The making of lace is one of those things that almost defies belief. The eyesight, the patience and the steady hands that are required almost seem beyond the ken of mere mortals, and the results can ...

Originally developed for aristocracy, the fabric has evolved over centuries to become widely available. But not all lace is equal.

In 1907 Mrs. James W. Pinchot proposed to assemble a collection of arts and crafts for the Smithsonian Institution. To start this endeavor, Mrs. Pinchot and her collector friends loaned or donated ...