lace and broderie anglaise

I never know for certain if broderie anglais/e should have that final 'e' at the end - if you look at dictionaries/Google etc, it varies depending on which site you look at.  The French always add the 'e' and I guess it is because 'broderie' is a feminine noun.  I prefer it with an 'e' as it sounds rather nice, although sometimes I do forget to use it!

Anyway, pedantics aside, I thought I would show you a few bits of lace and broderie anglaise that I recently  listed - some sold, some not.

A pretty little girl's dress - simple but with a border of lace at the hem.  It has a 1920s feel about it, with drop waistline.

simple, but quite sweet. dress now sold

A beautiful collar for a dress or blouse

there are little buttonholes to be attached to another garment - easier to wash just the collar when dresses were so bulky and hard work to launder
 

My favourite item for ages - a stunning pair of bloomers - with an elastic waist for easy wear!  Stunning isn't a word I use often, but these are really quite lovely.  I have replaced the elastic as it had withered away, but otherwise, the quality and condition are both excellent.
bloomers now sold 
 

The lace border is quite generous: over 5 1/2 inches deep

and to finish, a tiny monogram 'MM' stitched on the leg

This girl's petticoat is gathered at the waist, and the lace would allow ribbon to be threaded through
 

the ribbon is long gone, but the item is in very good condition .  Nowadays, a little girl could wear this as a dress, not under a dress - they must have been very hot in summer with so many layers albeit white cotton! Petticoat now sold

Slip now sold
Another very popular item - a lady's slip, or summer nightdress.  Perfect for the heat of the summer

and again, simple, but decorated with hand embroidery and a touch of lace on the top edge.

A piece of more modern palest salmon pink lace, machine made, but perfect to decorate a 1950s or 60s petticoat or nightdress.
salmon lace now sold

I really like the very pale salmon pink colour - very subtle

and quite sheer, with a nice floral design.  Even in modern times using modern manufacturing methods, lace is still so popular.

If you would like more information, just clic on my shops above or send a message.

Have a good weekend!

Sales of 2012

Just a few little textile things I sold in 2012 - now getting set to start on my new stock for 2013.

Perfect gift for expectant or nursing mum

Sorry but this is sold
Just thought you might like to see this gorgeous vintage French maternity nightdress - with a secret front flap held up by tiny mother-of-pearl buttons - trimmed with broderie anglais lace, pintucks and the sweetest little monogramme...you can see more picture here. I just loved this - not everyone wants to slob around in an old tee-shirt you know!

Bon weekend!

Some old needlecraft work for sale

Sorry, but this trim is sold
I love this lace/crochet trim - it forms a square frame 2 feet by 2 feet, with sweet corners perfectly turned - just right for decorating a bedcover, curtain or tablecloth - my Ebay auction is here.



sorry, this doiley is sold
This French doiley is amazing - look at the work - it must have taken hours to make. Read more here.


Sorry, but this cushion is sold
A pair of doves, sitting on a sprig of blossom - this wool work cushion is from the 1950s and has a burgundy velour base - see more here



This waffle weave hand or guest towel is a little shabby, but we can forgive that because it has an enormous monogram in red cross stitch 'LR'. You could use it to make a fabulous cushion or bag - or, if you don't mind the slightly shabby fringe it would be perfect in a guest room or cloakroom.
The Ebay listing is here.



Sorry but this item is sold
The ever-popular basket of flowers - hand embroidered on this table runner. SO pretty - and useful - you can read more here.

I just love these items - they're just simple, household linen that have been lovingly worked by a past generation - they're not museum pieces nor rare works of art, just nice, comfortable things to have around the home.

All these skills used to be taught at school, and girls learned by watching their mothers and grannies - such a shame that there is no time nor room in schools these days for such crafts. Thank goodness for a revival in interest in all things vintage and retro - and for places like Etsy and Ebay where we can buy and sell these gorgeous items from the past.