Lace was a passion of Leopold Ikle (1838-1922), scion of a Hamburg textile dynasty who successfully produced machine-made embroidery over the course of the industrial boom in St. Gallen around 1900. He exported to England, France and the United States, among other places, at a time when St. Gallen was the market leader in the lace industry. Ikle's collection of handmade European bobbin lace and needlepoint from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century originally served as inspiration for his firm's textile designers. Through his passion for collecting, however, it quickly surpassed the practical demands of a simple pattern collection, and in 1904 he donated it to the Textile Museum St. Gallen. Historische Spitzen provides a comprehensive review as well as highlights of the lace samples in this unique collection. Text in German.

The folk artists of Italy have created some of the most beautiful crafts in the world: laces, mosaics, leatherwork, quilting, and wood inlay are among the most well-known. In this vintage book, originally published in 1977, Janet and Alex D Amato explore these traditional Italian crafts as well as others not so well known, such as tambour (a kind of crocheting worked directly into a fabric), straw marquetry (a mosaic-like craft done with tiny pieces of straw), wood carving and quillwork. They explain each craft as it was originally practiced, then adapt it to make contemporary craft pieces. The projects include an embroidered full length apron, a bobbin lace wall hanging, a straw marquetry box, jewelry, and many more. Also included are instructions for a Presepio (a traditional Italian manger scene) and a Pinocchio marionette. Italian Crafts will teach you the traditional folk arts of Italy, and will inspire you to use those folk arts in new and creative ways. There are line drawings and photographs throughout this unique book."

In her latest book, Donatella Ciotti teaches the reader how to make tatted lace, also known as "frivolite" - a durable yet delicate form of lace constructed using a series of knots and loops. Although it has been a traditional craft for centuries, Donatella's step-by-step instructions focus on more modern needle techniques, making the craft accessible to a contemporary audience. In recent years, tatted lace has come back into fashion and is now popular in high fashion design. The craft is relatively simple and easy to master following a few simple instructions. Different materials can be used, from very fine thread to cord, along with beads of different types and sizes. This book includes 22 gorgeous designs to make including bracelets, earrings, necklaces and brooches, illustrated and explained with diagrams and step-by-step photography to help you make the items exactly as shown, or use them as inspiration for your own designs. There are ideas for special occasions, such as weddings or christenings as well as table decorations, purses, mobile phone holders and much more.