Carrickmacross Lace

This lace design was inspired by Italian applique lace, brought to Ireland by Mrs. Grey Porter of Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, when she returned from her continental honeymoon in 1816. She created an individual style and established a lace-making cottage industry, founding a school of lacemakers to create gainful work for women. In this, fine examples of both varieties (Applique and Guipure) of Carrickmacross Lace are illustrated, and a practical section explains the stitches and procedures used with full-sized patterns drawn from historic examples.