1 (Chapter 5) Why did Deirdre want to learn to make lace?
2 (Chapter 8) How much money did Miss O'Connell get for the lace skirt?
3 (Chapter 8) What is a lacemaker's lamp?
4 (Chapter 8) What pattern did Deirdre invent for Lady Rosalind' skirt?
5 (Chapter 8) How much money was this skirt sold for?
Fact File
. In various parts of Ireland charitable people set up lace-making schools and, especially near Carrickmacross in Co. Monaghan, whole families were being kept from starving by the skill of one girl in the family.
Carrickmacross lace was made by embroidering the pattern straight on to the net, whereas Limerick lace was made by stitching the pieces of fine cotton on to the net and cutting away what did not form part of the pattern. Both types of lace were very fashionable and high prices were paid. Queen Victoria, herself, ordered several outfits with Irish lace on them.
Draw...!
Draw a picture of a lace pattern.
Explore...!
See if you can get hold of some pieces of lace (from an old lace curtain, perhaps) and glue patterns on to card just the way Limerick lace was made. Look at the picture on page 95.
Imagine......!
Imagine that you meet Deirdre at the fair in Ennis. Ask her how she learnt to make lace and write down her story.
Imagine what Martin thinks about Deirdre being able to earn so much money. Write down his thoughts. Would he think it fair that he gets so little for doing the hard work of farming?
