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Arts of the Needle
Embroidery is one of the oldest applied arts in Italy, dating back
to the Etruscans. Lacemaking appeared in Venice during the Renaissance
and spread from there to many other places in the country.
In the native villages, it was common for young girls to learn these
arts of the needle, especially so that they could put together a corredo
(trousseau). Families often exchanged embroidered items adorned with
lace as gifts. And in several villages, lace also provided a significant
source of income for women, whose work was sold in Italian cities and
abroad.
Many women have continued to practise these arts in Canada for the
sheer pleasure they provide. Some of their lacework and embroidery is
shown here, including the al tombolo (bobbin lace) pieces.
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Tablecloth with bobbin lace (detail)
Made by Filomena Di Lemme, Antonietta Di Lemme and Mrs. Ramontelli
Molise region, Italy
1954
Used in Canada
Linen, cotton
Lent by Filomena Di Lemme |
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Bedspread with cross-stitch embroidery and crochet inserts (detail)
Made by Alice Molinari
Emilia-Romagna region, Italy
1920s
Used in Canada
Linen, cotton
Lent by Loraine Mazzella Maiolo |
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Tablecloth with Assisi embroidery (detail)
Made by Anna Pizzuti Ciliberto
Canada
1994-1995
Linen, cotton
Lent by Anna Pizzuti Ciliberto |
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Curtain with Italian cutwork embroidery (detail)
Made by Isa Mazzella
U.S.A.
1950s
Used in Canada
Cotton
Lent by Loraine Mazzella Maiolo |
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Cross-stitch embroidery
Made by Petronilla P. Costanza
Sicily region, Italy
1959
Linen, cotton
Lent by Petronilla P. Costanza |
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Bobbin-lace doily
Made by Zita Monti Pulcini
Canada
2003
Cotton
Lent by Zita Monti Pulcini
Zita Monti Pulcini learned how to make bobbin lace from a friend in
her hometown in the Marches region. In 1988, lacemakers from the
Marches who were visiting Montreal encouraged her to take up the art
again, almost 30 years after she had abandoned it. |
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Lacemaker's pillow
Made by Zita Monti Pulcini
Canada
c. 2000
Cotton, wood, sand, metal
Lent by Zita Monti Pulcini |
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Bobbin-lace gloves
Made by Filomena Di Lemme
Molise region, Italy
1954
Cotton
Lent by Filomena Di Lemme
Filomena Di Lemme is from the city of Isernia, in the Molise region,
which is famous for its bobbin lace. Handmade by women, the lace was
sold in Italian cities and abroad. Like most of the women in her hometown,
Mrs. Di Lemme learned her craft from her mother when she was a child.
Here in Canada, she continues to make bobbin lace as a hobby. |
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Beaded skirt
Made by Luciana Bordignon
Canada
1988
Cotton, polyester, glass beads
Lent by Luciana Bordignon
Luciana Bordignon learned the art of embroidery from her mother. Today,
she produces both traditional pieces and more contemporary works
inspired by traditional motifs, such as this skirt. |
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