Category: Non Bobbin Lace

The Technique of Teneriffe Lace - Alexandra Stillwell

2/7/2025

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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Mrs Treadwin Victorian Lacemaker Designer and Historian by Carol McFadzean

7/8/2022

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Publisher ‏ : ‎ Carol McFadzean (1 Jan. 2009)
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0954768329
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0954768324

Mrs Treadwin Victorian Lacemaker Designer and Historian by Carol McFadzean
Carol has a wonderful way of bringing historical documents, accounts and people's history to life. Her book on Sidmouth lace is great example of this.

Many of the designers and dealers linked to the East Midlands were male, however Devon, during the same period, was fortunate enough to have a number of female designers and dealers.

In a time and world where women lacemakers were often nameless and workers' associations were springing up to help them get their lace to market, for Devon to have so many prominent female influencers was remarkable.

Charlotte Treadwin was one of these who understood and promoted the Devon laces worldwide and was rewarded with Royal Patronage.

In her book, Carol McFadzean builds up a wonderful picture of the work that Mrs Treadwin did along with her legacy.

What works well?

The narration in this book is very interesting and the accompanying photographs bring Mrs Treadwin to life.
A few of the pieces have also been supplied as prickings, these include both Honiton designs and Devon Trolly lace

Anything that we need to take into consideration?

This book is available from a number of Devon Museums. In addition, the Author also has some copies still available and you can contact Carol via the Devon Lace Teachers

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Renaissance patterns for Lace, Embroidery and Needlepoint - Federico Vinciolo

31/7/2022

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Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications Inc.; New edition (1 April 1972)
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486224384
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486224381

Renaissance patterns for Lace, Embroidery and Needlepoint by Federico Vinciolo
An unabridged facsimile of the 'Singuliers et nouveaux pourtraicts' of 1587

First published in 1587, this book was reprinted numerous times between then and1658.

The designs are drawings of needle and fillet lace

What works well?

Although originally published in French, English translations are included and the images are self explanatory.

Anything that we need to take into consideration?

This book is still in print.

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A Wider View - Barry Biggins

29/9/2021

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Publisher ‏ : ‎ Greenhill Lace School (1 Jan. 1995)

A Wider View by Barry Biggins
Designs suitable for: Bobbin & Needle Lace, Embroidery & Quilting

Caroline and Barry Biggins were both qualified art teachers and this comes through in both Barry's bobbin painting and their designs in their Honiton lace book - New Patterns in Honiton Lace

This book, self published a few years after their Honiton book shows off Barry's beautiful drawing skills.

What works well?

The drawings are clean and well thought out

Anything that we need to take into consideration?

This book is not a book of patterns, but contains line drawings that could be adapted.
Each drawing comes with a dotted version, but the introduction makes this clear that these are not prickings but suggestions as to dot placements.
This book is currently out of print, but is often available on from online booksellers and on eBay

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The Return of the Spider by The Lace Guild

10/2/2021

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Publisher : The Lace Guild
ISBN : 1901372375

The Return of the Spider by The Lace Guild
Whilst not strictly a follow up volume to The Small Friendly Spider, this is definitely a companion book.

Taking the spider theme further, it includes not just bobbin lace patterns, but also a knitting pattern, needle-lace spider and some fun to be had with pipe cleaners.

What works well?

The booklet is illustrated throughout with colour photos

Anything that we need to take into consideration?

A number of the prickings for the bobbin lace patterns are included on a separate sheet - do check that this is included with the book when purchasing
This book is currently available from both The Lace Guild and lace suppliers

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Book Blog

The Technique of Teneriffe Lace - Alexandra Stillwell

Mrs Treadwin Victorian Lacemaker Designer and Historian by Carol McFadzean

Renaissance patterns for Lace, Embroidery and Needlepoint - Federico Vinciolo

A Wider View - Barry Biggins

The Return of the Spider by The Lace Guild

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