Knowing that most of you would not have the embroidery and weaving books in which you might do research about _The Use of Lace in Pennsylvania German Textiles_, I went to my list of over 4,000 lace and embroidery-related books to find the best for anyone who wishes to do research. There are several books in which just a few pages refer to the Pennsylvania German textiles in which lace appears. The best in my home library is: Title: This is the Way I Pass My Time - A Book About Pennsylvania German Decorated Hand Towels Authors: Ellen J. Gehret in cooperation with Tandy Hersh, Alan G. Keyser, and Frederick S. Weiser Publisher: The Pennsylvania German Society, 1985, ISBN: 0-911122-48-6, a 292-page Hardback The Bibliography will lead to other books, but this is the most comprehensive in my library for lace and lacy techniques specific to decorated hand towels (usually meant for display). There are many instructions and photos (some in color) throughout the book. The sections on Finishing (pg. 229) and Variants (pg. 249) are particularly interesting. There is drawn work (I prefer the term withdrawn work - for clarity), where threads are removed from evenweave linen and remaining threads are stitched over in a grid-like pattern or treated like a lacis (filet) base with darning patterns. Also insertion stitches, needle laces, examples of handknit laces, and fancy knotted fringes and tassels. Europeans will realize this is like the fancy towels made in their countries, and there are many variations that may be tried - using combinations of traditional national needlework techniques. If you live in the Pennsylvania area, you may be able to find this book in local public libraries or at local historical society facilities, or you can order from InterLibrary Loan. A search by author (Gehret) did not locate a copy in the IOLI Lending Library. If you search, the book is still available for purchase. Note the female figures in the cover photo. These may relate to Goddess embroideries. This is another interesting subject to explore. Goddess embroideries appear in traditional ritual needlework of most nations in our world. They have been traced back to BCE, when women worshiped before them and prayed to them for good crops and fertility. Many men who weave carpets and tapestries with stylized figures of women in them may have no knowledge of this meaning! Simple stitched images replaced statues and amulets after the Crusaders rode through Europe destroying what was not related to Christianity. The world expert on this subject is Mary B. Kelly. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center --------------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 7/5/2017 6:49:53 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, devonth...@gmail.com writes:
Just for Nice: The Use of Lace in Pennsylvania German Textiles The Pennsylvania Germans are known for practicality, but did love embellishment. Whether it be painted furniture, the vibrant decorated manuscripts called fraktur or samplers and embroidered linens, the rural Germans who came to Pennsylvania in the 18th century enjoyed what adding decoration _just for nice_ What role did lace, and needlework resembling lace, have in the culture? Candace Perry, Curator of Collections at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center will explore the use of lace by the Pennsylvania German in this illustrated presentation. Devon - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
