There are tired old stereotypical ideas of lace that this book merrily sets about challenging and blowing apart. Elizabeth Healey takes lace in all sorts of directions, making for an unexpected and entertaining journey. Throughout stories are interwoven giving not just historical context but bringing the skill to life. Although it's Elizabeth's refreshing definition of lace that is the real triumph. Certainly, she pays proper respect to the tools and techniques: bobbin lace, tatting, net darning, needlelace and more are covered. But it's when the projects start that the fun begins: using a soldering iron to make a paper-lace bowl and embroidering spray painted leaves run alongside a magical set of fairy wings and an heirloom scarf fashioned from happy memories. By dipping into other skills and inspiring creative experimentation, Elizabeth's book offers so much more than was ever expected and becomes even more appealing. You'll never think of lace in the same way again!
* Stitch *
This book is beautifully presented with a wealth of detailed instructions to inspire creation of an enormous variety of lace designs. Coloured photos and line drawings of clearly laid out techniques add to the quality of the book.
-- Diane Whale * Amazon Customer Review *
A great book for someone new to lace making but ready to explore projects using lace.
As an enthusiastic embroiderer I like the variable ideas for lace making additions to new projects. The basics are covered with clear and easy to follow illustrations. Whilst the creative ideas may be quirky and in some ways involve abstract concepts they can be incorporated into many other pieces of work.
I'm excited about the opportunities to experiment with button shapes, tatting ideas, silhouette designs and vintage patterns for example. Lots to incorporate into possible wall hangings, garments or ornamental objects.
A great book for the lace making beginner but who's also someone who's ready to explore and expand on ways to get creative with lace.
-- Christine Plimmer * Amazon Customer Review *
This feast of 30 inspiring step-by-step projects includes in-depth features relating to the history of lace. Bobbin and needle lace, needle weaving and drawn-thread work are all clearly illustrated for beginners.
* Machine Knitting Monthly *
Beautifully photographed. Lots of different ideas using lace both old and new. Suitable for all abilities. Recommend that you buy this book and get inspired to make beautiful things.
-- Rosemary Hydes * Amazon Customer Review *
Good clear instructions to a range of interesting and new patterns. -- Vicky Reynolds * Amazon Customer Review *
I am a complete beginner when it comes to crafting with lace, but loved a lot of the project ideas in this book. There is 30 to choose from. There is a wonderful introduction at the beginning of the book, which was great for me as a beginner, which goes through all the tools like needles, pins and threads etc. It is recommended to invest in a basic sewing kit to begin with. There is also sections on bobbin lace basics, tatting basics, net darning, embroidery basics with easy to follow diagrams. I found the information quite easy to digest and quick to pick up the concepts paired with the diagrams. There is various templates for some of the projects at the back of the book.
Not all of the projects would be things I would jump to make, but there is lots to choose from and some of the projects I particularly like are:
Shirtwaist buttons (needle lace buttons)
Fairy Wings
Paper Lace Bowl
Skeleton Leaf Fan
I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in lace wanting to be inspired!
-- Charlotte Geoghegan * Amazon Customer Review *
Getting creative with lace is what this book is all about. There are 30 projects using lace, whether that be handmade, shop bought, vintage or scraps.
The designs of each project in this book are both unusual and unique. I love the quirkiness that is incorporated in the projects and I think this adds to their beauty.
It is well worth reading this book before you dive into any of the projects. There is a lot of information and the illustrations do help with the understanding of working with lace and lace making in general. There are templates included, and I just reading the stories about lace that is littered throughout the book.
This interesting book is quite appealing, and whatever you think about lace in general be prepared to have a change of thought.
-- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *
