Finding Inspiration in Scotland: From Manhole Covers to Historic Lace
Scotland was absolutely amazing! My family and I spent our time exploring castles, palaces, hiking trails, and taking in the history and beauty of this incredible country. Whether it was grand architecture or something as simple as a manhole cover, inspiration seemed to be everywhere.
Geometric Designs in Unexpected Places
While the peaceful landscapes were lovely, what really caught my eye were the square manhole covers scattered throughout the cities. I’ve always had a love for geometric designs, and these covers felt like hidden treasures! Each one had a unique pattern, and soon it became almost like a game for me—spotting a new design around every corner. It was a simple joy, but moments like that can be so inspiring.
A Portrait from 1617: Lace and History
One of my favorite moments was seeing a portrait of Anne of Denmark from 1617 in the Edinburgh Castle. The lace on her collar and cuffs instantly drew me in—it was so intricately painted and seemed to play a huge role in the portrait. I believe the lace resembles Reticella style lace, an early form of needle lace, and now I’m itching to try it out for myself! There’s something so fascinating about the way lace has been used throughout history, and this portrait was a reminder of how timeless and beautiful the art form really is.
Connecting with a Lace Friend
The trip wasn’t just about sightseeing, though. I also had the chance to meet up with Alex from The Adventurous Lacemakers, a talented lacemaker with a wonderfully free approach to her work. Seeing her creations is inspiring—she’s not tied down to patterns or rigid plans like I tend to be. It made me realize how much I’d love to embrace that freedom in my own lace-making. I tend to be very structured in my approach, needing a well-tested pattern and plan, but maybe I can step outside of my own restrictions sometimes.
Want to See More?
Scotland was a trip full of inspiration and joy, and I can’t wait to see how these experiences shape my future lace projects. If you’d like to follow along or see more of my adventures, make sure to check out my Instagram (@BobbinLaceNet) or TikTok (@CajahYupMe) for more behind-the-scenes content and updates!