Welcome to our bookshop. We have a selection of craft books including lace and embroidery. Although our books are second hand there are all in imaculate condition, and we would not sell any books which we would not be proud to have in our own book collection.
- Geraldine Stott & Bridget Cook
Soft cover
Unused, Mint Condition
"Here is a collection of 100 traditional patterns for Bucks Point lace, one of the finest laces in England.
The diagrams are colour-coded for clarity, and each pattern is printed in detailed, diagrammatic form. There is one pattern on each page or on adjacent pages with its relevant pricking and an actual-size photograph of the completed piece of lace. The number of bobbins and the thread used are also noted.
Not only are there 100 traditional patterns contained within this book, but the majority have an unusual or interesting feature in their construction not readily observed or perhaps full appreciated at first glance.
Some patterns have been slightly adapted from the original to complement modern threads and all have been painstakingly researched from various museums.
Lace makers, from those just starting to the experienced, will find here a wealth of readily understandable patterns at their fingertips..."
- Margaret Maidment
Hardback
Slight damage to dust cover, otherwise Good Condition
"Undoubtedly one of the classic books on the techniques of lacemaking, Margaret Maidment's work was first published in 1931. One of its enduring strengths has been that, for over 50 years, people have successfully been learning to make the different types of lace from it.
The book contains some patterns and designs, but its main aim is to concentrate on the technical details of the stitches and methods so that the worker has all the background knowledge necessary to work her own patterns. The book adopts the approach that was soon to become the norm among lace-teaching books, dealing first with some of the background history of lacemaking, discussing materials, general methods and stitches, and then covering the different lace types in separate chapters. It discusses Torchon, Cluny, Beds-Maltese, Honiton and Bucks Point Ground Laces..."
- Geraldine Stott
Hardback
Slight wear to dust cover, otherwise Mint Condition
"Co-author of three previous lace books, author of The bobbin Lace Manual, and pioneer of the highly acclaimed colour coded method of pattern presentation, Geraldine Stott has written and illustrated this introduction to the 'Queen on English lace' - Bucks Point. There are 40 patterns, arranged in order of difficulty, each presenting a few new techniques and, for those who may not be familiar with the diagrammatic approach, there are simple written instructions explaining each new step. The most common techniques are set out in box form for easy reference and, throughout, there are practical hints gathered over the authors many years' experience as a lacemaker and teacher. Each pattern has an actual size pricking and a photograph of the finished lace. The early practice strips are worked to a large scale to help familiarize the new lacemaker with thin threads and pins; these are interspersed with actual lace articles, which will be decorative and useful as well as serving as samplers..."
- Jennifer Fisher
Hardback
Mint Condition
"'Braid lace', 'Russian lace' and 'Russian tape lace' are all names given to a form of Bobbin Lace characterised by a full-flowing, continuous braid which twists and turns and which is linked by openwork fillings. Lending itself to simple designs and being reasonably quick to make, it has many attractions for the beginner. Here, Jennifer Fisher has provided a book which meets the needs of the complete novice but, at the same time, provides information for the lacemaker who wishes to try a new lace form. Drawings support the text and show how to work with a pillow and bobbins, diagrams illustrate the formation of different stitches, prickings outline patterns, and superb black and white photographs illustrate finished lace pieces. Jennifer Fisher is a Devonian who now lives in Australia. Her work is much respected throughout the lace world and this is her second book for Dryad Press, her first being the very successful Torchon Lace for Today..."
- Edina Sutton
Hardback
Mint Condition
"ne of the most beautiful forms of traditional Continental bobbin lace, Bruges Flower lace is described in detail in this first English language book on the subject.
A carefully planned reference and instructional work, produced for the lacemaker with a working knowledge ofthe craft, this book is the result of several years of research by the author. It describes the basic techniques used in the lace-braids, edgings, leaves, scrolls and flowers - and provides detailed explanations on how to make many decorative lace pieces. In common with all good lace books it is illustrated with many photographs, prickings and diagrams..."
