Rustic Mexican Lace Bobbins

Set of ten Mexican lacemaker’s bobbins. Bobbin lace-making is one of the two techniques for manipulating lengths of thread into lace (the other being needle lace). It is an incredibly intricate and laborious process, requiring an agile mind and hands. Lace became quite fashionable during the Renaissance, and lace-making really took off. Women throughout Europe took up the craft, which paid better than other home-based textile arts (like spinning, sewing, or weaving). Bobbin lace-making was taught to young women in convents, charity schools, and work-houses, allowing them some measure of financial independence. Unlike most bobbins, which are made of fruitwood turned on a lathe, these ones are hand-carved— and thus much more charming!

4.5” - 6”