COPIED FROM BRIDGET'S POSTING: If not handkerchiefs, could they be challice veils? Often mistaken for handkerchiefs, they are used in the Catholic church to cover the communion cup. Typically they have a rounded centre, rather than square, of very fine material with quite deep lace edging. I suppose they would also have to be washable - the wine would be bound to spill sometimes!Bridget, in Pinner
MY RESPONSE: That's an interesting thought. I am not familiar with the design of chalice veils however neither of these two Carrickmacross pieces are circular in the middle, nor do they have Christian symbols. One has floral designs and the other has floral designs plus Irish motifs, specifically harps and shamrocks. The lace edgings are 3 inches (7-1/2 cm) on one, and up to 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) at the widest on the other. Would Carrickmacross lace be robust enough to withstand frequent washings? Would lace chalice veils have weights (perhaps tassels or beads) to ensure they drape and hold. I googled chalice veils and they seem to be made of embroidered brocade or damask. Following are links to the few "lace" chalice veils I found: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dis-order-ed/5669313336/ and http://www.annatextiles.ch/chal/chwien/chwie.htm and http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O170361/chalice-veil/?print=1 Ruth Johnson Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003/albums/most-recent
