When you think about an antique lace making technique like Crochet, Irish Lace, Battenburg, etc…. it is very important to not only keep the craft going and to pass it on. It is crucial to evolve and update it, including different techniques, threads, colours, volume , shape and sizes as well as purpose and function of the lace.
Irish Crochet has deep roots in using fine hooks and ecru, beige, white and cream threads but a lot has change from its humble beginning. Colours popped in, different thread types and hook sizes changed. Beads have been introduce as well as transforming shapes. The traditional Irish lace is still very popular and strong but modern Irish lace is catching up more and more….
If you want to know more about traditional Irish Crochet lace , find out more here from Larisa Chilton an amazing Irish Crochet teacher and maker. She will be able to help you out, guide you and teach you.
When it comes to Romanian Point Lace its a bit different. The traditional Romanian Point Lace is very stubborn, or at least most Romanian Point Lace makers. From personal experience I have seen that they can’t seem to understand that this lace as beautiful as it is needs not only to breath and extend it needs to be seen and it will not be seen if we do not change our minds on the subject. We as lace makers need to be open minded to introducing colours… and it finally happens a bit, – ( Fabulous to see HURRA!) but most Romanian Point Lace makers still produce the same pattern in the shape design and pattern again and again and placing it in the same spot- the furniture! Well this is not enough anymore!
In the image above you can see how traditional Romanian Point Lace is used. This is a traditional design in colour, shape, size, function. Now you can do way more with this…. Smaller pieces like the image below, can be used as funky place mats.
Now the next step how RPL got its transformation, was when dye was introduced. Like in this image below. Natural dye like here – Turmeric
After natural dye, even though it was not proper! Coloured thread was introduced by the early 2000.
I am trying to introduce into this tight world of Romanian Point Lace a new way of lace making that can maybe open the way for a new generation of lace makers. This new generation might be interested in Romanian Point Lace in a traditional and new way. It is important that we keep ancient craft alive but we need to make it attractive to younger people today. They will not look twice if the lace is a doily… sadly this is the truth and not many can face it.
So this is what I am rooting for… make lace , keep an ancient craft like Romanian Point Lace alive BUT wearable, make it fashionable. And yes, I am aware that might not be every bodies cup of tea, but c’est la vie!
I am introducing colours, 3D , volume, and make it wearable. Put it to a good use and take your lace for a walk.
Not only that the pieces are wearable, they are large, bold and make a statement, so is the idea behind Romanian Point Lace making a statement.
Please let me know how you feel about!
Where do you see the trends going when it comes to Romanian Point Lace?
We all know how time flies and I guess TBT – better known as Throwback Thursday reminds us so well how life goes by…. Years go by, social media changes, family grows, business goes up and down , etc….
Who actually invented #TBT , well this is a big mystery like the Bermudas I guess…
This is what Google said about… TBT
So pinpointing the true first #tbt post is tricky. Looking at Google Trends, though, it seems people started looking up Throwback Thursday more regularly in February 2012, and since then, interest in the hashtag game has increased substantially.May 30, 2013
What are your most memorable TBT?
This TBT , well a trip home… to Germany. Another TBT is dear to my heart like this one….
My Little one wearing a traditional Romanian Outfit…. All these memories stay with us TBT or not TBT….. What do you do with these type of memories…? You cherish them and you keep them in your soul, heart and mind….
Or this my teaching carrier started here in Brisbane, Australia.
If you never heard of Romanian Point Lace, then Modern Romanian Point Lace must be a mystery to you…..
Modern Romanian Point Lace is pretty much not well known and I am trying to change it …. Long Road to go I guess.. <LOL> But you have to start somewhere!
Romanian Point Lace is an ancient lace making technique invented in Romania, Transylvania. It has been past on from mother to daughter for generations. This is the way I learned it not by books, files, laptops or written word. You watch as a child and observe how the needle weaves and dances on calico, around the threads and creates a web of designs and 3D elements that takes your breath away.. Traditionally in ecru, or beige, not these days with the boarders wide open and Romania being free access to all type of threads and freedom even Romanian Point Lace evolved. Yes it;s done in colour as well but this movement is just a toddler in compare to the power of the traditional point lace. The image below is a traditional RPL in ecru , traditional design and shape, with a centre embroidery element. Done on Aida cloth, with a traditional rose design.
