Lace

Family relationships -> lace—making, history..

A beautiful wedding dress is back-lit by sun streaming through the window.  Threads weave over the satin in a delicate cobweb. 

Lace is an accessory not always noticed but part of many noteworthy events in life.  It can add an eye-catching detail to an otherwise unremarkable outfit.  Many different countries throughout Europe and the Middle East have had long and proud traditions of lace-making as an important, artistic part of expression in their respective cultures.  In ancient Egypt, fine linen garments were worn and provided the necessary background for openwork décor of the fabric. 

Lace-making is a time-honored tradition and a respected craft.  Lace as we know it today was not created until the late 15^th century.  This latest version is formed by looping, twisting, or braiding a thread, which can be made from different types of threads.  One must work several threads together, independently from a backing or supporting fabric, to create lace.

Garments accented with lace are silent but welcome guests at many important events in life, such as baptisms, formal dinners, and family holidays.  I complimented one of my friends on her beautiful top, which was a soft maroon velour overlaid with a rose design in black lace.  She related to me that she’s had the blouse for years, and it is a comforting favorite to her.

Lace accents are a part of many of my garments as well, and I am often guilty forgetting it is there.  This can lead to unintentional snags and rips.  This absentmindedness on my part is also undoubtedly due to the ridiculous amounts of clothing that I have. 

One Christmas with my family, I wore a gold velour camisole with lace across the top under a sweater.  As I sat quietly eating and listening, I observed how different emotions were skating under the surfaces of conversations.  My grandfather sat in his comfortable chair, smiling and speaking with whoever passed, happy to interact.  My grandmother bustled in the kitchen, once again providing my family with a warm, lovely holiday. 

My relatives all love each other, and while the holidays can be stressful, I can always see their desire to express their love and reinforce those delicate, lacey ties of family.  With neglect or absentmindedness, sometimes those ties can suffer.  But with quiet care, our family makes up a beautiful tapestry.