Sharply detailed photographs depict glories of reticello, lacis, Venetian point, other needle-made and bobbin laces 16th 18th centuries. Copyright-free. "

This collection of extraordinary lace pattern illustrations dating from 1598 are the work of Isabella Catanea Parasole, a Roman artist, lacemaker and embroiderer. The classic motifs, borders and scenes can be easily adapted by modern needleworkers for embroidery as well as the traditional lace techniques they were originally intended for- Reticella, bobbin lace and crochet.

OLD ITALIAN LACE. Volume I. Originally published in 1913. How can we discover the first origin of an art so modest as to be content to remain almost exclusively feminine and anonymous, flourishing in the silence of the cloister and the quiet of the fireside The meek nun stitching at an altar-cloth, or the young mother happy in the preparation of babyclothes and trimming the fine Iinen with the new form of embroidery, were all unconsciously building up the foundation of the History of Lace, and did not think of dating their handiwork. But since there are people who believe the art of lacemaking to be co-eval with that of embroidery, while others affirm that it is of Italian invention and relatively modern, it may be worth while to seek the truth from two impartial sources among documents - inventories, trousseaux lists or deeds of distinguished families apportioning property - and old pictures. Many of the earliest books on weaving, textiles and needlework, particularly those datin

The supportive, detailed guide that crafters want for frustration-free learning of all the basics, including core techniques and 40 different patterns.

Features floral, animal, ribbon, abstract and other motifs popular in Italy during the Renaissance period.