Techniques

These are all the textile techniques that I have used so far in my projects. Some of them I use specifically for the production of lace. But these are only a part of the many techniques I love to use and study.

The handicraft work plays an important role for me, yet I also like to use industrial machines. Through my studies, I am familiar with the “big” industrial machines. Privately, however, I prefer to use my hand-knitting machine or my 100-year-old sewing machine.
I also often work with digital tools. This includes various programs for digital print design, 3D simulations, and pattern design, but also the organization of my projects.

Of course, it is not the rule that all processing steps of a garment are done by one person – not even in a historical context. Rather, one person specialized in one technique and invested a lot of time in individual works like a lace collar. In this way, masterpieces of craftsmanship were created.
But in everyday life, it was quite common to master the most common handicraft techniques. Be it to be able to produce simple products or to produce the most elaborate works. One aspect of this was certainly that it was cheaper to do one or the other job oneself instead of commissioning a nightdress, for example. But even repairs that were much more common could be done better with knowledge of the technique.

Some techniques, such as shuttle lace, are also pleasant pastimes. Then, as now, you can talk to each other or watch a movie on the side (that’s more true of today). I almost always have one of my projects with me and like to bridge times on buses and trains that way. And when I meet like-minded people, we also like to work together on our projects and exchange ideas.

I look forward to sharing my experiences, getting involved with new ideas, and the combination of historical and modern techniques. I will do this here in posts, but also in videos I post on my YouTube channel.