The Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC, where I volunteer with the lace
collection just published my blog on the Ipswich lace Industry.
You can find it here, or search american history si blog ipswich lace
http://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/ipswich-lace
Hope you enjoy the blog, and please let me know if you can add anything to
the Ipswich story or have questions. There is still much to learn, such as
where the original teacher came from and when. It is very interesting that
the lace was made on a round bolster pillow, approximately 30 inches (76
cm) circumference and the sewing edge was on the left. I am guessing, but
have no concrete evidence, that the Ipswich lace makers got most of their
patterns by copying snippets of imported lace. It is also interesting that
only one of the samples they sent to Alexander Hamilton in 1790 has point
ground (c-t-t-t or probably t-t-t-c as they used bolster pillows). The
point ground is used as a filling only in this one sample, not as a ground.
The grounds are kat stitch (Paris ground) or variations on torchon ground.
You are welcome to share the blog with your local guilds.
Karen in either Washington, DC or Bethany Beach, DE
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