Meet the British Mills Reinventing Traditional Nottingham Lace

The history of Nottingham lace is a series of inventions and creative braveries that go back to the Middle Ages. The invention of the knitting frame by William Lee of Calverton in Nottinghamshire pushed the textile industry on in the English region. Dubbed the Lace Market, a business and cultural hub developed, where mills and merchants alike came to sell their fabric wares.A man by the name of Richard Arkwright established a small cotton mill in Hockley in 1768, before another local, William Lee manufactured a loom frame for the specific purpose of making lace. Then, John Heathcote and John Levers, developed the frame further in the early 19th century. By the 1840s lace making was beginning to change from a domestic industry into an international export. Two British mills have retained the traditional methodology and delicacy of Nottingham lace, still producing the romantic fabric that finds its purpose today in luxury lingerie, women's wear and interior collections.MYB TextilesNestled within the East Ayshire valley in Scotland is textile manufacturer, MYB Textiles. Located in Newmilns, the town was founded in the 1530s by Sir Hugh Campbell, and its identity is intrinsic with the history of lace production in Great Britain. Nottingham lace, in particular, has put this part of the UK on the textiles map and MYB is the only manufacturer in the world to still produce this lace type on original looms. Some of the machines are over 90 years old and the mill uses a model of careful training and apprenticeship. This ensures that all MYB employees work with the skill of trained artisans, just like centuries-ago, to create truly one-of-a-kind fabrics. The Lydia lace is a subtle blend of cotton and polyester sold by MYB. In creamy, spacey finish this lace can be be used in bridal wear and lingerie. Meanwhile, MYB's Oat Delia lace is a stunning interweaving of natural and synthetic fibers to create a refined, sturdy fabric for curtains and interiors.LitmansBeing in Notthingham, Litmans remains of the most sought-after suppliers of Nottingham lace.  Founder, Alan Litman moved to England from Romania in the late Thirties, entering the local lace trade in Nottingham with his uncle soon after. By the mid-Forties, Litman had set up his own shop with his wife, which grew rapidly, before moving to their New Basford location in 1968 - where the firm resides today. Owners since 2008, Stuart Prime and Craig Sherwin run the business with the same passion and tenacity as Litman himself. And they offer new technologies and efficiencies within the four walls of the mill that has made Litmans advance with the changing times. This includes improving the longevity of traditionally delicate cotton lace by adding functional yarns such as spandex and viscose - in just the right amounts so not to compromise the luxury. The moss green lace in a nylon, viscose and spandex blend is a standout colorway ideal for blouses and women's shirting. In addition, check out the natural nylon lace in white with viscose and spandex components for more traditional-look fabric for luxury dresses and detailing.