Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-08
THE GAZETTE.
THURSDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER s, 1859.
LACES AND EMBROIDERIES.

LACES AND EMBROIDERIES.
In no one article, perhaps, is female ex-
travagance in dress carried to- greater length
than in the use of elegant and costly laces
and embroideries. Almost fabulous prices
are paid for them. On this subject celebra-
ted London Magazine, says:
The rich laces in this country are imported
principally from France and Belgium. The
costliest specimens of lace are easily disposed
of. Lace at twenty shillings yard-and
that but one tenth of a yard wide-fnds ready
purchasers. The demand for rich laces is
constantly increasing out running the sup
ply, thus appreciating the prices; and conse-
quently the genuine article can only be worn
by the wealthy.
Belgium supplies us with more laces than
all the countries of Europe together and Ia
ces of the rarest kind, finest quality, and
most artistic design. In fact lace is indigo
nous to Belgium, and has been so for gene
rations. In some parts Of Belgium the flow
ers are made separately, and then worked in
to the ground, while others carry on the pat
tern and the design together. The division
Of labor is very great
The labor Of washing lace is almost an art;
and only the most skilful in that line are en-
gagged in it. After washing, lace is spread
out to dry on cushioned table, and pins Of a
peculiar sort are run through each hole to
prevent it from shrinking. When very line,
or the pattern intricate, an entire day Will be
spent on one yard of lace. "Mechlin" was
formerly the ''queen Of lace" the Point de
Venise antique now, occupies the first place.
1t is a rare old lace, light and open, raised in
some parts like embossed work, and has an
air of antiquity that is highly priced The
manufacture Of it is said to he entirely aban-
doned, and it is only found now as heirlooms
in families, except when stray specimen
finds its way into market, in which case there
is great competition for its possession
The Point de Venise antique is seen more fire.
quently in Italy than in any other country,
for the high dignitaries Of the Catholic
Church have their official robes trimmed with
hounces of this costly material. 1t finds its
way into this country chiefly through tho
medium of travellers, who seize upon every
opportunity to obtain these relics of ancient
fashion,
Next in value is Point 'Aleneon, of which
it is said nearly three thousand pounds
worth was used in the outfit of the Dey of
Algiers. 1t has dingy hue, and the first
idea connected with it by unsophisticated
minds is, that it needs washing. Fashion
however corrects this notion. Point de glaze
is as fine as q spiders web, and as light as o
thistle-down. Brusselspoint d'applique ranks
very high. 1t is formed by sewing sprigs
of the real point upon illusions or any other
kind of plain lace. 1t is very much used for
Aounces, and costs some six or eight pounds
per yard, fve-eighths Itisvery pure in
color, which is owing to white powder with
which it is saturated, and which it contin.
ues to retain, and obviates the necessity of
washing.
Honiton lace came into fashion in 1912,
and owes its present position to Queen Veto
ria. Commiserating the miserable condition
of the lace workers of Devon, she determined
to assist them by bringing their manufac-
ture into fashion, and in furtherance of this
laudsble purpose had her wedding dress
made of it. Honiton at once became the
rage, and has continued popular and expen-
sive ever since, although previously purchas-
ers could hardly be found for it. Chantilla
lace is always black, is exceedingly fine, and
is much used for wells and hounces.
Our supply of the more elaborate speci-
mems of embroideries is derived from France
and Switzerland. Although the Swiss laces
are really superior to the French, yet 80 des-
politically do French fabrics rule the fashion
able world that they are obliged to be sold as
French.
AR.pp Sppc1yrN Merriam explains