Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Victorian & Edwardian Lace & Handwork

Lace has an amazing allure for me, I am drawn to it in a powerful way. Shown are some examples of my traveling museum collection laces. Victorian women learned the art of handwork, be it Crochet, Tatting, Bobbin lace, Irish lace or Cutwork and Eyelet. It does not matter to me if it is a hat, jabot, gloves, a tablecloth or doily, if it is lace I want it! These pieces and many more will be featured in my upcoming book.


This is a lovely example of a dress insert or a Dickie as we would call it today. A fine example of Irish crochet lace, I luckily found this at the bottom of a box of  vintage fabrics.




My first estate sale at the tender age of 15 is where I discovered these delicate crochet lace gloves. I bought a beaded purse that day and some old 19th century books and I was hooked! I haven't stopped collecting antique clothing, accessories & books since!




Young girls in the 1800's learned the art of sewing and handwork in preparation for their marriage. They would make various underwear for their Bridal trousseau, or Hope Chest. This is a corset cover, c. 1900.





A delicate jabot of lace netting. Changing collars and cuffs would help a woman's wardrobe stretch farther.




Another exquisite example of a lace insert, this one Edwardian c. 1901.




            Gorgeous lace cuffs with matching collar below.







         One of my favorite purses is this crochet drawstring reticule.




      This lace guimpe was meant to be worn under a dress with a square neckline, for modesty.




                                   A stunning and delicate lace brassiere, one of the earliest, c.1915.





Beautiful lace and netting split drawers. These are so rare to find in this condition, c. 1880.





                                                    Lace detail on a linen shirtwaist c. 1900.




              Cutwork detail on this Duster Coat and Edwardian dress, c.1910.




A lace hat c. 1905 is a favorite in my collection. The wire frame is visible if you look closely.




Victoriana Lady Lisa- Bringing history to life since 2003

To book a program please contact me - Victorianaladylisa@gmail.com


3 comments:

  1. Just beautiful...everything is so pretty. enjoyed this post a bunch.... Have a nice week! hugs, Jennifer

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  2. I am so glad that you enjoyed a peek at some of the pretties that will be in my book. :)

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  3. Thank you for showing! I can hardly wait for your book!

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