Few things are lovelier to me than lace and handwrought needlework. I hope you will enjoy a sampling of some of the pieces in our collection. Many were handmade by me, some were gifts from family and friends, and others are vintage pieces that I acquired over the years. I love to purchase new lace pieces when I’m in Europe - I’m long overdue for another trip. One day, perhaps, my daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters will cherish them as much as I do today.
The filet name sign was given to me one Christmas by Barb Seward, Brian’s commander’s wife. I think fondly of her everytime I look at it. She stood in as proxy for Caroline’s godmother in 1997. Caroline was wearing a beautiful gown made of Nottingham lace. It is currently packed safely away at Grandma’s house.
Here’s a detail shot of the same pieces. The doilies were a purchase on our honeymoon in Bermuda. I love the delicate trim, hemstitching, and whitework. The lavender sticks are something that I have taught my daughters and nieces to make. It has become an Independence Day tradition for us to sit on the lawn enjoying home-made clam chowder and fritters while we weave tiny satin ribbons around the blossoms. In the dead of winter, they are a sweet reminder of seemingly endless summer days.
This was my first-ever attempt at filet crochet, back in 1990. I am a self-taught needlewoman. By the time I was interested, my Nana’s hands were too arthritic and her eyes too weak to teach me. But both she and my grandfather taught me that I could learn to do anything as long as I could read.
Ribbon embroidery is intensely satisfying. This is a beginners project which can be completed in one sitting. The feel of the silk slipping through your fingers and the soft variegation of the colors makes for an experience for the senses.
My great-grandmother used to make lace like this to trim her pillowcases. I adore making trims because they are small projects, quickly finished. These were made from a Devonshire-cream-coloured #20 crochet cotton. The finished pieces have a marvelously soft hand and a gorgeous drape. One day I’ll work up the courage to sew these to some of my own pillowslips.
This is a pair of ecru lace booties I’m working on. I hope that one day I’ll have another sweet baby girl to wear them - either a daughter or a granddaughter. With my first three children, I was in and out of Labor and Delivery for pre-term contractions. I soon learned that having a small project to work on - one that made me think of the sweet babe growing within me - was just the thing to pass the time.
My mother always had a dresser scarf on her chest of drawers. This one is another treasure from my honeymoon. Once again, I was completely smitten with the classic whitework and the delicate edging.
I’ve been blessed to receive some vintage pattern books and needlework magazines from Brian’s mother. Many of the volumes were more than 20 years old. This filet crochet runner is from a pattern in one of those magazines. When it’s finished, it’ll be a sweet round-bottomed cherub.
I love Irish crochet. I have collected many books on the topic. Here is another length of trim, which I think is vaguely reminiscent of tatted patterns and a “Marguerite” sprig that are awaiting assignment in my lace box.
Vintage lace and raw silk were used to make this First Communion dress for my middle daughter, Caroline. The dress was her own design and the lace was pulled from my English lace stash.
A multitude of sins can be covered with embroidery, including the hole I accidently made while unpicking the hem of Caroline’s dress. These things can also become a trademark of sorts, as this daisy motif has for me.
Vintage lace and my first attempt at shadow-work embroidery came together in Louis’ Christening gown last year. Correction: The lace is actually a Nottingham trim with Oak and Acorn motif.
In this close-up of Louis’ Christening gown you can see the Trinity knot and the beautiful Miraculous Medal pin that was a gift from his godparents, Bill and Mimi (foster parents to 101 children!).
Sacramental garments are my favourites. If I could make a living from making them, I think I might. But as it is, I’ll have to take joy from knowing that my children, and one day my grandchildren, will wear garments lovingly made by my hands. This Christening gown belongs to Sophie. It was my first smocked garment and was sewn from raw silk and vintage lace.
Here you can see how we used a gold beauty pin to good effect, holding the soft blue silk accent ribbon to the bodice.
I made this dress for Sophie’s first birthday from an antique pillowcase. It matched the theme for the day. I also hand-painted butterflies onto the fondant on her strawberry cake. She looked so sweet in this little dress. What a shame she grew out of it so quickly. I’ll pack it away for someday - perhaps one of her little girls will wear it for her first birthday, too.
And I simply couldn’t resist a close-up of the lovingly wrought embroidery. It’s delicious!
And finally, the tradition continues with the next generation:
This is one of my daughter Cate’s cross-stitch projects. I’m not a cross-stitcher at all. I simply helped her walk through the instructions and she flew from there. She’s not one to shy away from a challenge. This will surely find it’s way into a custom frame for someone’s Christmas present.
Just look at the eyes on this wolf. It’s amazing how soulful and painterly a picture wrought from fabric and coloured threads can be.
Long before my children arrived, I was in love with old handcrafts. I was saddened that there weren’t many remaining opportunities to learn these skills. Thanks to the internet, sharing these nearly lost arts is much easier. I was blessed to have been able to learn many of the techniques I use on my own, using vintage books, patterns and by studying antique textiles. I am so pleased that I have the ability to teach my daughters and other women and girls how to make beautiful heirloom pieces. For me, creating a piece of needlework is deeply joyful work. I pray with every stitch that whomever the intended recipient is will be blessed everytime she uses the piece.
But you don’t need to know how to make them yourself, you can become an admirer and collector. You can breathe new life into old textiles and preserve them for generations to come. Who knows? Perhaps your daughter or granddaughter will one day take up a needle or hook and create heirlooms for generations yet to come.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Simple Gifts Fair. I love that you spent some time to visit with me today. Have a blessed week!
