I’m grateful for a simple life

Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke.
MARY SIDNEY, COUNTESS OF PEMBROKE.
Born about 1555. Died 1621. Buried at Salisbury Cathedral.

Painted probably by Marc Gheeraedts.

Aren't you happy we don't have to dress like this every morning? I do feel sloppy when I look at her — but not sloppy enough to do something about it.
The picture comes from "Chats on Old Lace and Needlework" by Emily Leigh Lowes (First Impression 1908).

Original patterns designed by vinciola.

I enjoy lacemaking — but I'm the kind of boring person who can't see the point of making things I have no use for so lace are not on top of my list for things I want to make. But it it is nice to look at the pictures when you too tired to read or do anything that requires that you use your brain.