Merletto

I have been investigating Italian lace or merletto after finding these 2 lovely vintage pieces in the flea market in Sorrento. The one on the left is from Burano and we will visit the island when we stay in Venice. The piece of the right is more than 60 years old, at least, according to the stall owner but she wasn't sure of it's origin. It is a long piece and the design you see is repeated down the length. Both are cotton.

In Locorotondo we found a lace shop, thanks to the blog of Canadian Jeanine who alerted me to
 Il Tempo Ritrovato. The shop is packed full of wonderful examples of Margherita stitch crochet, specific to Locorotondo.

 This is filet worked on a base fabric of square net and was next door in the small, packed, one room museum Signora Spalluto keeps next to the shop. It was a special experience to be surrounded by fine quality work in such a variety of techniques.

I think I am missing my sewing machine!

Beautiful clothing accessories for sale too.