Is that Crochet?

Etsy Shop - Linens

Probably one of the most common vintage handmade laces for sale in internet shops is vintage crocheted lace.  The technique was an easy lace to make (in relative terms!) and, historically, many women at home could accomplish laces for their own decorative uses.






 Crochet is made using a crochet hook. The size of the lace work depends on two elements: 1) size of the hook and 2) size of the thread or cord used.  Smaller hooks and finer thread = very fine crochet patterns.  Most old crochet books include teaching techniques.

Photo shows just one format of crochet work - filet crochet stitches.

American Victorian and Edwardian era women embellished just about anything for the home or body with crochet laces!  From nightgowns to dresses to baby clothes to table linens and doilies to pin cushions to purses - you name it.  Instruction booklets have always been a popular item for home use and teaching.

Here are some examples of different objects with handmade crochet lace work. 

For those not completely familiar with the work, the patterns might look similar to other kinds of laces.  All of the following examples are machine work.  Note the carry lines in the enlargements.  These laces are not crochet work. 

machine laces

Exploring the world of any lace can pleasantly lead you into a lifetime of study!  There are as many ways to make a lace as there are stars in the sky! Crochet work is just one star.   Some of my favorite lace sites are noted in the side links bar.  Take a leap, grab a good book, hit that keyboard - your journey awaits!

Aurora Borealis

In recent days we are seeing many reports of the beautiful aurora borealis that surrounds our northern regions.  What breath taking images to behold in the night sky!

Translating that into jewelry was a most popular phenomena in the mid 20th century.  Around 1955 the Swarovski company created a process for their crystal beads and named it after these amazing Northern Lists: Aurora Borealis.  The process involved coating the bead with a thin, metallic coating to produce an iridescent effect.  The result was sparkling colors that illuminated from the wearer and her fashions.   Glimmering ice crystal beads give forth a special glow!  It didn't take long for other jewelry bead makers to copy these most popular beads.  The department store counters quickly filled with all kinds of gems.  All styles of costume jewelry and even fashion accessories were created and they remain popular to this day!

Here is a beautiful spiritual tribute to the glowing Northern Lights - this passage comes from The Daily Word which is for Friday, October 10:

I set my spirit free.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is one of nature’s most spectacular nighttime displays. Green and red ribbons of light dance gracefully across the sky. Such phenomena remind me of the infinite grandeur of Spirit and the expansiveness of my own spiritual nature.
Spirit in me is daring and dazzling. I allow my inner radiance to express easily and naturally in creative, brilliant, and beautiful ways.
I liberate my Spirit. I set it free! And Spirit in me weaves itself gracefully through even the darkest times of my life, like a ribbon of holy light consecrating everything and everyone it touches.

Vintage Hats ~ Yes

What can I say - I never met a vintage hat that I didn't like!  Here's some fun goodies from days gone by (all are sold)

another happy ending!

 Ah, another wonderful kindred keeper connection!  


Come and take a peek at all the photos at Hackney Rose of this wonderful 1940s classic black ribbon halo hat.  Sinead Wilcox, UK, has a passion for showing vintage fashions in their true, beautiful form!