The Connin-Barber collection at Sweet Briar College includes a collar and cuffs set in the style of the late nineteenth century in a dazzling Youghal-like needle lace with startling raised work. The lace has all the hallmarks of Youghal needle lace: the whimsical somewhat stylized design; clothwork executed in a variety of fancy stitches; a dizzy array of fillling stitches; an outline of the unique pea-like shell stitch. But while Youghal needle lace is usually defined as a flat lace, this set is wildly embellished with raised work. The style and technique certainly say Irish. But where exactly might it have been stitched? |