The Art of Modern Lace Making

Transcriber's Note: A number of typographical errors have been corrected. They are shown in the text with mouse-hover popups .
Beginning at page 22, all images have been provided as thumbnails. A larger version of those images is available by clicking on the image number.
PRICE: FIFTY CENTS OR TWO SHILLINGS.
PUBLISHED BY The Butterick Publishing Co. (Limited). London and New York. 1891 PRINTED IN NEW YORK.
Owing to the growing popularity of the fascinating art of lace-making and the appeals of our readers to place it within their reach, we have prepared this pamphlet. In making it a perfect instructor and a reliable exponent of the favorite varieties of lace, we have spared neither time nor expense, and are most happy to offer to our patrons what a celebrated maker of Modern Lace has pronounced as the finest book upon lace-making to be found on either continent.
The illustrations, in the main, are direct reproductions from genuine, hand-made modern laces, such as any lady may make who masters the instructions found upon these pages.
The beauty of these laces is beyond question, their durability all that can be desired, and their textures may be varied from an extreme delicacy to a sumptuous opposite. In introducing the art of modern lace-making into the realms of our readers, we feel all of the pleasure we are sure we thus convey.
The Butterick Publishing Co., Limited.
The art of making lace in one form or another has existed from the earliest ages. There are Scriptural references to various web-like fabrics, which were of rude construction, no doubt, but whose general characteristics were identical with those productions of modern skill which have for centuries been known as lace. Homer and other ancient writers constantly mention net-works of fancifully embroidered materials; gold thread-work was known to the Romans; and as Egyptian robes of state are depicted upon the tombs of the earlier dynasties as being fashioned from a looped net-work or crochet, it is probable that the Israelites learned the art from the Egyptians. Museums contain specimens of lace dating back to periods that to us of the present day seem mere dreams of reigns and eras, and history includes a scattered literature of lace which proves that the art must have been practised almost from the beginning.