Dear Needlelace Lovers, My Hungarian-American friend, Ilona, has moved back to Budapest, and is a member of the lacemakers' group in that city. Some of you met her when we went to OIDFA Congresses in Prague and in Groningen. She is a member of OIDFA and of The International Old Lacers, Inc. in the U.S. Ilona is friend to a retired lacemaker in Kiskunhalas. The town symbol is of 3 crossed fish, and they have been made so small in needlelace that in two of my pieces they form the center body on tiny butterflies that are one inch wide by 3/4 inch high. (Small enough for earrings, if jewelry to fit and protect could be found.) The translation Ilona gave to me is that Kiskun equals 3 and halas equals fish. I have been to Kiskunhalas, and if I remember correctly, there are 3 small lakes. Bodies of water are rare in Hungary, which is a land-locked country. Every piece of Halas lace made in Kiskunhalas must carry the 3-fish symbol. It should not appear on Halas-style lace that is made elsewhere. The thread is a very fine non-fuzzy cotton, from Saudi Arabia. Who would have guessed that?!!! This lace is made by very few lacemakers in the world, and is considered a treasure. Yes, you may be able to buy it, but in very few elite places. The price will be high, and you will have a piece of "signed" lace. Search Halas Lace, and you should find lots of pictures of how a symbol, like the fish, can be used. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center In a message dated 1/2/2011 4:13:31 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes:
I can confirm that a genuine piece of Halas lace will have a fish somewhere in the design and if it doesn't incorporate this little fish, it is not a genuine piece of Halas lace. I believe that Agnes Stevens of Zele lace renown incorporates an acorn into her designs and both of these types of lace are Needlelace and not Bobbin Lace, so not too difficult to incorporate these little signatures. Catherine Barley UK - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected] - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
