"Identification, restoration, and prices from antimacassars to watchcases, all types of embroidery, knits, crochet, Battenberg and hairpin lace, and drawn work"--Cover subtitle.

From the sweet simplicity of household linens to lacy confections of European origin, this essential reference will answer many questions about heirloom linens that may be tucked away in closets and attics. Whether you are a long-time collector or have recently inherited linens and simply want to know more about them, this guide will help you better understand their function and value. Organized alphabetically by type of linen, the book features over 300 beautiful photographs of tablecloths, towels, napkins, pot holders, placemats, curtains, doilies, runners, bed covers, boudoir cases, bureau scarves, pillowcases, lingerie envelopes, and many more. The items date primarily from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and include linens from Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, France, and America. Captions provide dimensions, values, and variations in size, color, or style. Many close-up photographs illustrate the intricate workmanship of fine appliqu*/e work, embroidery, and laces from around the world. This book will delight all connoisseurs of fine vintage linen.

The title of this book embodies the authors attitude toward the collection that she presents, using vivid photographs to guide the reader through centuries of lacemaking and embroidery. The author has traveled throughout Europe carefully researching the origin and history of the pieces presented. Information is separated into eight chapters: Lace Trim, Bridal Hankies, Fashion, Society Embroidery, Appenzell-work, Bed Linens, Table Linens, and Miscellaneous Lace and/or Embroidered Pieces. Each chapter includes an overview, detailed descriptions, and photographs, including details that are excellent references for identifying various styles of lace and embroidery. The price range associated with each will help the reader understand the effect age, condition, and workmanship have on value. This book will appeal to beginners and experienced collectors alike.

The supportive, detailed guide that crafters want for frustration-free learning of all the basics, including core techniques and 40 different patterns.

From pillows and throws to memory book covers and lampshades, Crazy Patchwork takes the theme of traditional crazy quilts and applies its principles to a whole range of ideas for gifts and for the home. Includes all the information a crafter needs to make exciting crazy quilt projects...in no time! All 20 projects can be easily machine-pieced or machine-embroidered and all use a range of brilliant colors, Many of the projects can be completed in just hours!

Lace, like silver or porcelain, can be classified by type and its date and place of origin often can be identified. But in the absence of marks giving maker or date, lace must be judged on its technical features and style. This new edition gathers fascinating and useful information in an easy to read and well-organised text covering needlepoint laces, embroideries, lace knitting and tatting, and bobbin laces made in Europe from the 16th century forward, including 19th century revivals. Each type is described and illustrated with hundreds of photographs and line drawings to show the technical characteristics and particular regard to the way one lace compares with another. A glossary, notes on cleaning, care, and conservation, and a price guide make this an essential reference for lace makers, designers, and lace collectors alike.

A visual tribute to the elegant world of heirloom household fabrics, from the white linen cloth of ancient Egypt to the rainbow-hued coverlets of today. This lively text introduces heirloom household fabrics, their use, manufacture, embellishments, and care, as well as the infinite variety of fibers and materials used. The author explains how they serve as both unusually revealing testaments of the history of daily life and quintessential examples of the weaver’s craft, often so magnificently decorated that they rival works of art. The text is supplemented by a rich array of paintings, archival photographs, vintage advertisements, and original commissioned photography from collections, private homes, and workshops of the leading contemporary manufacturers. A comprehensive glossary of technical terms, bibliography, and index complete the book.

Information on Old lace and linens, including crochet, that includes tablecloths, centerpieces, doilies, collars, bedspreads, pillowcases, and much more, with illustrations.

The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts covers thousands of years of decorative arts production throughout western and non-western culture. With over 1,000 entries, as well as hundreds drawn from the 34-volume Dictionary of Art, this topical collection is a valuable resource for those interested in the history, practice, and mechanics of the decorative arts. Accompanied by almost 100 color and more than 500 black and white illustrations, the 1,290 pages of this title include hundreds of entries on artists and craftsmen, the qualities and historic uses of materials, as well as concise definitions on art forms and style. Explore the works of Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, and the Wiener Wekstatte, or delve into the history of Navajo blankets and wing chairs in thousands of entries on artists, craftsmen, designers, workshops, and decorative art forms.