Handmade lace dates back to the 15th century, with lace makers using bobbins or needles with linen, silk, gold, and silver yarns. It was rare and expensive due to its intensive labor to make, and was considered so valuable that it was also a form of currency. Lace manufacturing was eventually transformed during the Industry Revolution, as were other industries. Stay tuned! 

 

Above: The Lace Maker (1662) by Caspar Netscher and Portrait of Jacob Olycan (1625) by Frans Hals.