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

A History of Hand-Made Lace: Dealing with the Origin of Lace, the Growth of the Great Lace Centres, the Mode of Manufacture, the Methods of Distiuguishing and the Care of Various Kinds of Lace

Samuel L. Goldenberg's 'Lace, Its Origin and History' is a meticulously researched exploration of the intricate art of lace-making. The book delves into the historical origins of lace, tracing its development from ancient times to the present day. Goldenberg's writing style is both informative and engaging, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in textiles and the history of fashion. Through detailed descriptions and illustrations, the author provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of lace and their cultural significance. Goldenberg's attention to detail and passion for the subject shine through in every page, making 'Lace, Its Origin and History' a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Samuel L. Goldenberg's expertise in the field of textile history is evident in this comprehensive study of lace. His dedication to preserving the history of this delicate art form has led to the creation of a definitive work that is sure to educate and inspire readers. I highly recommend 'Lace, Its Origin and History' to anyone interested in exploring the rich history of lace-making and its impact on fashion and culture.

Encyclopedia of the Exquisite is a lifestyle guide for the Francophile and the Anglomaniac, the gourmet and the style maven, the armchair traveler and the art lover. It’s an homage to the esoteric world of glamour that doesn’t require much spending but makes us feel rich. Taking a cue from the exotic encyclopedias of the sixteenth century, which brimmed with mysterious artifacts, Jessica Kerwin Jenkins’s Encyclopedia of the Exquisite focuses on the elegant, the rare, the commonplace, and the delightful. A com­pendium of style, it merges whimsy and practicality, traipsing through the fine arts and the worlds of fashion, food, travel, home, garden, and beauty. Each entry features several engaging anecdotes, illuminating the curious past of each enduring source of beauty. Subjects covered include the explosive history of champagne; the art of lounging on a divan; the emergence of “frillies,” the first lacy, racy lingerie; the ancient uses of sweet-smelling saffron; the wild riot incited by the appearance of London’s first top hat; Julia Child’s tip for cooking the perfect omelet; the polarizing practice of wearing red lipstick during World War II; Louis XIV’s fondness for the luscious Bartlett pear; the Indian origin of badminton; Parliament’s 1650 attempt to suppress Europe’s beauty mark fad; the evolution of the Japanese kimono; the pil­grimage of Central Park’s Egyptian obelisk; and the fanciful thrill of dining alfresco. Cleverly illustrated, Encyclopedia of the Exquisite is an ode to life’s plenty, from the extravagant to the eccentric. It is a cele­bration of luxury that doesn’t necessarily require money. BONUS MATERIAL: This ebook edition includes an excerpt from Jessica Kerwin Jenkins's All the Time in the World.