We are interested in visiting a lace factory or place where lace can be purchased in Venice for a reasonable price. I don't know if we want to spend time on a tour as I am not interested in seeing a glass making session.
My question is...can we just visit a lace factory/point of purchase on our own? I suspect the answer is yes...just curious...
You'll need to go to Burano . Do it yourself or take a tour aimed only at that island.
Yes -- important to distinguish between Burano and Murano.
Check out Dalla Lidia Merletti D'Arte, also at www.dallalidia.com. In addition to items for sale, this lace shop has a good, museum-like display of historical laces. Rick's Venice book suggests that casual observers can enjoy this exhibit for free instead of paying €5 for the nearby Lace Museum, and that's what my family did.
Thank you for the Dalla Lidia referral. I'm looking for a lace shop to buy a couple pieces of lace as gifts. I will contact the shop.
Does anyone know how much I should budget to buy a small (10" diameter or so) doily-size piece of handmade lace? I want Burano lace, not some Chinese knock off, for gifts.
Thanks as always.
Ignore Rick's penny pinching advice and go to the lace museum. With luck, there will be women there making lace.
Once you see the process, you will understand why a ten inch doily will cost a lot, and I would not be surprised if it cost a couple of hundred euro.
Thank you Peter. Since I knit, I understand the time involved for any handmade item. Lace is far more intreget. Now I know how much to budget. My SIL's birthday is right after we get home and I know she'd love hand made lace, heirloom for her granddaughters.
Be careful buying lace in Burano. When I first visited 30 years ago you could still see lace being made by hand and purchase it directly from those making it. Now a lot of it is factory-made and imported...just be sure to buy from a reputable place.
We bought a tablecloth and a blouse at a lovely family run shop in the center of town. Grandma was sitting in the shop sewing while we shopped. Very nice people- look around and find a shop that you are comfortable with.
