Linens of all types have always intrigued me and I never gave much thought to the different categories. I was fortunate to have inherited some beautiful pieces and I purchased what appealed to me and went on my merry way. Now that I am always attracted to the biggest box of linens up for auction I have a new perspective. This is partly because I had no idea how ignorant I was on the subject. My first large purchase was probably the biggest shock because I had no idea what many of the lace items were. Sure, I know it’s a table runner, doily or tablecloth but to sell it one has to describe it.
One lace type that was particularly interesting was a group of doilies and runners from approximately 1900 that I discovered were called Guipure D’Art, which is embroidery in cotton thread worked on a handmade net, or fillet, background. It looks incredibly time consuming and the technique is very old. There are instructions and examples in BEETON'S BOOK OF NEEDLEWORK By Isabella Beeton (1836 - 1865), that are very close to the runner pictured. If you want to read more about this type of lace go to http://beetonsbookofneedlework.com/page_503.htm where you will find instructions and diagrams. Meanwhile, I have many pieces of lace left to identify and the research is very interesting. I know if you look closely at your antique linens you will be inspired to find out their history. Happy hunting.
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