A hybrid of Teneriffe/Sol/Nanduti and Mexican drawnwork.
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Lace is one of the island's most popular purchases. The history of Saba lace goes back more than a century to Saban Gertrude Johnson, who attended a Caracas convent school where she learned the arts of drawing and tying threads to adorn fine linens. When she returned home to Saba in the 1870s, she taught lace making, and the art has endured since. |
Every weekday Saban ladies display and sell their creations at the community center in Hell's Gate. Many also sell their wares from their houses; just follow the signs. Collars, tea towels, napkins, and other small items are relatively inexpensive; larger items, such as tablecloths, can be pricey. You should know that the fabric requires some care -- it's not drip-dry. |
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This (black) picture is from Angela in UK. It was purchased in Europe
and is similar to the Saba.
It is possibly imported or there is another source of this Retecella/Teneriffe type lace. |
This similar piece was bought in the Canary Islands in 2001.
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![]() Shows some similarities
to Tenerife Lace found in the islands
off Spain.
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Books:
"The Fruit of Her Hands; Saba Lace, History and Patterns"; Eric A. Eliason; 1997; ISBN 99904-0-193-4.SOURCES: http://www.sabatourism.com/lacesamples2.html