If you are interested to learn this technique contact me or check out the workshops options here or the booklethere . We are based in Brisbane.
To create this collar , I used black cotton thread for the base, creating simple cord and the base for the embroidery. The embroidery pansy design is made with silk threads by DeVereYarnThe company is based in the UK but they ship worldwide. I have been ordering a few threads from them, different strengths and they are gorgeous to work with. They are amazing to embroider of course but also great to do fine lace or fine crochet.
One of my favourite thread form the selection I purchased was the Lily, after that I had fun sewing with Forget me Not. Rose was a fine delight The others I did not use so far, but I am sure in a future project it will come up.
This piece is perfect for white shirts, or the LBD ( Little Black Dress ) or a funky casual look . You can dress it up or down! Shop here. This piece is an original and not available in the same design. Similar pieces ca be created with different design and colours. Simply ask! 🙂
You can wear it high or low on the neckline. All is up to you and your style. This Silk Enchant Pansy Collar, is easy to care and to wear. It is large with a bold statement but light.
And when you think you find inspiration in the most simple common things on earth, I bet you never looked at a key. For every project, Inspiration is key….
Have you ever paid attention to the simplicity of a key that opens a chamber? Have a look at these keys that are a mystery, a key to opening a secret, or door that opens your universe to a completely new idea…. these keys are vintage, old, handmade and lead my mind to think about French doors, lifestyle and elegant fashion. They give inspiration to Romanian Point Lace Designs and to lace making. Motives that can be moved in repetitive positions, or one design.
The way the iron is forged, elegant and in line, curved from hot to freezing cold, warming in hands, this is how the cord, forms on the calico in elegant , organic shapes, that give birth to a design to stay. Maybe even a touch of embroidery if gold or silver is added to the key…. The possibilities are endless.
And once you have the key as inspiration, the thread is following like the devil in the dark , so escape from it. A sweet pleasure to pick and try… Like the forbidden fruits.
What precious thread will be transformed into a precious design ? Only you are the key to that!
Is it the powerful, Amethyst, the fabulous Jade, etc…. ? Make it happen because Inspiration is the key…..
Beverley’s Delight, this is a first for me as well. I never purchased a pattern for a doily since I focus on lace pattern, but this one was catching my eye and I love it. Please check out Beverley’s Delight
This pattern is funky, new, and such a delight like it said! Every time I try or want to work on a pattern I deal with picking out thread! AHhhhhhhh…. What about you? But enough of my threads hoarding issue, let’s get back to Lyn Coultas and her funky design.
If you like crochet groups and like to follow Lyn’s Designs she has a Facebook Group here.
Please introduce yourself?
My name is Lyn Coultas. I live in Queensland, Australia, with my wonderful husband, David and 2 of my 3 children – my eldest son is at University. I’m 45yrs old. I work with my husband as a Handyman. I really enjoy the variety of jobs from one day to the next, and I’m always learning something new. I started crocheting 20+ yrs ago. I learned to crochet using books from my local library. I used to only crochet in Winter, learning something new each year. About 4 yrs ago, Winter ended and I haven’t stopped crocheting since . I started out making scarves and hats, then moved on to amigurumi and flowers, and then I started crocheting baby items (booties, hats, headbands and dresses).
How did you start to design doilies?
My wonderful friend Paul, introduced me to Grace Fearon’s designs. I immediately fell in love with textured doilies! At some point, he suggested I design my own doilies and so, “Beverley’s Delight” was born lol. I really enjoyed the process and the result.
Where can we find you on social media?
I have a facebook group, “Purple Crochet Designs” that folks can join if they have any questions about my patterns, or want share their photos of my designs that they’ve made, and to “get the scoop” on my upcoming designs. I love to see the different colours and combinations others use when making my designs What can you tell us about your next project/design?
My newest design, “Oh My Stars” is nearing the end of being tested (thank you my fabulous testers!), and will be published shortly.
Would you consider designing something else or will doilies be your domain?
I honestly don’t know. For now, I love using thread and designing doilies, but who knows what the future will bring?
Well ladies, I am looking forward to see the next design, Oh My Stars…….
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. I started out making scarves and hats, then moved on to amigurumi and flowers, and then I started crocheting baby items (booties, hats, headbands and dresses).