- Pamela Nottingham
First Edition, Hardback
Slight damage to dust cover, otherwise Good Condition
"Despite being considered the most intricate of laces, Pamela Nottingham's basic approach will enable beginners to produce work of a high standard, and to enjoy doing so. This is her fifth lace book and her approach to lace instruction is both proven and unequalled..."
- Mollie Butler & Alexandra Trubshaw
First Edition, Hardback
Slight Damage to dust cover, otherwise Mint Condition
"Here is the perfect practical introduction to the craft of Carrickmacross Lace. Carrickmacross :ace is a type of appliquéd needle lace. It originated in Ireland, first becoming popular in the mid 19th Century, and enjoyed a revival toward's the end of the century. Today, more than 160 years after its inception, the lace is again enjoying a resurgence..."
- Bertha Kemp
First Edition, Hardback
Mint Condition
"The traditional bobbin-lace of Downton in Wiltshire is noted for its distinctive patterns worked with the finest of threads. Today it is made by only a few well-established lacemakers. This book is the first written record of the techniques used for this beautiful variety of lace, and preserves such patterns as the Downton Daisy, the Egg and Rasher, the Oak Leaf and Church Windows - names which indicate the nature of the rural setting in which the lace began.
Detailed working instructions are given for 25 traditional designs, graded according to their degree of difficulty. Each is fully illustrated by a pricking, working diagram and photograph. Both the novice and the experienced lacemaker will find pleasure in the creation of these delicate and fascinating patterns..."
- Geraldine Stott & Bridget Cook
First Edition, Soft Cover
Mint Condition
"Now in paperback for the first time: a selection of those stitches most often used by bobbin lace makers compiled and presented by Bridget M. Cook and Geraldine Stott, whose larger book, The Book of Bibbin Lace Stitches is well established as the standard guide
Here are the stitches and variations grouped in varieties: grounds and fillings are included, together with decorative features. Each stitch is detailed on a single page. The use of a graph enables the lacemaker to alter the size as desired. Clear and logical instructions with enlarged diagrams showing the final thread positions make the completion of each stitch as straightforward as possible..."
- Joyce R Willmot
First Edition, Hardback
Mint Condition
"Joyce Willmot pioneered the use of basic lace-making techniques to create a colourful range of flowers from the hedgerow and garden. Developed from her workshops over many years and with several new examples, this book gives detailed instructions for making and assembling realistic lace flowers ranging from the wild pansy to the sumptuous orchid. A boon for lace-makers of all levels of experience who love flowers and a welcome opportunity to use colour in lace..."
- Joan Blanchard
First Edition, Hardback
Slight damage to dust cover, otherwise Mint Condition
"The first book on the subjet, Malmesbury Lace is a facinating introduction to what was once a thriving cottage industry. Here the lacemaker will find an investigation into its history, a section on the characterstics of the lace, bobbins and pillows, hints on making the stitches, and - the highlight - thirty previously unpublished patterns, complete with prickings and working diagrams..."
- Veronica Sorenson
First Edition, Hardback
Used book, with inscription from author
"The lacemaker of today persues her art as a hobby and very rarely as a means of earning her living, and this has brought about a change in her attitude towards the finished product. Since lace is no longer widely used in fashion she will wish to produce something that is capable of standing up to the requirements of life today, while still retaining the charm and delicacy of traditional laces. Here, then, is a collection of patterns making use of traditional stitches and techniques, but with a modern interpretation..."
- Jean Withers
First Edition, Hardback
Mint Condition
"Lacemaking is a popular and well-practised craft and one which produces beautiful work of a very high standard. Yet many lacemakers are often at a loss when considering what then can be done with the finished piece. This book deals with that problem by showing how to form lace into a complete article and also encourages the lacemaker to consider combining lace with various other forms of needlework. With the support of over one hundred illustrations detailed descriptions are given of the various ways in which lace may be attached, inserted or applied to fabric. A chapter is devoted to the use of frames and mounts for display purposes and a further section deals with the methods of combining lace with embroidery, using such thechniques as drawn thread work, cathedral window patchwork, shadow work and blackwork. he final chapter looks at various ideas for the practical use of lace and offers many inspirational suggestions..."
