Kate Henry (who is not on Arachne at present) is very good at identification of lace, as you all know. I asked her to go to the site and take a look at the Shawl in question. Her answer is below. _____________________________ Dear Susie, You were right. I did know it right away. :)) It is machine warp knit, so both guesses were right. And for sure not a Shetland. Warp Knit machines began in the very early 1800s and still work today. They got complex enough to even copy Chantilly designs in the 1850s. As it is a knit technique it definitely looks like knit. Its just not done on two needles by hand. Her Majesty was thrilled with steam powered machinery, and Jacquard machines as well. They could make beautiful laces as wide as 150 inches across by whatever long. The border is sewn on as you say. The site you sent says it was given in 1897, certainly long enough after invention to produce a complex piece like this one. Yes please do share with the group, as I am not on the list anymore until I retire... which I am hoping to be soon as the building sells.
:))Kate Happy lacing to all from Illinois. Susie ____________________ Susie Johnson, lacemaker Member L.A.C.E., I.O.L.I., Arachne List Morris, Illinois [email protected] http://www.lacemakersofillinois.org http://home.comcast.net/~cjohnson0969/home.html - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
