The Realization - Merletti a Venezia | Burano | www.laceinvenice.com

The Realization

The wonderful Island of Burano is known around the world for handmade Lace.

The first stages of the Progress

The Design
It begins with a drawing made on oily paper where some heavier paper (green or yellow) are placed underneath
Warping "Orditura"
The design is sewn with fabric pieces and the seams are needed as a base and attachment for the various knots of the future lace.
The stitch Guipure
Following is the first stich “Guipure” that covers most of the work.
The "Sbari" or Fingers
Secondly, there are the “Sbari” or “Fingers” that link the Guipure together

The last stages

Net
The most demanding stitch to accomplish since it is made with a thin thread. Unfortunately, on the island, only a few lace makers have been able to do it. One of these is Emma Vidal, an ultracentenary lacemaker. It takes its name from the common fishermen’s net as the node is executed the same way.
Relief and Smerli
Finally “Relief” and “Smerli” are made to give a “three-dimensional” effect to the work.
The detachment from the paper
After months of work, the precious lace is detached from the paper by cutting the warp with a small blade.
Cleaning and framing
The lace is cleaned, washed and almost exclusively framed.

A tradition that was born in the 16th century