Italian Lace Designs

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

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

OLD ITALIAN LACE. Volume II. Originally published in 1913. INTRODUCTION: THE two laces of Italy are like two sisters, needle-made lace being the elder and bobbin-made the younger or, to use another figure of speech, needle-lace is the classic tongue of Italy and the bobbin-make is its provincial dialect clear, vivacious, emphatic, sharing the merits and defects of the populace. Our needle-laces are each and every one of Venetian origin, if we except the drawn-thread work of Sicily, which is more embroidery than lace and take their names from the manner in which they are worked reticello, punto - tagliato, punto in aria, i.e. mesh-stitch, cut linen work, stitch in the air. The bobbin-or pillow-laces are described as being Venetian, or Genoese, or Milanese, or of Abruzzi according to the places whence they spring, and it is interesting to notice how tenaciously they cling to the characteristics of their respective birthplaces. As might be expected from their popular origin, they are less

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.

From the co-author of two previous Batsford lace titles comes a collection of 50 stunning lace patterns that showcase the delicate beauty of this ever-popular lace. Traditionally, the ornate braids that make up Milanese lace were used in long, convoluted floral patterns, but they are also easily adapted for use in more modern designs. This new book of patterns contains both traditional and modern examples, and the author experiments with different decorative styles - for example, Celtic lettering that is vibrant with the colours of original Celtic art, taken into a new dimension with the addition of Milanese braids. Exquisite miniatures in a Japanese style will be a challenge even for the most experienced lacemaker: the smallest patterns are not necessarily the easiest! Other patterns include flowers, scrolls, leaves and butterflies, plus some more unusual designs: dragons, a picture depicting the legend of Arion and the dolphin, and a spectacular piece featuring the mythical seven-headed Hydra. There is a good range of patterns, including both prickings and photographs of the finished pieces, suitable for abilities ranging from beginner to advanced.

The combination of elegance and variety is what makes Milanese lace the most beautiful of all Italian laces. This stunning collection offers 43 new braids, including two spiral braids and 40 original patterns.

Taking Yesterday's Crochet...... and bringing it into the Modern World Designer Karen Whooley learned to crochet lace at her Italian Grandmother's knee. But what she learned as a child has now become her number one strength. In Modern Italian Lace Crochet, Karen brings to you a little bit of her family history that started in the early 20th century, takes the lace that she learned and turns it on its head to become more modern, more vibrant and much more approachable for every crocheter. From shawls and accessories to beautiful, wearable garments, each of the 10 projects in Modern Italian Lace Crochet is full of memories. Karen uses ideas and stitches she learned from her Italian heritage but puts them together to become classics that modern crocheters are looking for.