Of Lace, Antique and Otherwise.
...
This lace runner is clearly part of the same pattern of grapes and leaves around a geometric center.
Likewise, these all seemed related to the tablecloth and runner. Same motif of grapes and grape leaves. I'm not sure what the purpose of these object might have been. The lower row of lace is puzzling to me. Where might these have been used?
In some ways, these are somewhat primitive forms of lace. The stitches are fairly large. The yarn used is coarse, by standards of antique lace. I'm guessing that these objects are made of linen, because of their lovely stiffness.
Despite my calling these items "coarse," I could hope to make something as lovely and delicate as this lace. I'm simply delighted to have it in my home.
All this lace is dusty and dirty. I'm reading up on how to care for -- and clean -- this sort of thing. If any of my blog readers happen to be experts in care of antique textiles, I'd sure like to hear what you have to say. For now, we're going to bag them up because both Robb and I are super-allergic their dustiness.
On a somewhat related note, I finally finished this red cotton lace scarf that I've had on my knitting needles for far too long. It's a fascinating stitch pattern, that takes advantage of the natural tendency for knitted lace to slant or "bias."
Ever since we bought our little 1920s house, Robb and I have found ourselves at a lot of estate sales. It seems he and I have the taste of extremely wealthy ninety year olds.
One thing that I always look for are handmade textiles. I have a visceral response to these things, and feel genuinely sad that nobody wants the beautiful handmade objects that someone once labored over.
Today, I brought home a collection of hand made lace. The top photograph is a tablecloth that seems to be made of linen, in some kind of netting and embroidery technique.
Likewise, these all seemed related to the tablecloth and runner. Same motif of grapes and grape leaves. I'm not sure what the purpose of these object might have been. The lower row of lace is puzzling to me. Where might these have been used?
In some ways, these are somewhat primitive forms of lace. The stitches are fairly large. The yarn used is coarse, by standards of antique lace. I'm guessing that these objects are made of linen, because of their lovely stiffness.
Despite my calling these items "coarse," I could hope to make something as lovely and delicate as this lace. I'm simply delighted to have it in my home.
All this lace is dusty and dirty. I'm reading up on how to care for -- and clean -- this sort of thing. If any of my blog readers happen to be experts in care of antique textiles, I'd sure like to hear what you have to say. For now, we're going to bag them up because both Robb and I are super-allergic their dustiness.
On a somewhat related note, I finally finished this red cotton lace scarf that I've had on my knitting needles for far too long. It's a fascinating stitch pattern, that takes advantage of the natural tendency for knitted lace to slant or "bias."
Comments
Donna/tempus fugit
sojourner
The three pieces on the bottom of that pic are an Antimacassar and arm rest covers. The Antimacassar goes on the chair back where your head rests. Not sure when these are from but guessing 20's- 30's. Are you sure they are not just super heavily starched ?
Deb Shippee
As for washing, hand wash in a dishpan of lukewarm water using Ivory dish soap or Woolite.
Lay flat on a white towel to dry and iron on medium heat with spray starch if desired.
Contact your local needlework guild for the best advice on washing fragile textiles!