New England Lace Group upcoming events

Rooted in Fiber (September 26, 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Arts Center East in Vernon, CT has a call for artists for their juried exhibit "Rooted In Fiber", which runs from September 26 through October 31, 2026. Submission deadline is September 4. Scan the QR code to access the entry form.

Finger Lakes Lace Guild Retreat & Workshops (October 01, 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

FLLG are pleased to announce their 44th Annual Ithaca Lace Day course and lecture offerings. The theme this year is “Fall for Lace.” The link to the “Finger Lakes Lace Guild” room block at the Ithaca Hotel is:

http://bookings.ihotelier.com/bookings.jsp?groupID=5161901&hotelID=95060

Featured Speaker: Sasha Baskin lecturing on "The Photographic Image in Bobbin Lace"

Workshops

Milanese Lace, Louise Colgan
Portraits in Two-Toned Tulle, Sasha Baskin
Needle Lace - Beginners & Beyond, Carolyn Wetzel
Bedfordshire, Bucks, Honiton, Lester, Contemporary, Holly Van Sciver
Withof Duchesse, Flanders, Torchon, UFO’s, Kathy Kauffmann
Introduction To Bobbin Lace, Shirley Egan

Registration forms will be emailed in mid-May.

Deerfield Fair (October 01, 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

If you're interested to see how bobbin lace is made, stop by the Deerfield Fair where someone from NELG will be demonstrating lacemaking every day of the fair.

The Big E - Salute to Westfield Day (October 01, 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The Big E - the largest fair in the Northeast!

Sign up to demonstrate at the Big E. It's a great time and fair-goers love to see how lace is made. Gates open at 8 a.m. and most exhibits and buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In return for volunteering for four (4) hours, you will receive an entrance ticket and a parking pass. Deadline for registration is August 1, 2026.

Any questions - please email our Big E coordinator at NELGBigE@gmail.com regarding setting up, arrival time, etc.

You can also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions by visiting our webpage featuring FAQ's on Demos.

Topsfield Fair (October 02, 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Topsfield Fair runs for 10 days in early October. Someone from NELG will be onsite demonstrating lacemaking on October 11 and 12 from 10am to 6pm.

The Big E - Harvest New England Day (October 02, 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The Big E - the largest fair in the Northeast!

Sign up to demonstrate at the Big E. It's a great time and fair-goers love to see how lace is made. Gates open at 8 a.m. and most exhibits and buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In return for volunteering for four (4) hours, you will receive an entrance ticket and a parking pass. Deadline for registration is August 1, 2026.

Any questions - please email our Big E coordinator at NELGBigE@gmail.com regarding setting up, arrival time, etc.

You can also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions by visiting our webpage featuring FAQ's on Demos.

CT Lace Day (October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Instead of our usual get-together, this month we will be demonstrating lacemaking at the Italian Festival in Rocky Hill, CT. If you're interested in participating in the demonstration, please register.

The Big E - Junior Achievement Day (October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The Big E - the largest fair in the Northeast!

Sign up to demonstrate at the Big E. It's a great time and fair-goers love to see how lace is made. Gates open at 8 a.m. and most exhibits and buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In return for volunteering for four (4) hours, you will receive an entrance ticket and a parking pass. Deadline for registration is August 1, 2026.

Any questions - please email our Big E coordinator at NELGBigE@gmail.com regarding setting up, arrival time, etc.

You can also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions by visiting our webpage featuring FAQ's on Demos.

Italian Festival (October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

We have been invited to participate in the 4th Annual Italian Festival being held in Rocky Hill, CT. There will be lots of food, vendors and entertainment, in addition to the Itallian cultural tent.

Volunteers get free food! If you're interested in demonstrating on one or both days, please register.

Madame Shatswell’s Tea Party (October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Members of NELG will be demonstrating lacemaking at Madame Shatswell's Tea Party, to be held at the Old Meeting House, in Ipswich, MA. Pre-registration is required to attend the tea party. Click here for more details.

The Big E - Salute to Special Olympics (Closing Day) (October 04, 2026)

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The Big E - the largest fair in the Northeast!

