More Lacy Crazy Patch

 

Each cherub is 3" tall.

While putting away the remaining antique textiles that were pulled out for my lacy crazy patch class kits for Sewing at the Beach, I came across a few more that I would like to share with you.  I’ve never been to a museum showing of  antique laces and would love to find such an exhibit.  But for now I certainly enjoy strolling through  the “gallery” of my own pieces.  I hope you will enjoy the stroll as well. 

These all missed the “cut” and are not included in any kits.  I just couldn’t bring myself to dice them up into small pieces.What I will do with each piece is undecided.  But I have big ideas for some of my forgotten treasures.Earlier in my sewing “career,” I remembered in great detail each garment I have  made, each lace I have purchased, each fabric I have brought home and where they were.  But now I am either too old or my memory bank is too full to have this blessed recall.  So when I pull out long forgotten beauties, it is a pleasant surprise.  It’s also a surprise that I remembered where to find them!

3 1/2" wide

This pleasant surprise brought to mind one of my public school teaching assignments.  Driving to my class of 7-12 year old mentally retarded children (I don’t know what the currently acceptable term is…challenged?  handicapable? Whatever.) I was always deep in thought, going over my lesson plans for my dear students. The route to school  passed a commercial bakery whose glorious smell of freshly baking bread got my day off to a wonderful start.

Several years later, my path crossed a similar bakery. It took a moment to recall just what it was and why it made me feel so happy.   Of course, freshly baked bread would make anyone happy, anytime.  But this was a remembered happy. 

That’s how I felt when I saw these pieces again.  It took a minute to pull them to the front of my memory.  First came a flush of happiness, then recollection of the earlier joy of their acquisition.    I remember studying their composition and style and fiber content. And now, I have all new “lesson” plans for many of these old studies.

Apparently, the cherub lace at the beginning of this post spent its useful life as the perimeter trim on a small tablecloth or centerpiece.  The sturdy lace is cut to a raw edge. The cherubs might have a second shot at usefulness on a baby blanket, if our daughter gives us another granddaughter someday.  Or it might a single cherub might appear in the center of a waterfall panel down the front of a little girl’s skirt, perhaps for granddaughter Laurel Cade.

From the base of two leaves to the tip of the third is about 2".

 

 The copper colored remnant of a lady’s blouse is awaiting inspiration.  Being rather fragile, it will necessarily be applied to some gently used item, such as a boudoir pillow.  I’ve always been drawn to what I call “shrimp” pink, but in a softer coral hue.  It likely would fit in nicely in the little sitting room that is part of our guest room suite which is painted ivory and furnished with a couch covered in this color.  Of course, since I often catch Rastus, our yellow lab, sleeping on that couch, I would have to put the pillow out only when guests are expected.  Or I could keep Rastus off the couch!  But he is sooo comfortable there.

 

3" wide

There is a short length of the 3″ ecru edge with wide scalloped edge.   It is an excellent example of the variety of “ground”–background and fill patterns–that antique laces incorporated.  Aside from that more common feature of the laces of yesteryear, this pattern also incorporates a cordonnet cord outline of the leaves and other details, much like the ever- popular Chantilly lace used on so many bridal gowns. The 3 1/2″ piece is yet another example of the same intricacy and detail.

My plan for the white embroidered sleeve cuff/ ruffle is to release it from the binding.  It would make an exquisite yoke overlay.  My estimate is that there is enough to do both front and back yokes on a baby dress. The embroidery has such dimension.  The heavily padded satin stitch is worked in such fine thread that I can’t imagine how many layers were required to achieve the elevation of the design.  The dainty dots are almost like tiny beads.  Even the buttonhole stitches on the cutwork edge are fine, though this thread is heavier than that of the embroidery.   The skill of this embroideress was commendable.

 

6 x 8"

It was only after pressing the little doily that I realized (or remembered) that the pattern has little apples.  How sweet is that?  This, too, will go in the guest suite sitting room.  I have a  small stained glass lamp that will fit perfectly, with a footprint that is small enough to show the doily to good advantage.  This is one vintage piece that can still serve its original purpose.

Re-purposing the others for crazy patch quilting kits or baby blankets or pillows or whatever just makes good sense.   I am loathe to cut up an intact, unstained piece that can still be useful.  But rescuing these others is very satisfying.   I am a true recycler at heart.

Do you have any special textiles that you love?  Shirley wrote that she can almost never cut into her antique laces.  Judy wants more vintage textiles and seems willing to cut—cautiously.  What about you?