Truly Sopel’s Love Lace collection is inspired by Truly’s love affair with lace which began in 1994 when as a young teenager she befriended eighty-four year old Marianne, a local lace maker who patiently taught Truly the intricate art of creating this traditional style textile, the old fashioned way- with bobbins and threads.
Truly remembers meeting each week in the evenings where she joined a small group of local retired women who all enjoyed getting together to create their own lace.
“I was welcomed by the ladies who were very happy to teach the time intensive techniques of bobbin lace to an interested younger me. We shared project ideas and Marianne had many stories of the different lace patterns effects seen in fashion and the home over time, many of which she had made herself as a girl. The bobbin lace process was very slow, requiring much patience, after six weeks I had only made a few centimetres of lace, but it was wonderful to watch it grow and see the patterns I was creating.” says Truly
Today the laces used in Truly’s range are sheer and delicate, with soft stretch featuring openwork patterns and scalloped edging. All laces are sourced in London where they are machine knitted. Sometimes lace from an existing garment is used to create something new.
“Unfortunately I no longer have my handmade samples from the 1990’s but the process stuck with me and it’s one I certainly appreciate. Each time I work with laces today, which are mainly machine made, I think about the hours that were needed and the time spent in years past by the women making lace by hand; beautifully decorating and trimming dresses, adding frivolity to shirts and keeping traditions alive in interiors. I particularly admire original lace patterns and its variations which continue to influence modern fashions you see today.” says Truly
Truly’s popular Vava Tops and Ziggy Camisoles are designed to be styled in a mix and match fashion with the rest of the collection, or to add to your existing wardrobe. Wear as a soft layer against your skin under knitwear, team with dresses for modesty and to add a textual element to your outfit. Or simply enjoy putting on in your boudoir for a soft and sensual look and feel.
If you’ve ever been to the Truly Sopel shop in Frome then you will have noticed that there is a lot of lace around; trimming the handmade organza lampshades, edging the pretty pillows, giving necklines some flounce and fun and of course keeping those knickers extra frilly. You will often see Truly wearing a piece of lace tied up in her hair.
“Just like a bow, laces make everything better” insists Truly , adding “Lace will always be a big part of my collection, my customers love wearing it and I enjoy sewing such a pretty textile.”
Browse Love Lace online or visit Truly’s shop in Frome Somerset