Sign up to demonstrate at the Big E. It's a great time and fair-goers love to see how lace is made. Gates open at 8 a.m. and most exhibits and buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In return for volunteering for four (4) hours, you will receive an entrance ticket and a parking pass. Deadline for registration is August 1, 2026.

Any questions - please email our Big E coordinator at NELGBigE@gmail.com regarding setting up, arrival time, etc.

You can also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions by visiting our webpage featuring FAQ's on Demos.

Lace Gathering (Couvige) via Zoom (October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for a time to chat, make lace together, and share ideas with fellow lacemakers. This is not a formal teaching event, nor an NELG business meeting. It’s an opportunity to see what other people are working on, share time with other lacemakers, and to give and get lacemaking inspiration.

This is a chance for everyone to get together during the week, for those who are not available on weekends, those who are not able to drive, are too far away, or just love to get together with others.

Dual cameras make it most enjoyable - one so we can see the lacemaker, and the other so we all can see your lace! But this is entirely optional. This generally requires two devices - a cell phone on a stand to show your lace, and a tablet, laptop, or desktop so we can see you. You will sign into the Zoom on both devices but will mute Zoom on your cell phone.

Members will receive the Zoom link in the announcement email. Guests are welcome to attend, but will need to email nelginfo@gmail.com to request the Zoom link.

Barnfest (October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

We have been invited to be part of Barnfest on October 10! The event is a fundraiser for non-profit "Fabric of Life".

The event opens at noon and there is a community dinner, followed by music and dancing in the barn. This is their biggest community event of the year, where they will have a variety of demonstrations, mini-workshops and raffles.

If you'd like to part of this event, please register. Please note that you will need to bring your own table and chair.

Eastern MA Sunday Lace (October 11, 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Eastern MA Sunday Lace usually takes place on the 2nd Sunday of each month at a member's home. Lunch is not provided, but people are welcome to bring their own bagged lunch.

If you are not on the regular distribution list and would like to participate, please contact Bryce Wolf at brycewolf at comcast dot net

Demonstration at Dudley Farm Museum (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

NELG has once again been invited to be one of the featured visitors at the Harvest Day event at Dudley Farm Museum in Guilford, CT.

If you are interested in being part of the demo, please register.

If you have questions, please contact the event coordinator, Mary Linden, at nelginfo@gmail.com

"Liberty & Union" - Lace demonstration (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

"Liberty and Union" celebrates the raising of the Liberty and Union Flag in Taunton, MA on October 21, 1774. This year's event, organized by Old Colony History Museum, will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 10am to 4pm.

There will demonstrators and reenactors at the event. Colonial dress is required.

If you're interested in demonstrating, please register.

NELG Monthly Meeting (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Please note the location will be the Sturbridge Federated Church (next to the Sturbridge Library). Attendees should enter by the double doors on the side of the church (on Maple Street). We will have access from 10:30 a.m., so please come early to visit with your lace making friends. Please register for this event so we know how many to expect.

After the program, please stay and make lace together. This is an opportunity to share our work in progress and to get help from others. Those who are new(er) to lacemaking and need some coaching or advice will be able to sit with a more experienced lace maker for assistance. Please note, this is not intended to be formal teaching, but a way to help less experienced lacemakers.

Program:

Determine our calendar of events for the next year
Decide on meeting activities for November (exchange motif or wrapped gift/potluck or lunch out) and December (virtual, opening of gift exchanges or maybe do exchange in February instead?). Have a "clean house swap meet". Do have any lace supplies you want to pass along, sell, or swap?
Carolyn W will teach a small needle lace project with a charm. All materials will be provided. Please bring scissors for thread and a thimble. Also bring a magnifier if you need one for size 40 Lizbeth thread.

Lost Art Lacers Lace Day (November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Teachers:

Bobbi Donnelly
Karey Solomon
Pat Morris
Barbara Saltern

Classes:

Sat 2-5pm
Sun & Mon 9-4pm

Vendors:

Holly Van Sciver
Karey Solomon
Glass Bobbins by Tom Clark
Mike’s Woodworking
E &K Lace Supplies

Costs: $40.00/Sat, $85.00/day/Sun & Mon

Additional information, as well as the registration form, is available at this link.

