s, we feel all of the pleasure
we are sure we thus convey.

The Butterick Publishing Co.,
Limited.

CONTENTS.

Pages 5 to 9--
Lace-Making, Ancient and Modern Methods.

Pages 9 to 19--
Stitches used in Modern Lace-Making.

Pages 19 to 22--
Fancy Braids Cords, Rings and Buttons.

Pages 22 to 96--
Designs, Lace Articles, Edgings, etc., etc., in Modern Lace.

Pages 96 to 125--
Darned Net Samples, Kerchiefs, Tidies, Edgings, Insertions, etc.,
etc., with Designs for the same and other Articles.

Lace-Making

ANCIENT AND MODERN METHODS.

The art of making lace in one form or another has existed from the
earliest ages. There are Scriptural references to various web-like
fabrics, which were of rude construction, no doubt, but whose general
characteristics were identical with those productions of modern skill
which have for centuries been known as lace. Homer and other ancient
writers constantly mention net-works of fancifully embroidered
materials; gold thread-work was known to the Romans; and as Egyptian
robes of state are depicted upon the tombs of the earlier dynasties as
being fashioned from a looped net-work or crochet, it is probable that
the Israelites learned the art from the Egyptians. Museums contain
specimens of lace dating back to periods that to us of the present day
seem mere dreams of reigns and eras, and history includes a scattered
literature of lace which proves that the art must have been practised
almost from the beginning.

Up to the Sixteenth Century, however, open work embroidery was the
favorite decoration, and from it the tangible origin of lace seems
derived. During the Renaissance period the first book of embroidery
patterns and lace-work appeared. The earliest volume bearing a date was
printed at Cologne in 1527; and it was during the reign of Richard III.
of England that the word lace was first used in the descriptions of the
royal wardrobe.

At first the best known laces were those of Venice, Milan and Genoa. The
Italians claim the invention of point or needle-made lace; but the
Venetian point is now a product of the past, and England and France
supply most of the fine laces of the present time.

Lace-makers in the various European countries are trained to the work
from childhood; but it is said that the makers of Honiton lace, the
fabric of which