Vintage Heirloom Technique-Lefkara Lace Embroidery

One of the vanishing Heirloom techniques today is known as the Lefkara Lace Embroidery or as referred to by the natives of Cyprus as the “Lefkaritiko” Lace. The lacy embroideries mimic cutwork, satin stitches and cross stitch combined together. It is even more interesting that these embroideries mimic Hardangersaum which is considered to be traditional Norwegian embroidery. We know it to be called as Hardanger.  Both embroideries have a striking resemblance, even to the point of using similar motifs and one color threads. It is not surprising however, that the origins of Hardangersaum came from ancient Persia. It is possible that travelers exchanged embroidered goods which were duplicated, and in time gained national recognizance.  “Lefkara Lace Crystals” is a simulation of the original Cyprus laces with a Persian twist. This is my first collection for the year 2009 in pursuance of my goal of recreating heirloom embroideries.

As is the case with all my machine embroideries, the eastern touch is added to the Lefkara Lace designs. The designs are all one color with low stitch densities allowing quick stitch outs of the designs. Almost like Lefkaritiko and Hardangersaum, portions of the Lefkara lace designs are cut away with the edges trimmed in satin stitches.

As far as the Crystal part of the name of the collection is concerned, well…bling is to be the rage in fashion for 2009.  The designs have deliberate places created for embellishing with Swaroski crystals. This is an option and does not need to be applied.  The versatility of the designs lend themselves to be used on just about any home decor or wearable.  Beige, off white, white are supposed to be heirloom colors. However, I myself love color and couldn’t just use the designs using the established colors. So for my shirt front, I decided to use a bold rust color and jazz it up with Swaroski crystals.  To see how the designs would stand up to wool or any other dense fabric other than cotton or linen, I used the designs on a purchased wool scarf and gloves, with a crystal in each of the open areas. I have to say I love the effect!

Variegated threads are another great way to create a difference in the outlook of a design. Although these designs were not specifically created for the variegated threads, I decided to give it a try. My initial reaction was that I didn’t care for the striped effect, until DH saw the designs. He reminded me of the resemblance to many of the tribal embroideries in my home country of Pakistan and I had to admit he was correct. Some years ago, when I was in Nepal, I had purchased some ready made shirts with the local embroideries which reminded me of the work from Baluchistan. Surprise, surprise….Lefkara lace crystal designs are not too far off from those embroideries. It shouldn’t really be a surprise to me as most of the vintage embroideries do look alike. Our world really is connected through threads and the more I research and try to find something that is unique, I find that somehow it is interconnected with another region.

The collection is completed and I’m just placing the final touches to my notes and samples. Hopefully next week, I will release the first collection of 2009, Lefkara Lace Crystals.