- Pat Earnshaw
First Edition, Hardback
Slight wear to dust cover, otherwise Mint Condition
"Lace-making with a sewing needle and thread can create some of the most exquisite of all types of lace. As well as being beautiful in themselves, these laces can be used to decorate and enhance a whole range of items around the home, including cushions, bed and table linen, and, of course, clothes.
Pat Earnshaw's Needle-made Laces provides a comprehensive guide to the different traditional techniques of needle lace-making including openwork, embroidery, buttonhole stitching, knotting, needleweaving and darnning on to net. Twelve different types of lace are covered, ranging from simple drawnworks to the high padded outlines of ornamental bars of Venetian lace. The previously negelected techniques of Hollie Point, Halas, Buratto and Bebilla are also included..."
- Caroline & Barry Biggins
First Edition, Hardback
Slight wear to dust cover, otherwise Mint Condition
"This book will appeal to lacemakers with a sound basic knowledge of the craft, including raised and rolled work, and in particular lace makers wishing to develop their individual interpretations of designs and awareness of the many different possibilities of working a pattern..."
- Eeva-Liisa Kortelahti
Hardback
Mint Condition
"The techniques of bobbin lace making give almost unlimited possibilities to carry out figures to which imagination and different ways of using the lace give motifs. This book contains a large number of patterns, which have arisen considering desires and needs of lacemakers, designed and worked be the author; laces on the walls, on the tables, for dresses and blouses. Among them, there are also a great deal of little lace motifs, which can be set into frames and used as trinkets and pendants. This book contains 64 patterns with prickings in all of them and 22 diagrams of techniques, which have been used in these laces..."
- Valerie Harris
First Edition, Hardback
Mint Condition
"The recent revival of interest in lacemaking has led to an overwhelming demand for the new patterns and for classic, older designs to be made available, This unique work relates in fascinating detail the history of a Lavendon lacemaking family and provides over 60 patterns collected by four generations of women from the family. There are four Bucks Point lace patterns from the author's great-grandmother, 31 rare Bedford Maltese patterns worked by her grandmother, 17 assorted patterns handed down by her aunts and five modern patterns designed by the author herself. Also included is a chapter providing helpful hints for the traditional lacemaker coveringsuch topics as storage and the dyeing of lace pieces. Almost all the patterns include samples and guidelines to aid the reader in her interpretation and working of the old pieces..."
- Veronica Sorenson & J.E.H Rombach de Kievid
First Edition, Hardback
Slight Damage to dust cover, otherwise Mint Condition
"Bruges is one of the oldest lacemaking centres in the world and is renownwed for the intricate designs it has produced - all based on flowers, leaves and braids with a unique and characteristic scroll. It is a sectional bobbin lace, its patterns most dramatically worked in white, cream, ecru and black.
Twenty-five designs originally published in Dutch are supplemented here by thirty-five Veronica Sorenson's own devising. Following the relevant technical information we move on to the patterns - these are divided into motifs, edgings, crosses, collars and cuffs, all-lace mats, pieces designed for specific uses in the home and gift suggestions.
For the lacemaker familiar with bobbin lacemaking techniques there is a wealth of new and interesting designs to be discovered; originality and versatility are the key features of Bruges Flower Lace, fully reflected in the new book..."
- Elise Luxton
First Edition, Hardback
Damage to dust cover, pages unmarked
"Honiton lace is one of the most beautiful of the traditional hand-made bobbin laces, and until reacently was made and taught almost exclusively in Devon. Elise Luxton, a lace designer and lecturer who has been practising the craft for 60 years, has now compiled the first handbook covering every aspect of this fascinating work, and provides complete instructions for making over 50 traditional and modern designs.
