Alencon Lace

This morning at the NELG Blog - there is a post from Sharon that gives a great link to a video on alencon lace.   This page, written in 2010, discusses places to visit in Normandy-Pays de la Loire - especially this about this famous lace.

Quite some time ago, NELG had a field trip to RISD Museum in Providence and we were able to see a great piece of Alencon lace.  It was part of the bed covers from Napoleon Bonaparte.  There was this "bea", hundreds of them, on the netting (click on it to see the picture from RISD).  Each of them separately made - (needle lace) - and caught the attention of one of the members Carolyn.  Later on, she hosted a program at the NELG monthly meeting, and we were able to make the 'bea'. I'll admit, this is needle lace and not up my alley yet.  So you won't bea seeing my attempt at this time.

Go to the video, while in French, it takes the viewer through the stages in preparing the pattern, setting the outlines, and makin the lace.  The finishing of the lace was quite interesting - see the tool that was used - can you guess what it is?

PS  you can find an article in PieceWorks Lace addition from a few years ago by Carolyn.

Love your lace,
Patty