ART OF BOBBIN LACE, THE

An excerpt from the INTRODUCTORY:

ON the charm of Lace it is scarcely necessary to dwell; it is prized by every woman and is the only ornament that is always suitable and becoming from infancy to old age, whilst in its unobtrusive elegance it lends a beauty and dignity to the wearer which raises her at once above the ordinary level.

Lace-making may certainly be classed under the Fine Arts, especially when allied to good design, for it must be remembered that, like most of the Fine Arts, design plays a very important part In Lace, and it was mainly due to the lack of good designs that our English Lace Industry diminished so seriously.

A great effort is being made to revive It, however, and when the matter is properly understood, which is merely a question of time, this revival of one of our oldest and most interesting industries will receive the encouragement necessary for its future prosperity. Belgium In particular has set us a good example In this respect, Lace-making in that country being a great national Industry, and no doubt Belgium owes much of her present prosperity to this revived and ever-increasing Lace Industry, whilst In many of the Continental towns and villages It is regarded as so useful an accomplishment that the art of Lace-making is taught in the public elementary schools.

Every girl, rich or poor, should be taught Bobbin Lace; it is most fascinating work, the movement of the bobbins being so different to anything else, and it is neither tedious nor trying to the eyes, a great point.