New England Lace Group Blog & News

Piecework highlighting Rev250 events

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:13:17 GMT

Hi all--

Just to let you know that this article on the Piecework blog posted--and they asked me yesterday for permission to use the image. It had been one we offered for our article before and they said it was a good illustration of the topic, so of course I gave them permission.

Here's the other stuff which is also interesting.

https://pieceworkmagazine.com/threads-of-independence-celebrating-americas-250-years-of-needlework-traditions/

Sturbridge Monthly meeting in March: Librarian is attending

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:00:09 GMT

Hello all--

I just wanted to let you know that I intend to be in Sturbridge for the Irish lace talk. And I was going to go through our collection this week and pull other Irish lace items that we have, in keeping with St Patrick's Day celebrations of lace culture.

If there are other books you want me to bring--or you want to check back in--I'll be there. Let me know by Friday March 20 if you want me to dig through the collection though.

Mary

New Zealand lacemaker profile, Rowan Panther

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:48:19 GMT

This lacemaker was new to me--maybe other people who have been around the practice longer know of this work. But it sounds fascinating with unusual materials.

https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/the-lacemaker/

There aren't enough examples of the work in that piece, I had to look for more.

https://www.instagram.com/rowanpantherlace/

And here's the British Museum piece, you can zoom in to see the fibers in great detail.

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_2023-2001-1?selectedImageId=1613909269

Faeroe Island Sheep and Wool

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:15:10 GMT

Since many of you lace makers are also spinners and knitters, you may be interested in this video describing the history and current status of Faeroe Island yarns and designs: thewoolislands.com.

One of the things that I found fascinating was the historic practice of three people knitting the same sweater at the same time--one on the sleeves and two on the body. They didn't have circular needles but instead used 8 or more double pointed needles, so that more that one person could be knitting at the same time.

Who knew?

The Scientist Who Crocheted: George Washington Carver’s Unexpected Legacy

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:54:56 GMT

Piecework Magazine has an online article about George Washington Carver's lace crochet passion! I had no idea - Learn something new every day.

https://pieceworkmagazine.com/george-washington-carver/

Lace Lives On! Bobbin Lace in Ipswich Past and Present

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:00:49 GMT

Check out the link to read about an article on Ipswich lace that will be in the upcoming issue of Piecework magazine!

Jill

Sad news from afar

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:57:08 GMT

We heard the news today that Ulrike Voelcker's husband passed away unexpectedly in early December. Please keep Ulrike, and her friends and family in your prayers.

Jill

Fray Block

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 18:37:55 GMT

Using Fray Block to secure finishes in lace was discussed at today's meeting. Unfortunately, as Clare noted, it does appear that the product is no longer available. It would appear that private equity has struck again and has been buying up various sewing related companies and not all products are being migrated. Sad. So look for other options, but definitely not Fray Check.

Anyone up for Needlepoint or Lace BINGO?

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:13:32 GMT

I'll be playing! Didn't win last year but it was motivating!
Kelli also has a couple online classes in Feb I'm planning on taking...anyone else?

Let’s Play Bingo Again! — A Twisted Picot

Advent Calendars with free patterns

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:46:15 GMT

I know someone here told me about Jean Leader's annual advent calendar, and there have been 2 free patterns so far.

https://jeanleader.net/calendar/index.html

Someone just posted to reddit about a German one that was new to me. Today's snowflake is a nice simple one (the 8th is when I'm posting this).

http://www.kloeppeln-in-sachsen.de/

The German one threw a security message but I got the PDF and it's fine.

Edit to add: the Danish Christmas ornament free pattern:

https://birkely-kniplinger.dk/

Surgical ligaments made of bobbin lace

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:11:55 GMT

While taking the Cluny de Brioude online workshop with Josee Poupart, we learned about this is an old TV segment on the bobbin lace surgical ligaments developed at the Atelier Conservatoire National de la Dentelle du Puy. It is in French, but you can turn on the close-captions, and then in the settings, ask to auto-translate the captions to English.

