The term “lace curtain Irish” refers to a term used in the United States to describe socioeconomic groups of Irish-Americans who are viewed as more economically successful and more socially acceptable than the typical Irish-American.
It is used to describe Irish-Americans who have benefited from better economic opportunities, higher education, and more mainstream success than those who stayed in their lower-class neighborhoods. This term was popularized during the Great Migration of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when many Irish-Americans left their homeland in search of a better life in the United States.
As they moved to more prosperous residential areas, they were able to gain access to better employment and educational opportunities, leading to more upward mobility and a greater sense of acceptance within the larger society.
While this term can be used in a positive way to describe Irish-Americans who have succeeded, it has often been used in a derogatory way, implying that Irish-Americans feel a strong sense of superiority and entitlement, or that they look down on their less well-off relatives who stayed in the impoverished homelands they came from.
Why is it called Irish lace?
Irish lace is a lace-making tradition that dates back to the sixteenth century. It gained significant popularity during the 1800s and has since become synonymous with Irish culture. The Irish lace style is distinctive, featuring intricate patterns and delicate fabrics.
The term “Irish lace” is associated with the intricate and detailed handcrafted lace produced in Ireland by Irish lacemakers. Irish lace was popularized in the 1800s when lace was a highly sought after material for delicate garments.
Wholesale trade in Irish lace took off in Dublin and Kinsale and many other towns across Ireland. Irish lace makers were especially popular by the 1890s, with their intricate designs.
Irish lace is a type of bobbin lace, in which the worker creates intricate designs using many small bobbins of thread. It is often characterized by eyelets, circles, and scrolling lines that form much larger intricate patterns.
While Irish lace has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history, lacemakers today have embraced technology to help speed up the process.
The term “Irish lace” has become an umbrella term for laces created in Ireland, including Carrickmacross lace. As a popular form of lace-making with a long history, Irish lace is a highly valued and beautiful material—which is why it is called “Irish lace”.
What does shanty mean in Irish?
Shanty is an Irish word which has a few different meanings. It is most often used to describe a type of traditional Irish folk song, usually melancholy in tone with a lyrical narrative that tells a story or imparts some knowledge.
The word shanty is also commonly used to describe an old, rundown dwelling or hut. This type of temporary shelter was often constructed by fishermen and other working-class people on the west coast of Ireland, who needed a basic living space while they worked.
In a broader sense, the term shanty can also refer to a place where people gather to drink, sing and tell stories. Often experiencing poverty and displacement, people historically gathered in these informal pubs to find solace and companionship.
The term shanty can also refer to an era in 19th century Irish history, when a period of sustained suffering and famine led to a significant emigration of Irish people. Many of the Irish immigrants settled in the Caribbean, Australia, and the United States, where shantytowns (towns where people lived in makeshift homes) sprang up.
The word shanty is often used to refer to this period of Irish history—and indeed, it has come to symbolize a great deal of the resilience and solidarity of the Irish people.
What was Ireland called before it was called Ireland?
Prior to the modern day name of Ireland, the isle was referred to by many different names, depending on the time period and region. During the Iron Age, the island was referred to as Hibernia by the Romans, with the native Gaelic population calling it Éire.
Around the 5th century AD, an invasion by the Anglo-Saxons changed the Gaelic name to Ierne, or ‘island of storms. ’ Further Ango-Norman invasions in the 12th century saw the Gaelic name once again change to “Erin”; this is similar to the early Irish name for the island and roughly translates to “land of green” or “west.
” When England began its colonization of the island in the 13th century, they used the name “Ireland” and it is still used today.
What is the most common Irish name?
The most common Irish name is Murphy. This name which originated in Ireland is now found all around the world, with many variants such as Murfey and MacMurphy, reflecting its widespread dissemination.
Variants of the name Murphy often stem from the original Gaelic name O’Murchadha. ‘Murphy’ is an anglicization of the Gaelic “Ó Murchadha” and literally means sea battle. It is a derivation of the ancient Irish first name Murchad and was first introduced to Ireland by the Vikings.
As with other common Irish surnames such as Sullivan and Kelly, Murphy is one of the 20 most frequent surnames in Ireland and is deeply associated with the Irish Diaspora. It is also the most common Irish surname in the United States, where it is estimated that 1 out of every 40 people carries the name.
Is Ireland older than England?
No, England is much older than Ireland. The earliest evidence of human activity in Ireland dates back to 10,500BC, whereas the earliest evidence of human activity in England dates back to over 700,000 years ago.
