Historical information

This length of machine embroidered insertion was most likely intended to be sewn into children’s wear, women’s undergarments and nightgowns or as an embellishment for bed linen. Fagoting is a stitch used to join two hemmed edges together or an embroidery done by pulling out horizontal threads and using the vertical stitches to decorate the gap. This fagoting is quite dainty and the satin stitch four leaved flowers add further decoration. This would have been created on an embroidery machine most likely in the early 19th century. The first known use of the word ‘fagoting’ was in 1868 and relates to small sticks of firewood tied into bundles.

Significance

The Amess family owned Churchill Island from 1872 to 1929. This lace collection was owned and contributed to by four generations of Amess women.

Physical description

Length of machine embroidered lace trim, with thick bands of plain white material and small insert of white lace.