Ruskin Lace and Linen Work

In 1894 John Ruskin gave his name to a form of embroidery which was practised in the Lake District and which incorporated drawn thread, cutwork and needlepoint lace. Although the production of the handspun, handwoven linen to which this embroidery was applied ceased in the late 1930s, the craft continues to be taught, using manufactured linen. Elizabeth Prickett is an acknowledged authority and teacher of Ruskin lace. She deals firstly with the numerous techniques of Ruskin lace, illustrated with working diagrams and photographs. She then goes on to provide instructions for 60 patterns and finally suggests articles to which these patterns can be applied, with methods of construction. The work should appeal to those lacemakers and embroiderers seeking a new challenge.