After a brief introduction covering the history of lacemaking in Devon, the book discusses the equipment and preparation required, and gives easy step-by-step instructions for elementary patterns suitable for complete beginners. Detailed explanations are then given for making 17 flat Honiton patterns, 20 patterns for the more advanced raised and rolled work, 26 different fillings, and 7 leaf designs. The final section gives a list of general notes and instructions which can easily be referred to whilst working through the book, and experienced lacemakers will welcome this handy method of reference to stitches and techniques. Prickings - to be traced straight from the page - are provided for all the patterns, as well as explanatory diagrams and close-up photographs showing the finished results..."
- Pamela Nottingham
Hardback
Damage to dust cover, pages unmarked
"Torchon,Beds-Maltese Bucks Point - Pamela Nottingham shows how easily one can create fine hand-made lace following her detailed instructions, using simply a lace pillow, bobbins and pins, and linen thread. She explains the basic stitches and techniques, and provides a progressive series of patterns to work through, starting with clear geometric shapes which gain in complexity until the reader can master the most intricate and lavish of the traditional designs. Each stage is accompanied by line diagrams and pricking's, while photographs display the finished lace patterns. The principles of lace design are fully explained, enabling the craftswoman to create original patterns for specific uses. Many new ideas are included..."
- Pamela Nottingham
Hardback
Slight damage to dust cover, otherwise Mint Condition
"As a sequel to her highly successful Technique of Bobbin Lace, Pamela Nottingham has compiled an equally comprehensive work on the techniques of making and designing Torchon lace. This simple, geometric lace was introduced into England in the second half of the nineteenth century, and its popularity among lacemakers hace continued to the present day. Not as complicated as the more intricate Bucks-Point and Beds-Maltese laces, the patterns of Torchon are easier and quicker to work, and result in a bold, effective lace that will enhance any garment, soft furnishing, table or wall display.
The book deals with equipment and choice of thread, how to make prickings, the basic stitches and the principles of pattern design, then gives a series of graduated patterns showing how to create narrow edgings, circular motifs, square and rectangular mats, braids, triangles, circular edgings, collars and insertions. A full explanation of terms and techniques is given, and all the step-by-step instructions are illustrated by means of detailed diagrams. Twenty prickings are reproduced to scale for the reader to trace off the page, and thirteen grids are provided at the back of the book as a basis for original designs. Excellent close-up photographs show the finished examples throughout..."
- Bridget M Cook
First Edition, Hardback
Slight wear to dust cover, otherwise mint condition
"Of the various bobbin lace types, 'torchon' lace is probably the best for a beginner to tackle, using as it does a simple range of stitches to produce relatively speedy and gratifying results based on a combination of attractive motifs with a geometrical 'ground'. This book uses colour throughout not only to reveal the delicate beauty of the work, but as an aid to understanding.
The book is structured round a series of 10 progressively more advanced and rewarding technical skills, and 27 original projects for lace which utilize them. Excercises cover the half stitch, the whole stitch, diamonds, spiders, rosegrounds, scandinavian holes, gimps. tallies, leaves, plaits and picots: projects to make include nursery lace, fans, hearts, borders and edgings, collars, frills, coasters, squares, handkerchiefs..."
- Elizabeth Wade
First Edition, Hardback
Slight wear to dust cover, otherwise Mint Condition
"Bobbin Lacemaking is a wonderfully therapeutic hobby. Once one is hooked it is a subject of many facets - enough to provide interest for a lifetime. This manual is intended as a primer for the newcomer to lacemaking. It begins with a close look at the equipment used and some background history. The second part of the book is concerned with Torchon Lacemaking - an ideal lace for beginners because it is geometric and mistakes are easily corrected. It is also a stepping stone to making other types of lace..."