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.

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

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

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.

This title includes 24 hearfelt, handmade sewing projects that combine new and vintage linen and lace with stunning results. New home sewn projects are very fresh and modern, from gifts for children and friends, to chic additions to your home or closet. Experienced crafters will be inspired by the mix of practical and decorative projects, while beginners will be able to finish simple projects in an evening or weekend with spectacular results.

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!

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.

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.