Frequently Asked Questions on Demonstrations

Additional questions can be sent to our Member At Large

1.  I have been asked to demonstrate - who do I contact at NELG?

Our Member-at-Large generally coordinates our demonstrations, and also maintains a master calendar so that everyone is aware of what events are going on.  Of course, many members take it upon themselves to organize an event or are invited through a contact they have made.  Please let the Member-at-Large know so that our records are up to date, and we can then invite other lace makers to participate, when appropriate.  Our Member-at-Large will do whatever she can to make it easy for you to demonstrate.

2.  What should I bring?  Use this handy checklist.

The answer to this question is varied.  It would depend on the event and the sponsoring organization. 

Lace Items  - Generally you would need to bring anything lace: your usual lace making supplies, a small selection of lace books, as well as a table for your lace pillow and possibly a chair.   If you demonstrate alone, then some type of locked case to keep your lace safe if you need to get up and move around. You may also choose to bring some pieces of finished lace, or your sample portfolio (if you have one), pillows, bobbin selection, etc.  It is best to obtain some information from the organizers about what they expect, and how much space they will have available. 

Personal Items  Remember that you need to be comfortable.  Layers of clothing is a good idea if you are outside, along with sun screen, a hat, gloves.  Bring lunch, drinks and snacks as you feel necessary.  You may find that bringing a damp cloth to wash and refresh is a great help.  Remember your hands may be photographed - check on your manicure!

3.  Should I let people touch my lace?

That's clearly up to the lace maker.  We suggest that you be prepared for those who are interested to give it a try and have an extra tatting shuttle (already filled with thread) or a "try it" lace pillow that the attendees can actually make a few cross/twists on - like the snake.  It is a fun pattern, generally in color and allows you to give a real experience to those that are interested.

You may consider having a small sign "Please do not touch" to indicate what items they can touch. 

If you are working on a complicated pattern, it may be best to leave it at home as you won't really have lots of time or concentration to work on that project.  You might want to bring it along to "show". 

4.  How do our volunteer demonstration hours help?

First of all, demonstrating is so important to the publicity of lace in general. As for NELG, demonstrating speaks directly to why we are organized in the promoting and preserving lace. It allows for our organization to grow.  The public generally hasn't seen bobbin lace being made and are often not aware of how lace was originally made.  As a charter chapter of IOLI, we report our hours to them for their annual reporting statements.

5.  Does NELG have any resources that I can use?

We have our NELG Business Cards which you are encouraged to can print out. Remember to encourage the event attendees to visit our website and our Facebook page. NELG also has a banner that can be used at demonstrations. Please contact the Member-at-Large if you wish to borrow it for an event.

6.  Does NELG have props, samples, that can be borrowed for the event?

Yes, we have a vinyl banner that can be borrowed from the Member-at-Large.  It is 60" wide by 18" high and has grommets at the top so it may be tied to the top of a booth.  It can also be attached to the front of a table using sticky backed Velcro, if there is no booth.  The NELG library also has pillows and bobbins that you can borrow to set up a "try it" pillow at demonstrations.  There are also some lace sample books in the Library - please check with the Librarian for more information.

7.  How do I report my volunteer hours?

You can report your hours on our Volunteer hours page or you can send all the information that is requested on the volunteer hours page to the Member At Large.  Either way, your hours will be added to the database and if you have email, you will receive a confirmation email that your hours have been submitted.

8.  People ask about teachers, does NELG have a list?

NELG does not have a list of teachers, but anyone who is interested in learning more should email nelginfo@gmail.com.

9.  How do I contact other lace makers attending this event in order to car pool?

Contact the Member-at-Large to find out who else is attending the event.