History:
In addition to more utilitarian fiber crafts, like weaving and sewing, decorative handiwork such as needlepoint and lacemaking were also popular among women in Appalachia. This piece of filet lace was created using techniques developed from the making of fishing nets. A loosely woven grid of cotton thread creates a backdrop for designs or can be manipulated to create intricate patterns. In a region where imported or silk lace was inaccessible, techniques such as this enabled women to create a similar product with the resources available to them. This textile was originally owned by Aunt Arie Carpenter, who gave it to the Foxfire students.
Description:
A filet lace textile made from cotton threads. The lace has embellished edges with alternating large and small scallops and diamonds. The edge detail is done with a linen stitch. The outside border of textile is wide and patterned with cherries, also done in a linen stitch, large flowers and vines at the corners, also in linen stitch, and smaller flowers scattered on a net background, done with a darning stitch. The center of the textile is comprised of rectangles, each of which is bordered by flowers. The center has three diamonds, each made up of the small squares with flowers inside. The diamonds are bordered by small flowers made from darning stitches, arranged in a zigzag pattern that follows the edges of the diamonds.
- Category: Textiles
- Accession Number: FIC_025
- Date: ca. 1920-1960
- Origin: Macon County, North Carolina
- Associated Person(s): Arie Carpenter
- Type: other
- Material: Cotton
- Dimensions: W: 62", L: 81.5"
- References:
