Do you still need help with that thing? LACE?!

Today, I’d like to take a brief moment to share with you the fascinating history behind the beauty of lace.

Origins and Development of Lace in Europe

Lace, as we know it today, is believed to have originated in Europe during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Its exact origins are somewhat murky, as various forms of lace and lace-like textiles existed in different cultures before this period. However, the refinement and development of lace as a distinct textile art are most commonly attributed to regions in Italy and Flanders (now part of modern-day Belgium, France, and the Netherlands).

Lace Making Through Time

Cities like Venice gained renown for their exquisite needle lace (known as punto in aria, or “stitch in the air”), while Flanders earned its reputation for bobbin lace. Both types of lace, requiring intricate patterns, garnered high value for their beauty and the skilled craftsmanship needed to produce them.

The popularity of lace quickly spread across Europe, becoming a symbol of wealth and status. It was used in various forms of fashion and decoration, from clothing and accessories to household items.

Over time, the production of lace evolved with technological advancements, particularly with the invention of lace-making machines in the 19th century, which made lace more widely accessible beyond the elite classes. Despite these advancements, high-quality lace remains a time-consuming process to create and can be quite expensive.

We carry a wide range of beautiful laces and will be adding more to our library this year to help you embellish your altar garments and make that special project just a little more special.