Monica Knits

Antique Lace CollarI mentioned that I am fortunate to have some examples of antique laces that were crocheted by my husband's grandmother, Hazel. This collar and the other 3 lace examples presented here are made with an extremely fine thread and equally fine crochet needle, and show superb workmanship. Machine-made laces look crude in comparison. These laces were sewn to the garments and when the garments were replaced, the lace was removed and sewn to the newest garment.

Antique Lace Collar DetailCloseup showing collar stitch detail. Hazel loved needlework and aspired to be a seamstress, but her family moved to the prairies to homestead. It wasn't until her five children had grown, had families of their own, and she moved from the farm that she could return to her needlework passion. In her golden years, she crocheted afghans for all the grandchildren, and completed numerous crewel, cross stitch and other beautiful, embroidered needlework.

Antique LacesThese three examples are edgings long enough to embellish a very generous hem. Again, they are crocheted with extremely fine cotton, and the third one is a very delicate lilac color.

Closeups of the three antique laces:
Detail #1 Detail #2 Detail #3

Click here to transfer to the Raglan Sleeve Crocheted Top article, to read more about my mother-in-law and her mother's vintage lace work.