Dear Lacemakers, There is an American magazine of small circulation that has just published an article titled "Dresden Embroidered Lace". This is an embroidery that was done in the 18th Century on very fine muslin (modern-day embroiderers use coarser materials) that falls into a family of embroideries referred to as whitework. In the purest sense, Arachnes tend to think of this needlework form as not lace -- but the article references several icons of our world and their books, starting with the description of whitework on page 72 of Santina Levey's book. Other experts we recognize who have written about this delicate embroidery are Janet Arnold (who wrote about Queen Elizabeth's wardrobe), Pat Earnshaw, and Margaret Swain.
I know that it is quite difficult to find historical information and pictures and am putting this info on the list for those interested in various pulled-work embroideries. There is a German-language 247-page book devoted to "Dresdner Spitzen - Point de Saxe" which I purchased because of a desperate need for "any information" on the subject. This book, we were told on Arachne a couple years ago, was published in 2000 by Staatliche Kinstammlungen Dresden (ISBN 3-932264-20-7) in connection with a lace exhibit. The huge drawback (I could weep), is that it is in a language so many of us cannot read! The 12-page magazine article in Volume 32 of "Sampler & Antique Needlework is quite welcome. The magazine is expensive ($7) because it carries little advertising and has a low press run. I subscribe, but have seen it for sale in Borders and in independently-owned embroidery shops. The site where you can read about it is: http://www.just-crossstitch.com There is a magazine option to click on - in the band across the top. It will take you (today) to information about the previous issue, Volume 31. But, I need to share this information before IOLI, or will forget. Keep watching this web site for the new info about Dresden embroidered lace. Americans: This was a very popular type of needlework taught to young ladies in private academies before and after the American Revolution. It was combined with cut out areas filled with needlelaces. So, if this is the period of history you like, you will profit from learning about Dresden work samplers. I saw a collection of about 12 of these on temporary display at Winterthur Museum last Summer. It was a rare opportunity; few whitework samplers have survived. If anyone is interested in this type of work, write privately and I will give you embroidery book titles -- books from which you can learn. The Embroiderers' Guild of America always offers courses at their seminars. I recall IOLI had my friend, Joan Masterson, teach a course years ago. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED]
