Vladimir Hauser

The Liptov Bobbin Lace in Current Use Vladimir Hauser

In Slovakia, the traditional rural bobbin lace used to be made in 17 distinct lace making regions. Most professionals agree that the lace made in the rural Liptov region was technically the most challenging among them. Owing to the intricacy of the Liptov lace and its laborious character, the Liptov lace was left aside and fell into oblivion. The Liptov bobbin lace, still preserved in museum and private collections, had been used to decorate the sleeves, tablecloths, items of ceremonial use, confinement curtains, and mainly the caps. In most parts of the Liptov region, the cap lace was white, contrasting lovely with the traditional blue-and-white printed rocks or aprons. The lace was made for own use and also for sale. The Pôvabnica Turca Civic Association members have worked laces that originate in many Slovak regions. It was Alzbeta Gazdíková, professional ethnologist and our valuable member, who focused our attention to the Liptov lace. Re-discovering the Liptov lace is a praiseworthy effort of Mária ?obrdová who spent many years diligently researching and revealing forgotten secrets of the Liptov lace. She has also initiated other members into this process, letting the lace community in the mystery. Today the driving force in this process is Marta Hauserová who drafts the cap lace patterns, and her son Vladimír Hauser who makes the computer drawings. This handbook contains 78 pattern drawings including 36 patterns never published before. The authors present practical application of the Liptov bobbin lace in current use so it would not vanish again. The book is an excellent inspiration source and an essential tool to retain the skill and workmanship of our predecessors for future generations.