Alex makes some interesting points in her post about grounds. The fact that we no longer have the finest of threads which enabled the elaborate quatrefoil grounds of the early 18th century is a shame. But, they are very much of the aesthetic of that era. i am not sure why simple grounds like point ground came to dominate in the 19th century. Perhaps it was a matter of taste, a preference for gossamer lightness in the case of the blondes. Maybe it was a matter of speed. Did the lacemakers decide they would rather cross twist twist, with two pairs, rather than plait with four? Was it the availability of pins that was significant here. Mechlin ground was made without pins and was quite likely more solid than point ground in terms of withstanding washing. One interesting thing that has emerged from private correspondence about new grounds is that many of the new grounds have to be starched on the pillow to avoid collapsing. This had never occurred to me. Does this signify that, now in the late 19th and 20th century, lace innovators are thinking more in terms of fiber art than items that are wearables that must withstand washing? Devon
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