France Craftsmanship of Alençon needle lace making

The technique of point d’Alençon is a rare technique of needle lace-making, practised in the town of Alençon in Normandy in north-west France. Alençon needle lace is unusual because of the high level of craftsmanship required and the very long time that it takes to produce (seven hours per square centimetre). The pieces of openwork textile using the technique are used for decorative purposes in civil and religious life. The piece is made up of design elements held together by a finely stitched net. Its process comprises a number of successive stages: drawing and pricking of the design on parchment, creating the outline of the design and the background netting, then the typical stitching of the patterns, shading with filling stitches, decorating with designs, and embroidering to create relief. Then the lace is removed from the parchment with a razor blade; trimmed and, finally, the filling stitches are polished with a lobster claw. Each Alençon lace-maker knows how to complete all the stages of the process - knowledge that can only be transmitted through a practical apprenticeship. To fully master Alençon needle lace-making requires seven to ten years of training. The learning method relies on a close relationship between the specialized lace-maker and the apprentice, and is exclusively based on oral transmission and practical teaching.

[@sary9842]

Hermoso! I was reading about Saint Zélie, and she brought me here.

[@emmahesse]

Magnifique !! ❤❤❤

[@witatter1]

Oh how i wish i could attend that school!! I love lace of all types but alencon is captivating.

[@hannahstering6291]

Absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing a deep look into lace making ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Bravo 👏

[@elainefeather9465]

Thank you for this lovely insight into such beautiful delicate lace, the skill and dedication required is remarkable.

[@alejandrae5605]

I hope you ladies realize that what you do is art...no different than the works of DaVinci and Goya, Rembrandt, etc! You’re unique! This video moved me to the core, maybe because I can’t even thread the needle! Your work deserves to be in a museum...bravoooo!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻♥️♥️

[@Hollis_has_questions]

I disagree that it is “no different” but it IS an art.

[@atinysoftbean1645]

Absolutely stunning work!

[@neondiosa2]

This is so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes

[@mariateresaponcesalazar7828]

Hermoso gracias y saludos desde Zumpango Edo de México bendiciones

[@janethavis3495]

Thank you for your hard work. Truly wonderful art. X

[@romystumpy1197]

Absolutely exquiste, attention to precision detail,

[@kathleenhensley5951]

magnificent! beautiful ... the skills involved are far beyond anything i am capable of.. thank you!

[@DAVOUDIANSERGIK]

Magnifique présentation de cette technique et esthétique de dentelle. Merci !

[@shirleylaporte4216]

Amazing 😮❤

[@kathysmith5411]

😍😍😍😍stunning!!!

[@monicabarria9953]

Imprecionantemente. Que ganas de tener los medios para poder viajar y aprender éste bello arte.

[@annereidy7981]

Wow, what perfect work.

[@freezing5]

So much beauty!

[@lisaolson1345]

Beautiful,thank you ladies

[@dufocar566]

Wow, quelle beauté! quelle patience, quelle persévérance, quel travail! Félicitations Mesdames pour votre savoir et votre travail👌 Je me demande toutefois si vous avez quelquefois des commandes, et si oui, quelles sont-elles?

[@jorgesantori5286]

Lindo trabalho!

[@dr.soumyasworld1177]

👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lisbethbredgaard7835]

❤️❤️❤️

[@vaishnaviumrekar1824]

I would die to learn this craft and technique. How do I contact you?

[@Hollis_has_questions]

Very tempting, but I prefer the Oya needle lace technique.

[@lisbethbredgaard7835]

❤️❤️❤️