Mission impossible: Melbourne in a day ('Lace in Fashion' exhibition)

Lace bobbins, almost as beautiful as the lace they make.

Is it wrong to imagine Chantilly lace as a tattoo?

My favourite dress in the show was this Pierre Balmain chemical cotton lace dress, c1966. Worn by Lady Carmen Carnegie (1938-2008) it was purchased from Melbourne fashion boutique Le Louvre.

I normally balk at Edwardian blouses - that bulky overweight turkey bodice look has always been a bit of a turn off for me but when I saw the details on the garment above I thought I might have to reassess. I particular like the loose tiered sleeve so I've pasted the picture here to inspire some future creation (probably another Frankenstein sewing creation which will hide in the pile of unfinished things). PS Please suggest better terminology for this type of sleeve!

And below, the hand that creeps...

It blows my mind that you can make something as beautiful as lace by hand. I tried it once at a country fair where a group of lace makers were doing a demo. The kind lady lace maker told me I was "a natural". Considering I'd only twisted a few of few of the bobbins I assumed she was either desperate for new recruits or just very sweet (probably both). Anyway I hope one day I'll have time to give it another go... I just hope there are people still in the 'Craft!

Lace in Fashion
NGV
Fashion & Textiles Galleries
Curators: Roger Leong, Paola Di Trocchio
23 July 2010 - 23 Jan 2011

Are you a lace-maker? Ever twisted the bobbins? Collect lace bobbins? I'd love to hear about how you got started and anything else you care to share...