I’ve just been sent this link. Well, a link to another book in this online exhibition (about silk production) but I got sidetracked by this one on 16th century lace patterns.
I’m not a huge lace fan. I like the early stuff, particularly this type, but I don’t know much about it. These lace patterns are lovely – lots of circular patterns which I adore. I really wish I had time to explore and experiment more with both techniques and designs. One day I would like to learn some lacemaking, stumpwork, proper cutwork and goldwork. I kind of know the basics of a lot of techniques, but I want to be able to do them all REALLY well. One day…
Whiplash hat project update: Velvet pillbox hat bought. Now I have to come up with something this evening, inbetween lots of other things I have to do this evening!
Ruth Singer 
Velvet pillboxes – the best kind! 🙂 I think I might even finish mine in time. It’s been slooow going.My mom used to make lace. Nothing as intricate and fine as the work on that website (holy crap! I guess when you’ve got nothing else to do but be kept indoors and be a good little housewyffe…), but beautiful nonetheless. She got bored with it though, because what she was making had no practical application. I think I was more enamoured with the bobbins than anything else! 😀
i’ve always loved lace bobbins too! I could get into making giant lace out of thick thread or something. I’d love to do contemporary work based on traditional techniques. Which is what I always do, so nothing new there!