Lacemaking

Atlantia A&S Criteria

Category includes network or laces, needle laces such as reticella, punto in aria, rose point, gros point, bobbin lace, sprang, macrame, and woven laces. It does not include cut-and-drawn (see Counted Thread Embroidery) or tatting (not used in period; period tatting was just rings, no chains or picots). Also out of period: pointe d’angleterre, valenciennes, and lace crochet. Examples of items: ruffs, collars, cuffs, boot tops, decollates, table and bed covers, borders, samplers, hats, etc.

Information also available as PDF.

DOCUMENTATION (0-30 points. SCORE 0-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Must have at least “EZ Doc” information. More is acceptable, although one or two pages (not counting visuals and bibliography) should be more than enough. If your documentation is more than three pages for exceptionally detailed and in-depth work, you should provide an executive summary. Best sources are reprints of period lace pattern books, or existing pieces. Victorian lace history books are very unreliable. The best documentation will cover what they did in period, what the creator did in the project, and why the difference (if any). It will explain any conscious compromises made, and provide footnotes, illustrations, and references, as well as any original research or experimentation as it applies to the project. Give score based on the following considerations:

  • A minimum of: what it is, where is it from, when is it from, and references;
  • Materials used in the project;
  • Techniques and Tools used during the process;
  • Research (country, period of origin, typical characteristics, etc.);
  • Artistic design.

AUTHENTICITY (0-20 points) [SCORE 0-10 and then DOUBLE THE SCORE]:

Consider item, thread, stitches, design, tools.

  • 0: Non-period item such as modern or Victorian clothing lace; type of lace out of period; OR other clear modernity in design, color, etc.;
  • 1-2: Type of lace is period, but with obvious out-of-period elements (e.g. obviously modern design or materials, materials wrong for the design or intended use, etc.);
  • 3-4: Type of lace is period, but with obvious mixture of elements from different periods;
  • 5-6: Basically period-looking, with a few minor inconsistencies, or use of modern tools;
  • 7-8: Period piece; no minor inconsistencies, use of period tools;
  • 9-10: Special effort taken for complete authenticity (i.e. spun own silk or linen thread; carved own bobbins, made own tools, etc.).

COMPLEXITY (1-10 points):

Rank the ambition of the entry, not the workmanship, scale of 1-10 considering the following:

  • Difficulty of stitches and techniques;
  • Difficulty of pattern(s);
  • Variety of elements/patterns/stitches/techniques;
  • Difficulty of materials and tools used;
  • Scope of effort (size of piece in relation to fineness of detail).

WORKMANSHIP (3-30 points. SCORE 1-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Rank the quality of execution and success of the entry on a scale 1-10, considering the following:

  • Evenness (especially in geometric designs, repeating patterns);
  • Neatness;
  • Starts and ends;
  • Tension;
  • Uniformity (in density, stitch length, etc.);
  • Finishing of piece.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (1-10 points):

Evaluate the work as a whole, rating the complete effect and appeal beyond the mere technical proficiency. Consider how you react to the entry (intuitive response) and other items not previously addressed.