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

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.

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.

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.

Domestic bliss is to be found in a well-stocked linen closet Linens and Lace is about stocking that closet -- and then using its contents to bring comfort and elegance into your home. Tricia Foley, author of the best-selling Having Tea and an expert on fine linens, tells us how to find and evaluate vintage household linens -- the most intimate of antiques. We learn how to judge the age of a piece of fabric, how to spot dams and mends, how to tell machine-made lace from handmade. We learn how to care for our treasures: how to wash, iron, and store even the most delicate scraps of lace. Most of all, we learn, through Lilo Raymond's exquisite photographs, how to use lace and linens at home: An old tablecloth makes a wonderful filigreed curtain against the sun; a star-shaped doily softens the line of a bathroom shelf; a heap of plump little pillows invites us to linger in bed. Every image gives us another inventive and easy way to bring some romance to bed, bath, or table, and a thorough source guide tells us where to find the pieces we'll need (even where to find good contemporary reproductions when antique linens are impractical -- or just too expensive). For those of us whose fantasy of grown-up life include snowy tablecloths set for dinner, swagged curtains at mullioned windows, and padded clothes hangers trimmed with lace ribbons, Linens and Lace is an essential guidebook.

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!

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