IOLI has 2 lace study boxes, with examples of various types of lace. These boxes can be checked out and examined by the local groups for a period of time and sent back. There are some shipping and insurance fees associated with this process.
I was at the conference this week and there was a "table talk" about the lace study boxes, with some more info about them. You can ask to be sent them for a specified time period. I was wondering if people would like to have a look at these at the retreat next year? If y'all have done this before, maybe it won't be that much of a lure. But I'm willing to manage getting the bobbin lace box (at least) if there are others who would enjoy it as well.
Bobbin lace box: 134 pieces of lace in various techniques; 3 magnifiers; white gloves for handling, some books.
Knitted lace box: 9 lace doilies and mats; some books.
We can maybe discuss it at an upcoming meeting. Plenty of time to think about it.