Editing Lace (section)

=== Early history ===
Lace was used by clergy of the Catholic Church as part of vestments in religious ceremonies. When they first started to use lace and through the 16th century, they primarily used cutwork. Much of their lace was made of gold, silver, and silk. Wealthy people began to use such expensive lace in clothing trimmings and furnishings, such as cushion covers. In the 1300s and 1400s in the Italian states, heavy duties were imposed on lace, and strict [[sumptuary law]]s were passed.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|last=Jackson|first=Mrs. F. Nevill|title=A History of Hand-Made Lace|publisher=L. Upcott Gill|year=1900|location=London}}</ref>{{Rp|6–7}} This led to less demand for lace. In the mid-1400s some lacemakers turned to using [[flax]], which cost less, while others migrated, bringing the industry to other countries. However, lace did not come into widespread use until the 16th century in the northwestern part of the European continent.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Lace|url=http://www.lacemakerslace.oddquine.co.uk/history.html|website=www.lacemakerslace.oddquine.co.uk}}</ref> The popularity of lace increased rapidly and the cottage industry of lace making spread throughout Europe. The late 16th century marked the rapid development of lace, both needle lace and bobbin lace became dominant in both fashion as well as home décor. For enhancing the beauty of collars and cuffs, needle lace was embroidered with loops and picots.<ref name="Decoratingwithlaceoutlet.com">{{cite web|title=History of Lace &#124; Lace Trends &#124; Lace Spreads|url=http://decoratingwithlaceoutlet.com/page.asp?id=90|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308030649/http://decoratingwithlaceoutlet.com/page.asp?id=90|archive-date=8 March 2014|access-date=11 September 2012|publisher=Decoratingwithlaceoutlet.com}}</ref> Sumptuary laws in many countries had a major impact on lace wearing and production throughout its early history, though in some countries they were often ignored or worked around.<ref name=":5" />{{Rp|9–10}}