//// Vintage lace vibe emerging

Posted on | December 18, 2009 | 4 Comments

Lately I have been thinking about incorporating some vintage lace to some of my DIY projects. Considering the handwork involved the prices for antique lace pieces can be shamefully bargainous. My favorites from antique laces are different variations of needlepoint lace — that technique allows amazing freeform designs — and different variations of tape lace where simple (machine made or in the early versions handwoven) tape forms patterns that are connected with needlepoint techniques. The tape brings some dimensionality and structure for the lace, I really like the look. Both techniques allow very ornate designs, but the result is not necessarily particularly dainty. These lace types are also relatively durable. Antique lace can be easily dyed (they are usually made from cotton or silk, sometimes linen), but I would advise avoiding cutting it if you are not familiar with the lace type (and even then…). Purchase a piece that fits, or can be folded/ruffled to fit.

needlepoint2
Two needlepoint examples, first from mmmoonchild, second from Deepwater.

tapelace
Beautiful tape lace collar in excellent condition from mmmoonchild.

One thing I just can’t forgive myself is that I let this awesome tape lace bolero slip away from me. Although it is quite simple in lacework terms (not too much those time consuming connection stitches in between the tapes) the fact that the whole lace design is constructed to the actual patterns makes it truly stunning. If I don’t remember wrong the seller asked some ridiculous 70 dollars for it… …and look at its gorgeousness! How magnificent black layer would that be? What can we learn here: if you see a gorgeous vintage piece online in right size, buy it and cry for the credit later. It will pass and your credit will heal. This sorrow won’t.
tapelace2

And because there is no denying of my handcraft geekery, I’m embedding here an awesome little video from Kenmare Lace & Design Centre, charmingly enthusiastic Nora Finnegan tells something about the history of Kenmare lace and shows the basic needlepoint technique. There is a whole series of these, about needlepoint on netting, bobbin lace, tape lace… …if you are interested just follow the link to YouTube and watch them all.

Edit.
dior

Edit. speaking of bargains, if you are vintage size four, meaning in this case that 32 inches is enough to go around your bust, go on and grab this amazing Dior jacket from Stock in Trade. The seller asks *sic* 22 dollars. I’m considering a new career as an eBay blood sucker.

Discussion

Steff
December 18th, 2009 @ 8:45 pm

Oh, I feel your pain on missing out on that bolero. It’s breathtaking.
stellagee
December 18th, 2009 @ 10:07 pm

the bolero is stunning… oh the regret. acting without contemplation is sometimes best.

and speaking of action: i might be able to fit into the dior jacket, but your link is wrong… helphelp!
Kamicha
December 18th, 2009 @ 10:25 pm

^Fixed! Go and get it, girl!
walkthesand
December 20th, 2009 @ 3:17 am

That black lace bolero is stunning.
x

http://walkthesand.blogspot.com

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About

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Contact: kamicha (a) gmail dot com

I'm especially interested in young designers creations, non-established labels and indie fashion. So if you have something interesting to show, feel free to contact!

You can find Finnish design from both specific and some outfit posts - but both are tagged.

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