Furthermore, while Celtic tribes first arrived in Ireland in the 6th century BC, England was colonized much earlier by numerous other civilizations. The Celts passed through the English channel and moved onto the mainland and began to settle during the Iron Age in the 8th century BC.
In contrast, the Celts settled in Ireland nearly a thousand years later. Therefore, England is much older than Ireland.
Who lived in Ireland before the Celts?
The history of Ireland has its roots stretching back far into prehistory, before the Celts arrived in the country around the 6th century BC. Prior to the Celts, an estimated 30,000 years ago, Ireland was settled by hunter gatherers following the end of the last Ice Age.
Archaeological excavations reveal that these early settlers followed the coast, living by fishing, hunting, and gathering edible plants. These groups lived in small settlements, while most of their villages were located in the area we know today as the province of Ulster.
From around 4000BC, farming began to spread throughout Ireland. This farming culture, known as the Neolithic people, were well established by 2500BC and were responsible for building the iconic megalithic monuments of the country, such as Newgrange and the Hill of Tara.
This culture was likely the first group to introduce metal working to the island and likely organized themselves into small territorial units ruled by an elite warrior class.
The next major people in Irish history were the Beaker People, who arrived from mainland Europe around 1800BC. They are believed to have been influential in introducing the Irish language, and which still forms the basis of the modern Gaelic tongue today.
The Iron Age Celts arrived in Ireland in the 6th century BC and it is during this era that the country would develop in a recognizable form. This period saw the rise of the powerful Celtic clans and the iconic kings, queens and lords who would govern them.
The Celts built hilltop fortresses, erected standing stones, created hand-crafted jewelry and ornaments, and fashioned weapons and tools from iron and bronze. The modern country of Ireland owes much of its character and culture to the Iron Age Celts.
When was the name Ireland first used?
The name Ireland was first used to refer to the whole island by the early 7th century, when the High King of Ireland, Tuathal Teachtmhar, was referred to as “Rí Éireann” or “King of Ireland”, underscoring potential political unity of the island.
That name was likely chosen due to the way in which it sounds similar to “Eriu”, one of the goddesses of the Tuath Dé Danann, who is closely associated with the island. The name was used more widely by the 10th century, and was the only name used to refer to the island for the next thousand years.
How do you hang lace curtains without a rod?
One option is to use tension rods, which are held in place by tension against the sides of the window frame. This method allows you to adjust the length of the curtains according to the size of the window.
Additionally, if you want your curtains close to the window, then you can use cup hooks, as they provide secure support that won’t move nor fall. Cup hooks can be easily attached to wooden beams above the window or to the wall on both sides of the curtain, and then lace curtains can be slipped through them.
Another alternative is to attach a wooden or plastic bracket to the wall, above and to the side of the window frame. This way, the curtains will be held up like a mini “tent-pole. ” Finally, you can also use adhesive strips or hooks, which attach to the wall or window frame and can easily hold lightweight lace curtains.
What is the purpose of lace curtains?
Lace curtains are a popular window treatment option and are mainly chosen for their light and airy aesthetic. They are made from a finely woven and intricate pattern of fabric, usually lace or cotton, and allow natural light to filter through while providing privacy.
The delicacy of lace curtains adds a touch of elegance to any room and they also provide insulation to help keep a room temperature consistent. Additionally, lace curtains are often used to frame a window, adding texture and a decorative element to the space.
Lace curtains also come in a variety of colors and styles, so they are easy to customize to fit any decor.
How do you attach lace to curtains?
Attaching lace to curtains can be a simple process if you have the right materials and technique. First, you’ll need lace panels and a sewing machine. Start by measuring the window treatment and cut the lace to match those measurements.
Make sure to add an extra inch for a hem. Next, you will want to create a hem for the lace panels. To do this, secure the lace with pins and then fold the top of the panels over about a quarter inch, tucking the raw edge of the lace inside so that a neat hemline is created.
After that, sew a straight stitch along the edge of the hem to secure it. Once the hem is complete, take the two sections of lace and place them together, right-sides facing in. Secure the panels together with pins and stitch along the edges.
This will provide a secure attachment. Finally, measure the window treatments to ensure the fit is correct and sew the second pane of the panel to the top of the lace panel. With the right materials and technique, you can easily attach lace to curtains.
What is the rule of thumb for hanging curtains?
