Customer Reviews

The Laces of Ipswich: The Art and Economics of an Early American Industry, 1750-1840

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While researching handmade laces of the eighteenth century for a grad-school project, I came across a small reference to Ipswich laces in an article from the early part of the twentieth century. I was totally intrigued by the idea of there being a handmade lace industry in New England. I had previously believed everyone was too puritanical to make lace (in seventeenth-century Massachusetts, there was a prohibition on the wearing of laces.) Further research led me to this fascinating little book.
The author clearly has a passion for the subject, and she follows that up with some very good research on multiple aspects of the industry, the society at large, the women who made the laces, the women who wore them, as well as the identification and characteristics of the various types of laces made there. She includes primary source documents (a report on the industry in Alexander Hamilton's papers, as well as original receipts and account books) , visual sources (portraits), and lots of original artifacts ( pillows, prickings, bobbins, finished laces, and surviving garments on which they were used.)
Definitely worth reading by anyone interested in American history, textile and fashion history, and lace and lace-making enthusiasts.
Well done!

This is a wonderful book on the history of bobbin lace being made in America. It's well written with examples of the lace and even includes some patterns to try. A wonderful addition to any library on bobbin lace makers and making.