Ultra rare lace collectors item. The pattern was first published in Everylady's Journal in 1925, later in the 1928s Crochet Book No. 7.
Scarves made of linen and lace for buffets, dressers, bureaus were extremely popular at the time. This is a fine example most likely made in the USA using strong, raw ecru linen and dark ecru/caramel coloured cotton thread. The linen is overall in great condition has a few small age spots concentrated to one area of less than 10 cm at the front, the lace and tassels present excellent. Please refer to photos for details.
Measuring approximately 230 (W) x 52 (H) cm/90 x 20.5". The size of the linen centre is 172 (at the widest point) x 47 cm (68 x 18.5". Shipping with tracking and insurance.
Mary Card (1861-1940) was an Australian educator and lace designer who took crochet to another level. Starting a new career as an independent middle aged woman, she shot to stardom status first in Melbourne, then moved to London and later to New York where she worked for women's magazines and continued to publish her own, very successful charts and books. Her stunning unparalelled patterns were inspired by nature, especially by the unique Australian flora and fauna. Her work has delighted and enriched the lives of women across the world when the craft of lacemaking was very popular and is still highly regarded today with collectors and lovers of antique lace. She was a very prolific designer, so much fun to be had if you should decide start collecting her work. Mary's designs inlude numerous small doilies, placemats, clothing accessories, as well as over 40 large items such as tablecloths, chair covers, towel insets and bedspreads.
We do due diligence when deciding the authenticity of the pieces we list. Some designs commonly believed to be Mary Card's work cannot be authenticated as some magazines did not credit or name their designers. For those who wish to do their own research, we recommend the excellent books of Barbara Ballantyne on the topic.