The rule of thumb for hanging curtains is to hang the curtain rod approximately 4-6 inches above the window and approximately 1-2 inches beyond the window on either side. The length of the rod should be the same width as the window or slightly wider to create an appropriate ‘frame’ for the window.
Fabric panels should hang around 1/2” to 3/4” off the floor for a tailored, finished look. This provides a light, airy feel that does not overpower the room, while still allowing for ample light to enter the space.
Additionally, for an even more finished look, panels can also hang from the ceiling and just touch the floor, giving a luxurious, high-end feel. Ultimately, the goal is to create a finished, balanced look that complements the room while adding a beautiful and functional touch to your window treatment.
Are curtains supposed to touch the floor?
No, curtains do not need to touch the floor. The length of your curtains can depend on both personal preference and the height of your window and/or room. Generally speaking, longer curtains that extend to the floor can give the illusion of a larger and taller space, and can often lend a more dramatic and sophisticated look to the room.
Conversely, curtains that do not quite reach the floor can be a more casual and utilitarian look. However you choose to hang your curtains, make sure they are even to create a balanced look.
How far off the floor should curtains be?
When hanging curtains, the height will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of the window, the desired look and the amount of space you have in the room. Generally speaking, curtains should be hung anywhere from 6 to 8 inches above the window frame, but should be no less than 2 inches.
It’s important to take into account the look of your windows and the amount of light you want coming in when deciding on the right height. Additionally, if you’re looking to use sheers or lighter curtains, you may want to mount them close to or onto the ceiling if you want greater control over the amount of light coming in.
Your home’s overall design and color scheme should also be taken into consideration when choosing the right height. Finally, if you’re hanging curtains with a rod or a pole, take into consideration any obstructions on the wall above the window, such as shelves or large pieces of artwork, before deciding on where to hang them.
How far should curtains extend past window?
Curtains should ideally extend 12-18 inches past window to help the curtains properly frame the window, as well as provide a wider frame for those folding out and around the corners of the window. This range is usually preferred, though you may get away with a slightly less or more extension.
It’s important to avoid creating a cropped or scrunched effect with curtains that are too short. If the material is particularly heavy, you may want to consider extending curtains slightly longer than 18 inches so that the curtains drape properly around the window.
Additionally, the width of your curtains may be better determined by the size of the room and the window so that the curtains are on-scale with the space. If you have a small window and a large room, consider wider curtains for a more spacious feel.
How much do curtains drop after hanging?
It depends on the type of curtains, their design and the type of rod they’re hung on, but generally curtains drop to half the length of their stated size. For example, if you buy curtains that are stated to be 90 inches long, they are likely to drop to around 45 inches after they’ve been hung.
This is because they will initially be drawn up to the secure the rod but then will relax from the pressure when released.
It’s also possible for curtains to drop even shorter than this if the rod has a decorative end which adds extra unanticipated weight to the bottom of the curtains. If this is the case, you can try a slim curtain rod with a narrower projection which will help to reduce the amount of weight and allow for a slightly longer drop.
Alternatively, you can have the curtains altered to a specific length to ensure a more accurate hang.
It’s important to keep in mind that the pattern of the curtains may also affect the length when hung. If there are pleats or trimming at the top, they’re likely to take up more fabric and the length of the drop may be slightly reduced.
Additionally, if the fabric is particularly heavy, it’s likely to be longer than if it were light or sheer fabric. With this in mind, it’s best to use the fabric measurements when deciding how much the curtains will drop after they’ve been hung.
Should curtains cover the whole wall?
The answer to this question depends on the size of the wall, the design of the curtains, and the look you want to achieve. If you want to create a dramatic look and dress up the room, you might want to cover the entire wall with curtains.
This will add texture and color to the room and draw attention to the window. However, if the wall is too large for full coverage with curtains, you might consider using a combination of curtains and wall art.
This will still create a dressy appearance, but you won’t be completely covering the wall. The choice ultimately comes down to what look you’d like to achieve and the size of the wall.
Where should curtain brackets be placed?
The general rule for installing curtain brackets is for them to be placed four to six inches above the window frame. This is to ensure that the curtains are positioned correctly and that they hang just above the top of the window.
When measuring for the curtain brackets, the rule of thumb is to measure the distance from the top of the window frame to the ceiling, then divide that number in half. This will determine the proper location to mount the brackets.
It’s also important to remember to add extra length to the curtains when you are measuring so that they extend beyond the brackets and can be adjusted properly. You will also want to make sure to drill pilot holes and use the proper size screws so that the brackets are securely mounted and can hold the weight of the curtains.