Needle Lace And Bobbin Lace example essay topic

The Romance of Lace Perhaps it's the touch of romance it adds. Or the way light filters through it, suffused and softened. For others, it reminds them of the home of a beloved grandmother or a gentler time. The delicate threads, twisted and knotted, become a work of art, whether they are draped over a table or hanging in a window. In its broadest definition, lace actually refers to any openwork techniques that could include weaving, crochet or knitting. However, there are some needlework techniques that create only openwork.

These are needle lace and bobbin lace. Needle lace is a single thread worked by looping, twisting and knotting. Bobbin lace is created by multiple threads wound on a hand-held bobbin and affixed to a pillow with pins. (This is also referred to as pillow lace by some.) Bobbin lace is more like weaving while needle lace is more like sewing. 'There has always been an interest in lace but in the past few years, it has gained popularity,' ; said Judy Tackett, owner and manager of Attic Delights, an Orange-based antique shop that specializes in vintage lace and linens. Today, Tackett sees laces for a variety of uses: doilies, tablecloths, pillow cases, collars, gloves.

'People are once again beginning to appreciate the intricacy and workmanship of lace,' ; said Tackett. The ways lace is used today might surprise some of its creators. Lace hankies are used as curtains hanging from a ribbon or clothesline. Or they " re used as decorative elements on pillows... or sewed together to form quilts or coverlets.

Some use them to trim cabinets, adding a touch or elegance or softness. Even items of clothing, particularly baby clothes, have found a second life as design elements. 'A lot of people like baby clothes to hang in nurseries or to add a touch of softness or whimsy to a room,' ; Tackett said. 'There's something comforting about a delicate gown or bonnet hanging near a window or on a hook. ' ; In one instance, a woman came into Tackett's shop and spotted a pinafore that was almost an exact copy of a dress her sister had worn as a child. The woman bought it and displayed it in a shadow box along with an old snapshot taken of her sister wearing the pinafore.

Unfortunately, lace making may quite possibly become a lost art. 'It's a very exacting and time-consuming process,' ; said Tackett. 'Unfortunately, many of us don't have the time or patience. ' ; Fortunately, there are still many pieces of fine quality lace available. For first time buyers, a small hanky with an exquisite piece of tatting around the edge may lead them into an appreciation of this delicate art. 'It's very feminine,' ; said Tackett.

'I've even seen people use a piece of tatting along curtain shades or as a curtain pull. People are always finding new ways to incorporate old lace into their decorating scheme. ' ; That doesn't mean, however, that they " re willing to use lace only in the way it was intended. 'Tablecloths are still quite popular,' ; said Tackett.

'But today, many folks enjoy having a colored linen or cotton cloth underneath it. With a nice white or ecru lace placed over it, it can be quite stunning. ' ; There is also a resurgence of interest in the crocheted tablecloths and doilies that many remember from a grandmother's table. Of course, lace curtains have always provided a soft, diffuse light in windows. In the earlier part of the century, a bit of lace in the window was a way to add a touch of beauty to an often harsh existence. Soon women everywhere were busy with needles or bobbins and thread.

Soon lace began appearing in rooms throughout the house. Doilies on tables, nightstands and furniture - even draped over lampshades. Of course, once you " ve given in to the lace 'bug,' ; it's important to properly care for it. One important rule to observe is that the lighter the weight, the finer the thread.

The more delicate laces need special handling. Wash delicate lace gently, by hand, then lay it flat to dry. 'You don't want to hang lace when it's wet because the weight of the water can pull or snap a thread,' ; said Tackett. 'Or it can create a misshapen piece. ' ; Other sturdier pieces can be washed on the gentle cycle in a washing machine. But according to Tackett, if in doubt, it's better not to wash a piece of lace than risk damaging it.

But before you decide to indulge in the delicate hankies or a handsome tablecloth, keep in mind that lace can become addictive. 'About half of the people who come in and buy lace are looking for a specific item,' ; said Tackett. 'The others see something that touches their heart. Sometimes that's all it takes to start someone on the road to becoming a collector. ' ;.