Embroidered With White: the 18th century fashion for Dresden lace and other whiteworked accessories

• by Heather Toomer
• 180 pages
• 20 patterns
• Over 300 illustrations in colour and black and white
• Paperback
• 8¼in x 8¼in (21cm x 21cm)

The sheer beauty of Dresden lace, the virtuosity of its stitching and intricacy of its design have always found it a place in books on lace and embroideries, but little has been written on how this lace, or embroidery as it should more properly be called, fitted into the general fashion scene in the 18th century. This fully illustrated book places Dresden lace in context, examining how it was used, how it related to other whitework embroideries of the period and how designs and stitches changed from about 1710 to 1800.

Kerchiefs, aprons, sleeve ruffles and waistcoats are included, together with a sprinkling of allied articles, such as bags, pockets and stomachers. Photographs show a wide range of original items including details of the embroidery stitches, together with portraits and costume illustrations.

Measurements and patterns are provided for those involved in accurate reproductions for stage, screen etc. Tips are given on washing and conservation. There is also information on where original items may be studied in public collections.

This book will be of interest to anyone concerned with the care and cataloguing of a costume or embroidery collection, embroiderers and other designers seeking inspiration, fans of lace, costume and general social historians and anyone with a love of fine craftsmanship.

Heather Toomer is a freelance lecturer, author and consultant on antique lace and whitework embroideries, being particularly concerned with their identification, their use in costume and the history of their craft industries. Heather has worked with several museums over her 45 year career, advising and assisting with collections and displays, including a review of the hand-made lace collection in the Nottingham Museum. This review helped the lace collection as a whole, including its collection of machine laces, designated as a collection of national importance.