My Great-Grandmother's Lace

My family isn't much of a one for heirlooms but when I decided to get married I was informed, to my surprise, that we had a family veil! It was made by my Great-Grandmother for her wedding in the 20's and was 85 years old this year.

When I say its spectacular- I am not exaggerating. Its about 1.5m by 3m and is completely hand embroidered. Its called Carrick-ma-cross lace, which is a traditional Irish technique (she came from an Irish background) and is worked using a needle from linen. The edge is embroidered with shamrocks, thistles and roses- uniting Ireland, Scotland and England (the Scottish and English connection being my Great-Grandfathers) and took her 2 years to make!

I really wanted to document it as I had it on kind loan from my Great-Aunt and, sadly, couldn't keep it forever. I really feel that such gorgeous things should be shared as its not often that you see them. It really impresses on me the family connections and history that can be communicated through fabric- it holds so many precious memories! As well as being worn by my Great-Grandmother it was worn by Great-Aunts and cousins for their weddings and by my Great-Grandmother's sisters when they become nuns- in their weddings to Christ- crazy stuff!

Sadly I couldn't wear it- it didn't go with my dress (I was so sad about this!) but I was so honoured to see it and be part of its story. it really is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

Here are my photos:

It made some lovely shadows!