Handmade vs. “Just Passing”: the Story of my Lace Souvenirs

The crochet my parents got for me in Dubrovnik, Croatia.  It features Fillet crochet
and pineapple motifs.

The other pieces I acquired was in Florence, on the island of Burano, which is known for it’s colored houses, and it’s lace.  I fell completely in love with Florence, and especially Burano.

Shopping for lace in Burano was an interesting experience.  The shops we went into on the main drag were – frustrating for me.  I was told as I walked in that all lace was “handmade.”  I found this a frustrating experience, because I can te

ll the difference between handworked and machine (at least when it came to this example of embroidery).  I’m afraid I got a very angry look on my face and dragged my brother, who was with me, out of the store.

He then very patiently listened as I ranted for about 10 minutes, and cooled off.  After that we were much more selective in the stores we went into, until I found one that was authentic.

It was worth it to wait.  I got to meet the owner, who spoke maybe 10 words of English.  I spoke about 5 words of Italian, and enough Spanish (which linguistically, is similar enough that I could limp along) to make my interests known.  Once I pulled out the knitting, she understood that I knew about the work that went into the lace, and she started pulling out the “good stuff.”

The lace was full of traditional motifs and beautiful embroidery and work.  I ended up getting 3 different sized doilies, and I couldn’t be happier.

For me, it was important to know that the crafts and the lace were the real thing – because I hate when something that isn’t handworked is “passed.”  In an age where most people are unfamiliar with the traditional crafts, it’s important to me that people’s hard work be appreciated for what it is.