One of my all time favorite textile stores is Lacis in Berkeley, California, and with friends coming to town for Stitches this weekend we had to do a road trip! My favorite part of the store use to be the book section. There is a huge selection of books on any and every aspect of textiles, both new and used. I could spend hours just looking through the books. Then there is the new and used (antique) tools section. They carry tools( and supplies) for every type of needlework you could imagine. And crocheters don’t need to slink in, the crochet hook section is just as large as the knitting needle section. But be forewarned, Lacis does not carry any yarn. They have a wide range of thread for lace making but no yarn. Another section of the store is devoted to vintage fashion and bridal dresses and accessories. Need a corset pattern or a class on corset making? This is the place to come. Lacis has an online catalog, too.

A few years ago the owners of Lacis established the Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles and now the museum rivals the store for my attention. The current exhibit is Knitted Lace from Estonia. Most of the pieces on display are delicate shawls that feature the nupp, a small knot of yarn that can’t be made by machine ensuring the pieces are hand made. We also got a sneek peek at the new exhibit space on the second floor that will open in March with an exhibit of Asuit Cloth. Soon to be twice as much wonderful stuff to look at!

Irish crochet bedspread, 58″ x 83″, cotton, maker unknown, date unknown, accession number TLM 1994.0433.146

A few days ago I went over to the Lace Museum to photograph an Irish Crochet Bedspread in the collection. The bedspread was being put on display as part of the Knit 1, Chain 1 exhibit featuring some truly impressive pieces of knit and crochet lace.

Take a look at this ynm weighted blanket – Gotta Sleep that is very affordable and can also help you sleep better and comfortable at night.

The bedspread uses larger thread than is typical for Irish Crochet and this large thread Irish Crochet also goes by the name of Course Crochet or Gros Crochet. Although there is no provenance for the bedspread, I would guess that it was made circa 1890 possibly in France. In addition, the knit tablecloth that I blogged about and my Irish Crochet doll dress (in slide show) are in the exhibit too. The exhibit runs through June 23, 2012. You won’t want to miss this exhibit if you are near San Jose, California.

knitted tablecloth, approx. 6 foot diameter, cotton, by Cherie Helm, USA late 1900s

The Lace Museum is one of those hidden gems that you count yourself lucky to stumble upon. I feel especially fortunate as it is located in the same city that I live in and I have gotten to know many of the people associated with the museum. The museum is small but packed full of unbelievably beautiful lace, laces that required hundreds to thousands of hours to make. Most of the laces are handmade with bobbin lace, needle lace, knitted, crocheted, and tatted laces all having small permanent displays. Rotating shows are changed 3 or 4 times a year assembled from the best of the museum archives. If you have a special type of lace that you are interested in, you can call for an appointment to view laces in the archives. The museum also offers classes.