The Carrickmacross Lace Company in Co. Monaghan, which was responsible for the delicate lace of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, say they’re ready to turn their hand to making baby clothes for the Royals.
 
An employee told the Herald, “I think anybody would be happy to oblige at this stage.”
 
The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William announced two weeks ago that they are expecting their first child after their fairytale wedding at Westminster in April 2011.
 
Her dress was made by English designer Sarah Burton of luxury fashion house Alexander McQueen. However, the stitching technique for the satin gown came from Monaghan.
 
The lace-making technique originated in Carrickmacross and was also featured on Diana, Princess of Wale’s wedding dress.
 
Carrickmacross lace was first established in the 1820s by Mrs Grey Porter, wife of the rector of Donaghmoyne, according to the County Monaghan’s tourist website.
 
The Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, which operates as a co-op, continues to produce the fine lace.
 
The company’s website says the lace was historically "made by the poor for the rich and famous."
 
The method used for stitching the delicate lace appliqué flowers on the train and bodice of the bride’s dress is named after the market town in County Monaghan where it began.
 
“Carrickmacross Lace uses a technique of needlework called ‘applique’, the lace being worked by applying fine organdie to a delicate net ground,” says the website.
 
Read more: Lace used in Kate Middleton’s wedding gown traced to Ireland