Traditional Bedfordshire Lace - Technique and Patterns

Bedfordshire lace, its history, and its fine and varied designs [particularly those of Thomas Lester and his sons, lace-dealers in Bedford for nearly a century] have attracted growing interest and many new practitioners in recent years. One attraction of the Bedfordshire technique is its flexibility, which offers the lace-maker a certain freedom in deciding the method of working. The book is based on the author's extensive teaching experience and research into authentic traditional methods. The text sets out the techniques and shows how to apply them to different parts of the pattern. The lace ranges from small motifs to fine edgings, elaborate collars and other dress accessories worked by the author and her students. Over a hundred working diagrams are includes as well as prickings for all the lace illsutrated. Additional prickings and advice on interpreting and reproducing old prickings are also provided. AUTHOR: Barbara M Underwood has an established reputation as a teacher, lace-maker and designer. She has made a special study of the fine traditional laces of the English East Midlands and has played a leading role in teaching and promoting them. SELLING POINTS: ? a comprehensive reference book that provides techniques and patterns on Bedfordshire lace for the modern lacemaker ? intended as a handbook for lace-making students of all abilities ? over a hundred working diagrams are included as well as prickings for all the lace illustrated ? additional prickings on a folded sheet are included in an inside back cover pocket ? beautifully illustrated ? author is an established teacher, lace-maker and designer ILLUSTRATIONS: 50 b/w photos 206 line drawings