The Technique of Filet Lace by Pauline Knight

With the renewed interest in lacemaking, which has grown steadily over the past few years, filet is one of the needlemade laces which has a popular appeal. The necessary materials and equipment are few, the technique is not difficult to learn and its variety of uses, from handkerchief edgings to bedspreads and from chalice veils to altar cloths, cover both secular and ecclesiastic needs. Clear instructions are given with the aid of diagrams and photographs so that the technique can be easily mastered. There are also step-by-step instructions for making the background netting which, although time-consuming, many people prefer to make themselves rather than rely on a commercially made fabric. The sections of the book include a valuable and carefully researched historical background to filet lace; netting instructions, techniques, how to make a a Victorian filet lace bedspread and a final section on symbols and designs. The excellence of the illustrations of both historical and modern work, and the inclusion of specially prepared working charts together with a full bibliography, suppliers list and index make this an indispensable book for everyone who is interested in this type of lacemaking.