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Sunday 11 August 2013

Sunday Rest. Word Not To Use Today: guipure.

Guipure might sound like a nasty tropical disease, but it's actually much lovelier than you'd think:
 
File:PSM V08 D543 Honiton guipure.jpg
Honiton guipure lace.
 
Yes, guipure is a sort of lace. And what makes it guipure?
 
Well, as you know, lace is traditionally connected with brides; but guipure is connected by brides.
 
No, really. You can see the brides in the picture. They're the little loopy strings that hold the leaves and flowers together.
 
Hand-made Honiton lace takes about seven hours per inch to make.
 
Seven hours...and you end up with something that sounds like a stomach upset.
 
Sometimes there's just no justice, you know.

Sunday Rest. Word Not To Use Today: guipure. This word comes from the Old French guiper, which means to cover with cloth.








3 comments:

  1. So beautiful.
    I never knew they called the loopy string thingumajiggy's brides. Gives a lot more meaning to it doesn't it?
    I remember years ago watching my grandmother tatting with a shuttle. Sure wish I had taken the time to learn how from her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tatting...now there's an interesting word...

      Sadly there was no tatting round here in Hertfordshire, England, but my grandmother used to make straw-plait for hat-making.

      That's all long gone, too, and so I suppose it isn't surprising as the last straw hat I bought turned out to be made out of paper.

      DO NOT WEAR IN THE RAIN, it says.

      I ask you!

      Delete
    2. Ha! That just cracked me up!!

      I think we need to learn how to make real straw hats.
      That can be worn in the rain!
      Dang it all! :)

      Delete

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