“Weaving threads of lace history”

The largest gathering of lacemakers in Ipswich for over 200 years

Gather Fiber Symposium 2025 (https://www.gatherfibersymposium.com/) is a month-long exploration of fiber and textile art in Greater Boston, highlighting the vibrancy, breadth, challenges and future of this tactile medium.

The New England Lace Group has been invited to be part of this fantastic opportunity. The Ipswich Museum, in Ipswich Massachusetts has generously agreed to host our event which will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the historic Heard House. Our event, “Weaving Threads of Lace History” will showcase Ipswich lace and will be promoted as the largest gathering of lacemakers in Ipswich for over 200 years. Anyone interested in fiber arts or learning more about the history of lacemaking in Ipswich is welcome to attend. More detailed information is available on the calendar page, where you will also find a link to register if you plan to attend.

Ipswich lace is the only known American hand-made bobbin lace to be commercially produced. Centered in the coastal town of Ipswich, MA north of Boston, a community of lacemaking arose in the 18th century. At its height, there were more than 600 lacemakers in Ipswich who made almost 42,000 yards of lace in the period 1789-1790. These laces were sold in the region from Boston to Maine. We know that many events will take place in the context of the local “Revolution 250” activities – but not everyone was at the front lines. Women carried on crucial economic activities such as textile production (including lacemaking) when importation was a serious issue.

The day will include the following:

• A display and presentation of Ipswich lace-related items from the collection of the Ipswich Museum by Curator Katherine Chaison
• A presentation by NELG member Mary Mangan of the Ipswich mobile exhibit, which was funded by a grant from the International Organization of Lace
• A display of contemporary lace made by NELG members
• On-going lace making demonstrations of bobbin lace (including Ipswich of course!), needle lace and tatting
• Opportunities for visitors to make lace on one of the “try me” pillows
• Refreshments (tea/coffee) will be available

There will be a group photograph at 2pm of all the lacemakers present, which we are hoping will be a large number! Please mark your calendars now and be part of this historic event. Guests are encouraged to arrive around 10am to have an opportunity to look around, visit with other attendees and get settled before the formal program starts at 10:30am. If you can only come for a short time, please try to be there for the afternoon group photo.

If you have a local events board or area for flyers, there is an informational flyer, a smaller handout and an image suitable for Instagram or blogs; we would appreciate your help in posting or distributing.

Questions? Please contact NELG Member at Large, Jill Hawkins, at NELGMemberAtLarge@gmail.com