My Box Runneth Over

I am so overwhelmed with today's event.  A dear friend sent me a surprise box loaded with handmade (Actually hand crocheted.) laces, thread and miscellaneous items dating from 1878 to 1930. He was unaware of my personal challenge(see my last post) of hand sewing an entire outfit.  Such a cherished synchronicity. This is where I start.  These laces are screaming out undergarments. Do you agree????  Here are the treasures:

The black taffeta and lace jacket is most surely from 1878, judging its design.  Here is a close up of the fabulous battenburg style lace.  You can see how the fabric is deteriorating around the neckline.

Can you imagine how much time has been spent to hand crochet all these lace collars, cuffs, trims and yardage?  It simply blows me away.

See the glorious gloves draped over the left side?  They are are a delicate machine knit, maybe silk.

The hands that fit in these were extremely small. I love the covered buttons on the snap closure.  The collar pictured here is quite finely detailed.

Next you can see these super starched cuffs and collars.  They feel like paper!   I can see some manufactured lace from Italy used as insertions.

All in all this is the most magnificent springboard anyone could ever desire.

Then to top it all off this itty bitty one inch photo was nestled among all these treasures:

For me she will be my muse as I continue this adventure.  I will call her Sophia Grace since there is no written name on the photo.

More about all these brimming delights REAL SOON!!!