Black Valenciennes Lace Blouse with Tulle and Tucks

My room now smells like lavender, as I continue to unpack the stored pieces. I always wondered why mom measured so much when she sewed. If you have ever seen a pattern piece with all of the insert lace plotted out on the surface you would know why. In order to get the Valenciennes Lace to align, and look even, symmetrical, you have to be very patient and very careful. Having to rip out a seam on a piece of lace which is black on black with a tiny stitch wrapped around cotton tulle and lace is just not an option. 

Or maybe she was working on the tiny buttons that are covered in a double layer of crepe de chine and tulle.

Vintage Silk Nightgown with Valenciennes Lace

My mother the master of  lace inserts. This one is not as intricate as some other projects but still manages to mix three different types of lace, Valenciennes lace, a scalloped ribbon insert lace, and lace edging to finish. The body of the gown is a lightweight silk crepe de chine with a soft daisy print, there are slits on the bottom hem which are finished off with more edging lace. It is very light and begs you to curl up on a high back chair with a good book, cashmere wrap and a cup of tea... or at least to manage to get all that makeup off your face, brush and floss, and fall exhausted into bed.

The lace yoke is a good contrast for a freshly cleaned and buffed face!