Lace for Church Use Instruction Book

The sweet joys of returning home. After being on the road for over two weeks visiting churches and museums, viewing embroidery collections, partaking in one-on-one workshops on making altar linens, and every imaginable type of Ecclesiastical Sewing, I can honestly say, it is so good to be home! My own sweet sewing space awaits the next project, still in the exact condition I left it in. That can be a good or bad thing, depending on how one looks at it. There are a few things still left out, but it would not take long to tidy and get down to some serious Ecclesiastical Sewing Projects.  Thank goodness for that.

Sadly, what is in a very neglected condition are my Ecclesiastical Sewing and Church Embroidery Books. They seem to be multiplying every time I turn around.  Where there used to be a few sparse titles, now the shelves are overflowing, demanding more space, and of course, better organization so the needed Volume on Church Sewing can be found when needed.

There is one new book that recently arrived that I would love to share with you. The title is Lace for Church Use by Marie-Clare Downham.  The will take a bit of hunting to locate a copy of the book. It is either out of print, or has limited copies currently available.

The book gives a nice introduction to the topic of bobbin lace as an alternative to crochet work. There is a bit of an assumption in the book that the reader is at least vaguely aware of the required techniques for making bobbin lace, and thus instructions are kept at a minimum.  Also provided is a list of common Church Linen items to help define projects. Patterns and instructions for working the various types of bobbin lace are approximately 2 pages in length, with a photograph of the finished piece of Bobbin lace for church use, instructions on the number of bobbins required, and an illustrated pattern with the design layout. Additional instructions include the types of stitches used, and how the ground should be made. At the top of each page, there is a suggestion as to the appropriate Ecclesiastical Church Linen for which the lace might be intended.

The lace patterns are light and airy, without being too feminine. If the laces could be adapted appropriately, they might be a good starting point to be worked into various vestments for use in warm weather climates.  Either way, these laces are truly lovely works of Ecclesiastical Art which would enhance the Linens at any Altar.

I hope you consider including a small touch of lace in an upcoming Ecclesiastical Sewing Project.

Soli Deo Gloria