New England Fiber Festival (November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

We have been invited to demonstrate at the New England Fiber Festival taking place at the Mallory Building, Big E Fairgrounds, West Springfield. NELG will be located in booth 468/69 East.

Show hours are 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 3pm on Sunday.

If you are interested in demonstrating, please register by October 15 so that entry ticekts and parking passes can be mailed to you.

CT Lace Day (November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

A group of lace makers gathers in Connecticut to enjoy company and make some lace. Please bring a brown bag lunch, and our hostess will provide tea and coffee.

The meeting rotates through members' homes and generally takes place on the first Saturday of the month from 10am to 4pm.

Please contact Jill at Lacemaker@hawkins2.com to be added to the email distribution list.

Lace Gathering (Couvige) via Zoom (November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Members will receive the Zoom link in the announcement email. Guests are welcome to attend, but will need to email nelginfo@gmail.com to request the Zoom link.

2026 Fiber Art Exhibit (November 14, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Morse Institute Library hosts their annual Fiber Art Exhibit from November 14 through December 31..

The New England Lace Group will have displays highlighting the wide variety of lace that can be made by hand.

Eastern MA Sunday Lace (November 15, 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Eastern MA Sunday Lace usually takes place on the 2nd Sunday of each month at a member's home. Lunch is not provided, but people are welcome to bring their own bagged lunch.

If you are not on the regular distribution list and would like to participate, please contact Bryce Wolf at brycewolf at comcast dot net

NELG Monthly Meeting (November 21, 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Program:

Will be decided at the October meeting.

CT Lace Day (December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

A group of lace makers gathers in Connecticut to enjoy company, a pot luck lunch and, of course, make some lace.

The meeting rotates through members' homes and generally takes place on the first Saturday of the month from 10am to 4pm.

This is our holiday party where we will have our usual gift exchange. If you would like to participate in the exchange, please bring an inexpensive (no more than $10), wrapped, lace-related gift.

Our hostess will provide the entree and will ask attendees to contribute side dishes, salad, dessert, etc.

Please contact Jill at Lacemaker@hawkins2.com to be added to the email distribution list.

Christmas at Smith's Castle (December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

We have been invited back to demonstrate bobbin and needle lace at the annual Christmas at Smith's Castle in North Kingstown, RI. Space is limited, so if you are interested in demonstrating, please register so we that can let the coordinators know who to expect.

Lace Gathering (Couvige) via Zoom (December 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Members will receive the Zoom link in the announcement email. Guests are welcome to attend, but will need to email nelginfo@gmail.com to request the Zoom link.

Eastern MA Sunday Lace (December 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Eastern MA Sunday Lace usually takes place on the 2nd Sunday of each month at a member's home. Lunch is not provided, but people are welcome to bring their own bagged lunch.

If you are not on the regular distribution list and would like to participate, please contact Bryce Wolf at brycewolf at comcast dot net

NELG Monthly Meeting (December 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Please check back for details

NELG Monthly Meeting (January 16, 2027)

Sat, 16 Jan 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Please check back for details

Registration opens for 2027 Retreat & Workshops (February 01, 2027)

Mon, 01 Feb 2027 05:00:00 GMT

Registration information can be found on the May 2027 calendar page

NELG Monthly Meeting (February 20, 2027)

Sat, 20 Feb 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Please check back for details

NELG Monthly Meeting (March 20, 2027)

Sat, 20 Mar 2027 15:00:00 GMT

The agenda for the meeting will be shared a few days prior to the event. Please register so that we know how many to expect.

Program:

Our program this month will be a Teneriffe Lace workshop offered by Joan Brash via Zoom. The Zoom session will begin at 12:30pm after our business meeting has concluded.

Registration is required for the workshop. Please visit Teneriffe Lace workshop to register. Attendance is limited to 10 people, so please sign up early. The cost for the workshop is being covered by NELG, but participants will need to order the “Traditional Patterns” kit either through NELG or direclty from Joan's website.

