What determines the Point Value of lace?
You may have noticed that some of our laces are marked with a "point" number. "Point" refers to the thread count, or the number of yarns per square inch. Our Nottingham Looms range from 6-12 point. The 10- and 12-point looms produce laces of finer quality and allow more intricate designs to be woven. The 6, 7, and 8-point looms weave less yarns per square inch producing softer structure and with more open spaces.
Each pattern requires months of preparation in the design department. The 22" long jacquard pattern cards are hand-punched in the original tradition of Nottingham Lace. Our looms are fitted with the hand tied pattern, consisting of 1000-4000 punched cards. The large looms are all fitted with three individual yarn sources that have to be wound prior to going on the loom. The creation of our beautiful Nottingham Lace is fascinating and is justly considered an art.
How do I know if
my lace is right side up?
From time to time, customers aren't sure which side of the lace is the right side. All Nottingham Lace has a definite "right" and "wrong" side. On the "wrong" side, you'll see closely spaced lines running parallel to each other. (Try to feel these with your fingernail). You should also notice a very flat appearance on the wrong side.
Now, turn the lace over and, if you have it on the right side, there should be no parallel lines. You'd also be able to see the up and down dimension, shading, and loft that's visible. Take the time and learn how to distinguish the difference. After all, this loft and dimension represents the quality and uniqueness of a Nottingham Lace. If you have the lace upside down, the beauty of the design can't be fully appreciated.
How do I determine
the proper fit for my tablecloth?
For a proper fit, it's important to have an accurate measurement of your table, the way you'll be using it (with or without leaves). The fabric hanging over the edge of the table is referred to as the "drop." The proper drop is determined by the style of the tablecloth:
CASUAL
LINENS SHOULD DROP 6" - 10"
PER SIDE
FORMAL LINENS SHOULD DROP 8" - 18"
PER SIDE
The longer the drop, the more luxurious the look. It's not improper for the drop to touch your chairs. In a formal setting, the chairs are placed to the table -- never tucked underneath.
With this information, use the charts provided to determine your size, then select the size that's closest to your needs. Tablecloths are made in standard sizes and, in most cases, you won't find your precise measurement. Most of our laces are designed to "frame" a variety of tables that would fall within this standard range. Lace is an excellent choice if you have an odd-sized table.
If you're looking to achieve the layered look, try to have the cloth underneath a few inches smaller than the over cloth. However, you wouldn't be incorrect to have the bottom cloth longer than the top layer. This is where your individual taste and style will come in. And, remember, you'll have china, crystal, flatware, flowers, candles, and food to put on the table! Once the table is set, the drop is no longer the focal point.
The
last factor is the shape of your table.
A round table becomes an oval when a leaf
is used, and a square will become an oblong
or rectangular shape when leaves are
used. You can always use a rectangular
cloth on an oval. However, it's not proper
to use an oval on a rectangular table.
|
1. Measure your tabletop For rectangle and oval tables, measure length and width. For round and square tables measure diameter. IMPORTANT:
2. Add doubt the length of the drop The drop of the tablecloth is the part of the tablecloth that hangs from the edge of the table. This measurement must be added to the length and the width. Add an extra 36 inches to the total table and leaf measurement to give you an 8-14" drop on all sides. |
| Minimum Drop | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Table Dimensions |
|
|
| Add 16" to each |
|
|
| Minimum Size |
|
|
| Maximum Drop | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Table Dimensions |
|
|
| Add 36" to each |
|
|
| Maximum Size |
|
|
The
example above shows you that you'll need
a tablecloth between 58"-78"
wide, and between 81"-101" long.
You'll need to find the standard size
that falls within this range. The above
would require a 70" x 90" size.
|
How do I measure for my curtains? 1. Measure from the top of the rod to the bottom of the curtain, or to where you want it to hang. 2. Measure width of rod plus both returns. |
All curtains have a standard 1 1/2" rod pocket and header unless specified differently.
Generally, sheer fabrics are 1 1/2 - 2 times wider than windows. However, most lace designs show better if they aren't as full on the window.
Special order sizes for Victorian windows can be ordered in most patterns.
For a "puddled" look, popular on extra long windows, add 6" to 12" per panel for desired effect.
