At M&J we have a serious love of lace. You might call it an obsession really. We have walls of the stuff at our store! Of course not all lace is the same, and we’re not talking about just patterns either. There are many unique styles of lace from all over the world! Some are made by hand, others are strictly manufactured by machine. Some are created with using the needle method, others use bobbins. Each method and material used creates a different, but equally beautiful, style. Here are a few of our favorites styles, and a little history behind each!
Alençon – One of the most popular types of lace for wedding dresses, Alençon is a French-style lace. It is also one of the most difficult, and thus most expensive, types of lace to make. This style is characterized by floral or leaf motifs on a mesh background. Fun fact: The process of creating this lace by hand has been preserved over the years by Carmelite nuns in Alençon.
Battenburg – Popular in the 1930s and 1940s, Battenburg is a needle lace. You can find it mostly on tablecloths and linens. It is an easy-to-make lace, and much less labor intensive than other embroidered varieties.
Cluny – A bobbin-style lace, cluny often features small flowers and loops. This lace is sturdy, and more durable than most. Its name is derived from the Abbey of Cluny in Cluny, France, where it was used by monks.
Schiffli – This is the lace of the new age. Strictly made using modern machines, Schiffli is created by embroidering both the front and the back of a piece of light fabric, usually tulle.
Venise – This needle lace was once more coveted than jewels. Originating in Venice, Italy, using this lace as an adornment proved you were very wealthy indeed. Thankfully it is now more affordable, and easy to obtain! Its design features no netting, with motifs held together by braids or threads. This makes it perfect for using as a dramatic trim!
These are just SOME of the many styles of lace available at our store. Which look or style do YOU prefer?
