Lace

The love of all things lace, is centuries old. Derived from the humble origins of restitched fishing nets, lace has evolved into a textile of great elegance. Today, a renewed interest in lace finds collectors foraging though attics and flea markets alike in search of a treasure trove of airy collections. And, for those less intrigued by the hunt, new laces from tablecloths and curtains, to bed linens and trim-by-the-yard are readily available through retail stores and mail-order catalogs.

A recipe for success? Generous helpings of lace, be it old or new, provides the perfect icing on the cake!

Lace - the most wondrous of textiles, continues to tug at the heart-strings of true romantics. In grandmother's day, it was customary to garnish bedrooms and dining rooms with lace. Today, lace shows up in every room of the home. It livens up any setting because its so versatile and has no boundaries in terms of where or how it can be used. A luxurious Venetian lace cloth will turn a plain Jane dining room into a regal space, while a simple crocheted heart adds just the right sentimental note to a bookshelf or writing table.

Small pieces of lace such as handkerchiefs and doilies make lovely gifts tucked inside a book or greeting card. They can also be framed, used as small pillows or liners for baskets and serving trays. Bits of lace and lace trim-by-the-yard are ideal for personalizing accessories such as photo albums, bandboxes and lampshades.

Lace panels, old or new, make wonderful curtains for traditional French doors or more contemporary sliders. These curtains can be dressed up on top with lacy treatments such as ruffled valances or swags. They're also perfect for living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms where you want to let in lots of light and need minimum privacy.

Experiment with lace curtain panels to fashion wonderful bedchangings or a romantic shower curtain when paired with a plastic liner. And if you admire the diaphanous quality of lace but want a more tailored look, you can make a flat windowshade from lace panels and trim it with fringe.

Collectors believe you should never throw away a piece of lace, no matter how tiny or tattered. So, dream up ways to salvage and reuse the lovely pieces that you already own.

If you passion for lace has only begun, lace and crocheted-trimmed linens from the late Victorian period can be found at estate sales, flea markets and auctions. You can also find new table runners, doilies and dresser scarves to dress up a tea table, swag over windows or make into chair cushions and throw pillows. And, lace once used to trim collars and cuffs can be removed from clothing and used to embellish boxes, albums or collages. Small fragments can also decorate picture frames and mats, tie back curtains and clay flowerpots.

Remember, when reusing lace, you can always teach it new tricks. The possibilities are endless with this exquisite textile and the results are simply delicious.