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Book Blog

The Technique of Teneriffe Lace - Alexandra Stillwell

2/7/2025

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Picture
Publisher: Batsford (1980)
ISBN-13: 
 978-0713421934​​
The Technique of Teneriffe Lace by Alexandra Stillwell
At the time this book was published, it was considered the authoritative English-language book on this needlework technique.

Even now, over 40 years later, this 
remains a 'must-have' book for anyone who wants to create this type of lace.

The book not only covers the history of Teneriffe Lace and its traditional techniques but also the late 20th-century developments, how to mount the lace, applications for its use, and alternative methods of stretching the web.

What works well?
  • The line drawings illustrate the techniques, well, whilst guiding the lacemaker through each step.
Anything that we need to take into consideration? ​
  • ​You can also download this booklet as a pdf for free from Alex's website.


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A Study of the Techniques Used to Make Mechlin Lace - Alexandra Stillwell

1/7/2025

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Picture
Publisher: Salex (2007)
ISBN-13: 
 ISBN 978-0-9554694-3-5​
A Study of the Techniques Used to Make Mechlin Lace by Alexandra Stillwell
In this fascinating yet meticulous study, Alexandra Stillwell examines how Mechlin lace was crafted—thread by thread, pin by pin. Drawing from original samples and museum holdings, she examines the fine stitches, open grounds and tiny joins that give Mechlin its airy grace. Her close analysis reveals the practical decisions behind the beauty, from the way threads were handled to how motifs were joined. It’s a thoughtful invitation to see historic lace not just as an ornament, but as the result of skilled hands solving everyday problems with care and precision.
What works well?
  • The line drawings illustrate the techniques well.
Anything that we need to take into consideration? ​
  • ​You can also download this booklet as a pdf for free from Alex's website.

0 Comments

Techniques used in the East Midlands to make the Footside of Point Ground Lace - Alexandra stillwell

1/7/2025

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Picture
Publisher: Salex (1997)
ISBN-13: 
 ISBN 978-0-9554694-3-5​
Techniques used in the East Midlands to make the Footside of Point Ground Lace by Alexandra Stillwell
This detailed and quietly fascinating study unravels the intricate stitches and twists that comprise the footside of East Midlands Point Ground lace.

Alexandra Stillwell examines 193 antique pieces to demonstrate the significant variation that existed, challenging the notion that there’s only one 'right' way to make Bucks Point.

​From thread weight to stitch type, she traces the small decisions that shaped each piece and gently questions how we label historical lace. Her work reminds us that even in the most delicate edging, there’s evidence of practical choices, working hands and local ways of knowing.

What works well?
  • The line drawings illustrate the techniques well.
Anything that we need to take into consideration? ​
  • ​You can also download this booklet as a pdf for free from Alex's website.

0 Comments

Techniques used to make Point Ground Lace  in the East Midlands - Alexandra Stillwell

1/7/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Publisher: Salex (2007)
ISBN-13: 
 ISBN 978-0-9554694-3-5​
Techniques used to make Point Ground Lace  in the East Midlands by Alexandra Stillwell
This book offers a close and careful examination of how Bucks Point lace was actually made in the past, as studied through over 270 antique samples.

Alexandra Stillwell takes us thread by thread through the tiny decisions lacemakers made – from twists and stitches to the weight of the thread – uncovering just how much quiet variation existed behind what we often think of as fixed tradition.

Using microscopes and museum collections, she gently challenges today’s accepted techniques and invites us to reexamine the richness of historical practice. It’s a fascinating reminder that lace, like all crafts, bears the mark of many hands and diverse working methods.

What works well?
  • The line drawings illustrate the techniques well.
Anything that we need to take into consideration? ​
  • ​You can also download this booklet as a pdf for free from Alex's website.

0 Comments

Laced with Laughs - Alexandra Stillwell

1/7/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Publisher: Lace Guild / Salex / Self Published (2007)
ISBN-13: 
 ISBN 978-0-9554694-4-2
Laced with Laughs by Alexandra Stillwell
These 25 lace-inspired cartoons have been out of print for a long time.  Alex has kindly offered them as a free download on her website.

What works well?
  • The book has key terms interpreted by Alex with her usual humour.
Anything that we need to take into consideration? ​
  • ​You can also download this booklet as a pdf for free from Alex's website.

0 Comments
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    Back To The Blog

    I'm the lace bee and these are my books

    With currently over 400 books and about the same number of individual patterns, I have an enviable library.  So here are some of my books.

    ​You can see all of the titles by opening up the archives or by clicking on the categories which I've used to group by authors, language and lace types.  Want to find a particular book?  Scroll to the top of the page, click on the magnifier glass and type in a title or author.

    I am very grateful to the lace gumnuts of Australia for permission to quote and link their reviews to this site.

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  • Home
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  • Want To Make Lace?
    • First Things First
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    • Bobbins >
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    • Tools, notions and beads >
      • Boxes and Bits
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  • So Who is the lacebee?
  • Every bobbin tells a story
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    • miniature
  • Freebies and Whatnots
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    • Where shall we go next?
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