-made and machine laces of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Topics covered include an introductory survey of the different types of lace, their history and construction; guidelines for a systematic approach to lace identification and advice on cleaning and storage; chapters on the different types of lace: bobbin lace, needle lace, craft laces such as crochet and tatting, machine lace and lace based on tapes and nets. There are exercises on distinguishing similar pieces of lace made using different techniques and there are illustrations of how lace has been used and of some of the tools used in the making. Written by experienced lacemakers Gilian Dye and Jean Leader, it presents items from their own collections to illuminate and inspire others who wish to know more about this fascinating textile. Lace Identification is a complete guide to the beauty of this stitch craft, and will richly reward all those who study the treasures they may own.

Reticella work, carricmacross lace, princess lace, and other traditional techniques developed by lace-makers in Ireland, England, Spain, and other countries resulted in finished pieces of unrivaled beauty that continue to inspire needlecrafters. Now needleworkers can learn to make exquisite lace and net embroidery in styles that originated in the centuries-old lace-making centers of Europe. This volume is a classic guide to the single-thread-and-needle styles of lace-making: complete instructions and clear stitch diagrams explain how to make both needle-run and needlepoint laces. In sections of their own, tatting and Irish crochet receive the same clear treatment. Even the fascinating history of lace-making is covered in some detail, and excellent advice on the care of lace is given in conclusion. With this versatile sourcebook for reference, you, too, can create the special pieces of a lifetime: bridal veils, elegant gowns, shirts and blouses, shawls, scarves, curtains, table and bed linens. Among the lovely lace and net embroidery designs in this easy-to-follow guide, you'll find geometrics, florals, sprays, lovers' knots and other pattern classics. The lace-making art is not lost, just waiting to be rediscovered in this wonderful volume and revived in your capable hands.

Every crocheter stares admiringly at vintage lace, wishing to replicate its delicacy and elegance. The originals were stitched with finer thread than we use today, making that gorgeous heirloom-quality crochet lace an elusive dream. This unique guide showcases a collection of antique tablecloths and bedspreads--each a magnificent example of the crocheter’s art--and revises the old techniques to suit today’s threads. Complete patterns are included for each project, along with instructions and full-page photos that make intricate designs easy to follow. Special attention is paid to working with traditional steel hooks and choosing the perfect crochet threads, and plenty of advice is offered for working in filet. These projects take time, but the results will become tomorrow’s heirlooms.