16th.—Dc. all round.
17th.—Sc., ✕ 5 ch., miss 2, sc. in 3rd ✕. Repeat all round, and fasten off.
POINT LACE STITCHES.
Point Lace is now so fashionable that very few are unacquainted with its appearance; but perhaps some of my readers will be surprised when told that the whole of the genuine Point Lace is the production of the needle; not merely the close and heavy parts are so made, but the most exquisitely delicate nets, of which, of late years, we have had imitations from the loom, are all alike produced by the common sewing needle.
The work of which we treat here may be regarded not as an imitation of the valuable and beautiful work of ancient times, but rather as an actual revival of an art which has unfortunately been suffered to sink into oblivion. Of course, at present, I content myself with giving very simple Point Lace patterns; but, as my fair readers advance in knowledge, I shall give them specimens which will still more exercise their skill and patience.
Point Lace stitches are worked on a foundation of braid or tape; or, sometimes, cambric. At present, I chiefly use braid, it being the more comeatable material, and answering extremely well for delicate articles. It is the kind termed French white cotton braid, being very closely and evenly plaited. That used for large patterns is No. 9; for delicate work, a still narrower braid may be employed.
Very much of the beauty of Point Lace depends of course, on the skill of the workers; but it would not be exaggeration to assert that even more is the result of the adaptation of the materials. A very great variety of cotton and linen thread is absolutely necessary; not less than nine different kinds entering frequently into the composition of one single collar: those I use are termed Evans’s Point Lace Cottons, manufactured by Messrs. Walter Evans and Co., of Derby; and they are as superior to all others that I have tried as it is possible to imagine. They are sold selected and arranged properly for this kind of work.
The pattern being drawn in outline, on colored paper, is to be then pasted on calico or linen; when quite dry, begin to braid it, by laying on the braid, and running it on the paper with a fine needle and cotton, No. 50. The stitches are to be taken through the paper, and not very closely together, except where points of leaves and other angularities occur. In these places the braid is sewed at each end of the pattern and turned back; this is termed mitreing. The stitches must be taken across the braid, as it is not liable then to become wider.
The stitches which are used in the specimens I have hitherto made in point lace are the following, which may be divided into three kinds: edgings, laces, and connecting bars.