Promoting the making, collecting and studying of all handmade lace throughout the New England area

Beginner Bobbin Lace Workshop

Sundays October 26 & November 2

10am - 4:30pm w/lunch break

$350*

at The Chest Collective, 

86 Joy Street, Somerville, MA

Join Judy and Mary–two local, passionate, and experienced teachers– for an intimate and intensive beginner class series in making bobbin lace. 

Using a 12-hour curriculum developed by members of the International Organization of Lace you’ll learn the foundational stitches of bobbin lace and the crucial tools and techniques required to get you going on your lacemaking journey.

• You’ll explore: a stitch sampler, bracelet, bookmark, and other small beginner skills.
• Includes: bobbins, pins, thread, patterns, curriculum, snacks, and social connection with other creatives embarking on a niche new craft. Loaner bobbin lace pillows available, or bring your own. (We’ll encourage everyone to use the same thread for alignment with the lessons.)
  
• Class limit: 8 beginning lacemakers

You’ll also have free access to “office hours” with Mary at The Chest Collective’s drop-in fiber arts social sessions on Monday 10/27 and 11/2, 6:30-9PM. During office hours, you can work on your class pieces or ask other questions about lace/lacemaking and connect with other makers. 

*$8.83 goes for the International Organization for Lace curriculum. We order and print/prepare your copy and it’s yours to keep! 

Visit Beginner Bobbin Lace Workshop [10/26/25] for additional information and to register.

Your instructors

Judy Jeon-Chapman: Intrigued by the historical importance of bobbin lace in Le Puy-en-Velay, France, while conducting sabbatical research in that city, Judy decided to take bobbin lace lessons at the famous Centre d’Enseignement de la dentelle aux fuseaux [Center of Teaching Bobbin Lace] of that city. The predominant style of lace there is Cluny lace, the type of lace that Judy practices the most, but she has also studied other types of lace such as Bedfordshire, Milanese, and Binche.  

Mary Mangan: Drawn to lace as a Revolutionary War reenactor, Mary wanted to complete her wardrobe with period lace trims. She is now an enthusiastic lacemaker of Ipswich lace, the only American lace of that period. In addition, she explores many other lace styles for both historic reproductions and modern artwork lace pieces like Milanese as well.