Mary Card "RHODODENDRON" Crochet Lace and Linen Vintage Tablecloth Weldon's Practical Needlework New Series No. 90

Ultra rare lace collectors item. All handmade natural Irish linen and ecru lace tablecloth.  It is rather large, measuring approximately 204 x 172 cm/80 x 68" including the lace edging. The linen centre is approximately 132 x 102 cm/52 x 40".

Price includes free worldwide shipping with tracking and insurance. 

The lace is in excellent condition apart from what looks like a faint tea stain about 3 x 6 cm. The linen is strong, but has a small burn hole (pea sized) and a tiny age spot but this pattern is so rare, it is worth the trouble to darn the hole or leave it as it is if you want. The underside of the linen has a small laundry mark stitched into the corner - can be removed if necessary. Please view the photos carefully and ask any questions before buying.

Mary Card (1861-1940) was an Australian educator and lace designer who took crochet to another level. Starting a new career as an independent middle aged woman, she shot to stardom status first in Melbourne, then moved to London and later to New York where she worked for women's magazines and continued to publish her own, very successful charts and books. Her stunning unparalelled patterns were inspired by nature, especially by the unique Australian flora and fauna. Her work has delighted and enriched the lives of women across the world when the craft of lacemaking was very popular and is still highly regarded today with collectors and lovers of antique lace. She was a very prolific designer, so much fun to be had if you should decide start collecting her work. Mary's designs inlude numerous small doilies, placemats, clothing accessories, as well as over 40 large items such as tablecloths, chair covers, towel insets and bedspreads.

Some designs commonly believed to be Mary Card's work cannot be authenticated as some magazines did not credit or name their designers.