French la Vie

Every now and then, we stumble upon something — a book, a photograph, a quiet conversation, on Instagram — and it opens a door that invites you, where take a sit admiringly.

Lace is something I come across all the time at the antique market — tattered pieces, fine fragments, yards of it wound around old spools, hidden in the bottom of boxes. Hints of wedding and christening dresses; others are humble, meant to line a hem or trim a curtain. Each piece feels like a bit of poetry.

And while looking up lace — as one does, in a moment of curiosity — I happened upon Veronica Tucker, a pattern maker I hadn’t known of before. Her Instagram is a treasure chest of beauty and craftsmanship. She recently shared a post about lace, going into the types, the textures, a bit of history-  But it didn’t stop there — she spoke of darts and buttonholes, stitches and pleats, silhouettes and fabrics. Her knowledge, paired with her aesthetic, was a cornucopia — truly — of thoughtful detail and design.

If you like to sew follow this link (tap here) for Veronica Tucker’s patterns.

I don’t know Veronica Tucker, though she has my admiration. All the photos here belong to her, and I hope you’ll take the time to look at her work. 

I haven’t sewn in years. I started sewing when I was about eight — thanks to 4H and my teacher, Mrs. Lanzi. She was strict, precise, a stickler for detail — the kind of teacher who made you earn that blue ribbon. And we did. She taught us how to lay a pattern, pin it properly, make even stitches, how to tear it out and try again. I feel that knowledge tucked inside me, like a well-folded piece of cloth waiting in a drawer.

Seeing Veronica Tucker’s patterns… well, I might just pick up a needle again. The way she designs makes me want to sew.

What have you stumbled upon lately — online or off — that opened a door for you?

To read more about textiles, patterns, and see Veronica’s creations follow her on Instagram tap here.