Lacis


Lacis is arguably the world's oldest lace-making technique; examples have been found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians. In SCA's time period, lacis has been found dating to the earliest years of the 14th century. Certainly it survived through the 15th century and beyond, even enjoying a resurgance of popularity in the 19th century.

In the years the SCA concerns itself with, lacis was very popular, to judge by the number of pattern books available, and was used in a variety of ways. Snoods, or hairnets, were probably the most visible. Plain and embroidered hairnets were de rigeur for women for several centuries. The excavation at the Perth Parliament House, in 1977, found a hairnet that had been embroidered with stylized birds.





Lacis' strength and resilience, compared to bobbin or needle-made laces, make lacis a popular choice to decorate furnishings. Cushions, tablecloths, and ecclesiastical linens have been preserved, complete with surprisingly intricate lacis decorations. Outside of priestly vestments, however, lacis was not as popular for clothing decoration. Certainly many lacis partlets are depicted in period portraits. some portraits show a bodice or chemise with lacis edgings. But the more delicate needle-made laces are more commonly found.


The Tools
Mondano
Stretching
Darning
Patterns
Advanced Techniques


[The information and images on this website are Copyright of Lady Cecilia Bartoletti (June). You may make a copy and use any information contained herein for personal use only, or for SCA documentation purposes. Unauthorised publication is not permitted.]

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