Lace from the Attic: A Victorian Notebook of Knitted Lace Patterns
As fewer and fewer Americans have the opportunity to learn the exquisite needlework techniques that enriched life in past centuries, we are seeing in magazines like PieceWork and books like Wiseman's and Schurch's, reviewed above, attempts to preserve what remains of traditional textile craft techniques and patterns. For Wiseman, a 100-year-old leather notebook, filled with lace patterns and samples and belonging to a Miss Blanche Beau of Sacramento, CA, was the jumping-off place for adventures in deciphering, rewriting, and charting a marvelous collection of old lace edgings. Comprehensive information on the tools and techniques of lace knitting makes this book a good choice for beginners, while the more than 58 lace patterns included will appeal to the more experienced. Rounding out the book are 15 projects designed to use the edgings. A worthy acquisition for textile collections and public libraries.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.