Le Pompe is an Italian bobbin lace pattern book, dated 1559. The first page is given below, with a typical pattern page. The Italian may be translated roughly as follows:
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Le Pompe, new work, in which are found varied, & diverse demonstrations, to show how to make tapes or ribbons, of gold, of silk, of thread, or of other things. Beautiful and virtuous women will be able to do every sort of work, that is, laces of diverse sorts, halters, collars, cuffs, & all those things which will please them. Work no less beautiful than useful, & necessary. And not often seen in the light. M.D.L.I.X. (The last line possibly means, not published before. The Roman numerals give the year published: 1559) |
The full book may be found online here. I've tried making the first pattern - see pattern 326.

© Jo Edkins 2018 - return to lace index