Introduction to Needle Lace
“Needle Lace” is perhaps the oldest form of lace where literally only a needle and thread were used to create stitches that would imitate lace. These laces were extremely fine and took an awful amount of time to create. History shows us examples where these types of laces originated somewhere in the region of Turkey and later were adapted to using thicker threads, cords etc to create laces. Italian “Punto in Aria” laces were another form of needle laces. “Punto in Aria” literally means stitches in air which meant that fabric or any other medium was not used to create the lace rather threads were intertwined with needles in such a manner to create laces.
My journey with machine embroidery has been to recreate the 
vintage laces and embroideries. A year ago I ventured into testing out a new type of stitch which is completely manually punched to create “Needle Lace”. Not only did I vie for extremely low stitch counts but also stability as well regardless of the type of thread used. The final result as you can see is a lace that is so extremely fine that it can be pulled through a ring! Not only is the stitch count very low but also the stitch time is extremely fast as well. A piece such as the runner on the side would take several months to create….however, on a home embroidery machine would take only two hours!
The designs I created for the first Needle Lace collection are all the basic square. My imagination had created various shapes and edges but I had to stop as the collection was getting away from me. Not only that I wanted the ability to add onto the collection as imagination would hit me. The collection is almost finished with the finer points now being applied and I hope to release it very soon now.
Posted: April 29th, 2008 under Journey, Main, machine embroidery, Digitizing, Heirlooms, Freestanding lace, ME Projects.
Comments: 9
Comments
Comment from Cathy Cattle
Time: May 1, 2008, 4:10 pm
WOW!
Nutmeg
Comment from Sadia
Time: May 6, 2008, 10:38 pm
Thanks Cathy, I appreciate it! Hugs, Sadia
Comment from Mary Margaret
Time: May 6, 2008, 11:00 pm
Hi Sadie! Simply beautiful! I can’t wait to try out this lace. I love the thought of a light lace rather than the heavier threads. I think it could make a wonderful lace tablecloth. Looks grand!
Hope all is well with you and John.
Thank you!
Comment from Joyce Steed
Time: May 7, 2008, 10:23 am
Absolutely beautiful! I have been wondering what you have been up to the last few weeks. I think this lace would be stunning on a dresser scarf for my Mom.
John was wonderful at the AEC. You have a keeper there!
Joyce in Colorado
Comment from Marilyn Z. Gatzke
Time: May 7, 2008, 12:20 pm
Hi Sadia,
What a beautiful collection. I have never seen anything so delicate and intricate. I see why it take so long to digitize. I will certainly order this one.
Marilyn
Comment from diane
Time: May 8, 2008, 2:45 pm
I love the look also, but wonder how to “combine” your designs without getting too much bulk between them. Does the set include instructions?
Comment from Sadia
Time: May 8, 2008, 6:12 pm
Thank you friends for your kind comments, I appreciate them. Mary I have a table cloth started but it might take me a bit of time to get it finished. I will certainly post pictures. Joyce, dresser scarves are a lovely idea, thanks for sharing. Yes, I have been a bit out of touch with everyone but trying hard. Marilyn, check your mail box to let me know. Diane, as the designs edges are not thick there is no thickness. Please do download a sample and join two stitched out motifs using a 2.5mm zigzag and test for yourself. Yes, all design sets come with instructions and pictures of how to create. HUGS, Sadia
Comment from Marisa
Time: May 18, 2008, 12:09 pm
Hi Sadia,
Beautiful collection!!!! It is so delicate and before buyng it I would know about the thread you used for.
Marisa from Italy
Comment from Sadia
Time: May 18, 2008, 12:15 pm
Marisa, any thread can be used, it is your choice. It is recommended to use the same color top and bottom. Samples were stitched out using polyester thread with pre-wound in the bobbin, rayon thread in both top and bottom and cotton thread in the top with pre-wound in the bottom. As each thread gives a different texture, it is up to the person to select their thread as all will work. Thanks for your comment and before purchasing do download the sample to test yourself. HUGS, Sadia
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