This style of lace (Tambour lace) is embroidered by machine, but originally it used to be done by hand on a frame called a Tambour, hence it’s name. It’s a different process to modern woven lace, and intricate designs like this one above are rare. I use all kinds of lace to make my vintage inspired wedding dresses. Clients try on the dress at my studio and then choose lace from samples. I have many vintage original wedding dresses too of course.
This wonderful lace gives my made to order 30s lace dresses – Angel, (shown above in another very similar embroidered lace) Violette and Butterfly, a feel of real authenticity and age.
The lace is copied from a piece of lace I found, as it had a label attached, I was able to track the manufacturer. It was no longer in production but they agreed to remake it for me. I can make these lovely dresses in many styles of lace but this is one of my favourites. I am currently developing these designs and a new dress 1930s style lace dress ready for next year’s brides !