Teneriffe Lace workshop (March 20, 2027)

Sat, 20 Mar 2027 16:30:00 GMT

Joan Brash will be teaching a Teneriffe Lace workshop, which is being offered via Zoom. Students will work this beginner motif during this 2-3 hour class. Please check out this YouTube video that shows many of the designs that Joan has created and offers as kits on her website.

Please register if you are interested in attending the workshop. Attendance is limited to 10 people, and registration will close on November 21, so please sign up early. You are welcome to stay after our business meeting and watch the Zoom video from the meeting room, or you can join from home via the Zoom link. The Zoom link will only be shared with those who have registered for the workshop.

The cost for the workshop is being covered by NELG, but participants will need the “Traditional Patterns” kit. If you are attending in person in Sturbridge you can order via the registration page and the kit will be available for you on the day of the workshop. If you are attending remotely via Zoom, you will need to order the kit directly from Joan’s website and have the kit shipped to you. Please select the appropriate option from the registration form.

NELG Monthly Meeting (April 17, 2027)

Sat, 17 Apr 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Please check back for details

NELG Annual Retreat and Workshops (May 06, 2027)

Thu, 06 May 2027 20:00:00 GMT

NELG Monthly Meeting (May 08, 2027)

Sat, 08 May 2027 16:30:00 GMT

Our meeting this month will be held at the Mercy by the Sea Conference Center in Madison, CT - where our annual retreat and workshops are taking place. Registration is not required if you only want to attend the meeting.

Mercy by the Sea is located at 167 Neck Road, Madison, CT 06443.

Sol de Naranjito workshop (May 29, 2027)

Sat, 29 May 2027 04:00:00 GMT

Sol de Naranjito workshop with Milly Borrero-Fraticelli in Woodbridge CT. Details are still in negotiation. Please contact Sumiko Tray for more information at traysumiko@gmail.com.

NELG Annual Meeting (June 19, 2027)

Sat, 19 Jun 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Our meeting this month will be via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to members a few days in advance. Guests are welcome, but please register so that we can send you the link.

This will be our Annual Meeting where we will elect the President and Member at Large. The business meeting will start promptly at 11:00 a.m. If you cannot attend, please send in your proxy vote which can be found in the May issue of the NELG newsletter.

After our meeting, Karen Smock will present a needle lace button workshop via Zoom (max 15 participants). We will learn about the historical techniques used to create a stunning, dimensional 5-point needle lace star button found on surviving 19th-century garments.

Registration and purchase of kits is due before May 25, 2027. Please visit the workshop page for full details.

Victorian Women's Button workshop (June 19, 2027)

Sat, 19 Jun 2027 16:30:00 GMT

Karen Smock will be teaching a Victorian Women's Button workshop, which is being offered via Zoom. We will learn about the historical techniques used to create a stunning, dimensional 5-point needle lace star button found on surviving 19th-century garments.Students will work this button during this 1 to 2 hour class.

Please register if you are interested in attending the workshop. Attendance is limited to 15 people, and registration will close on May 25, 2027, so please sign up early.

The cost for the workshop is being covered by NELG, but participants will need to purchase kits before May 25, 2027. The cost is $15 per kit (including shipping) from Karen directly at karen.s.smock@gmail.com using PayPal. If you do not have PayPal, please contact Joan to make other arrangements (NELGPrograms@gmail.com).

NOTE: If you cannot make the workshop or it is full, you can book a private lesson with Karen here: https://www.lessonface.com/instructors/karen-smock

In the Victorian era, a truly fine garment wasn't finished with ordinary, mass-produced closures. Instead, skilled dressmakers created bespoke, hand-crafted passementerie buttons —exquisitely wrapped and embroidered to perfectly match a gown. We should continue this tradition!

2027 Annual IOLI Lace Convention (July 18, 2027)

Sun, 18 Jul 2027 04:00:00 GMT

The 2027 Annual IOLI Lace Convention will be held from Sunday, July 18 to Friday, July 23 at Mirabeau Hotel, Spokane Valley WA

Additional details will be available on the IOLI website in late 2026/early 2027.