hidden.

The braids are joined together where they meet with a few overcasting
stitches, as shown in the illustration.

Here, we find one of the lace stitches used instead of picots; the first
row of fig. 736 always makes a nice border for Irish lace.

IRISH LACE (fig. 771).--This pattern, which is more complicated and
takes more time and stitches than the preceding one, can also be
executed with one or other of the braids mentioned at the beginning of
the chapter; but it looks best made with a close braid.

[Illustration: FIG. 770. IRISH LACE.]

[Illustration: FIG. 771. IRISH LACE. MATERIALS: Lacet surfin D.M.C No.
5, white or ecru and Fil d'Alsace D.M.C Nos. 40 to 150, or Fil a
dentelle D.M.C Nos. 50 to 150.]

The bars, which in the illustration are simply buttonholed may also be
ornamented with picots of one kind or another; the interior spaces of
the figure on the left can be filled, instead of with corded bars, with
one of the lace stitches we have described, either fig. 720, 721, or
732, any one of which is suitable for filling in small spaces like
these.

In the figure on the right, the ring of braid may be replaced by close
buttonhole stitches, made over several foundation threads or over one
thick thread, such as Fil a pointer D.M.C No. 10 or 20[A] to make them
full and round.

You begin the ring on the inside and increase the number of stitches as
the circumference increases.

[Illustration: FIG. 772. IRISH LACE. MATERIALS: English braid with open
edge.--For the lattice work: Fil d'Alsace D.M.C in balls Nos. 50 to 100
or Fil a dentelle D.M.C Nos. 50 to 100, white. For the cord: Cordonnet 6
fils D.M.C No. 15, ecru.[A]]

Any of the stitches, from fig. 720 to fig. 743, can be introduced here.

IRISH LACE (fig. 772).--Here we find one of the fillings above alluded
to, fig. 751, used as a ground for the flowers and leaves. For the
design itself some of the closer stitches described in this chapter,
should be selected. When the actual lace, is finished you sew upon the
braid a thin cord, made of ecru Cordonnet 6 fils D.M.C, as described in
the chapter on different kinds of fancy work. Cords of this kind can be
had ready made, but the hand-made ones are much to be preferred, being
far softer and more supple than the machine-made.

[Illustration: FIG. 773. IRISH LACE. MATERIALS--For the cord: Cordonnet
6 fils D.M.C Nos. 15 to 25. For the bars and lace stitches: Fil a
dentelle D.M.C No. 200.[A]]

IRISH