Des ligaments en dentelles du Puy

Some of the members of the online workshop are trying to find out exactly what the new stitch is that was developed specifically to make this lace.

Jill

Handwork 2026

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:19:20 GMT

At the Morse Institute demo yesterday, someone who was part of the Gather events came by. She asked if I knew about this Handwork thing. She said it was a bit like Gather and a lot of the same folks are involved. But this is national.

She said that if you have a group with events you can publicize them on their calendar, like the Gather system. But it requires a vetting interview of some sort before you can access their calendar.

Not just for NELG--all our other orgs that we are with might be interested in this. Weavers, embroiderers, etc.

https://www.handwork2026.org/

But everything I know about it I read from their site, so I don't have any other insights on it yet.

ISO Brok 24

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:25:17 GMT

If anyone happens to have some Brok cotton thread size 24/3 they can spare, I'd appreciate getting a sample of it so I can figure out a substitution now that it's been discontinued.

Thanks! Carolyn

Charming video tour of a lace exhibit at an Austrian monastery 2024

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 04:24:48 GMT

An Afternoon Surrounded by Lace by Auris Lothol

WSJ article about lace. Really: Travis Kelce in lace is a thing.

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:34:05 GMT

This is supposed to be a gift link, but I'm not sure it's working. My first attempt at a WSJ gift link.

What do Royalty, Madonna, and Travis Kelce Have in Common? A Love of Fashion's Most Dramatic Fabric

https://www.wsj.com/style/fashion/what-do-royalty-madonna-and-travis-kelce-have-in-common-a-love-of-fashions-most-dramatic-fabric-0b29a85e?st=iUPmxF&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

America's Tapestry

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:16:42 GMT

As part of the celebrations taking place for Revolution 250, there is a wonderful embroidery project involving the original 13 states, called "America's Tapestry". Check out all the details here.

On Sunday, September 21 the work will be on display at the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, CT. Maybe it will be visiting a location near you?

Utah fair display

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:42:15 GMT

That piece of giant tatting cracked me up. The video has no lace in it, just the story and photos below.

The Utah State Fair proves that quilting, knitting, tatting, and other fiber arts aren’t just for grannies

Not a fan of the title though.

Lace Embrace 30th anniversary Tee Shirt Order

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:30:53 GMT

I don't know if anyone else has ever been to the Oklahoma lacers annual OCT Lace Embrace events or is looking for a new commemorative "lace" Tee shirt they are taking orders now from here: Triple P Solutions | Promotional Products & Apparel | Bartlesville, OK - Showrooms

August 30 is the order deadline.

If anyone is interested in shared shipping - let me know! I'll be ordering 8/4.

RISD exhibit on the pineapple fiber garments

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:53:09 GMT

Someone just mentioned this on Instagram, and I had forgotten about it.

I would like to go in August before it closes on the 24th.

From Pineapple to Pañuelo

Philippine Textiles

If anyone wants to plan a day to go after the IOLI convention, let me know. I'll be going from the Boston area.

Most unusual ad hoc pillow award goes to....

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:14:31 GMT

You have to see this pillow.

https://chaos.social/@glowl/114852290226261625

OIDFA Congress fundraising

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:51:07 GMT

OIDFA-USA is fundraising to help defray the cost of the congress in Bulgaria. We are selling luggage tags. Please find more information and the form at OIDFA-USA.org. Thanks!

Sumiko Tray

New book on tallies

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 22:32:49 GMT

Josee Poupart's tallies session described a great book on tallies--a wide variety of them, really fascinating strategies.

It is in French, but she said the Google translate was great. Diagrams looked really effective.

I will probably buy one for the library and maybe one for myself. If anyone else is interested we can bundle them for shipping to the US perhaps?

https://dentellieresdusudouest.com/tarifs-des-publications/

It is "TOUS LES POINTS D’ESPRIT… PLUS D’AUTRES ENCORE NOUVEAU 30 €"

I won't get to it right away--not urgent. Tell me by July 1 if you want to have your own. It's also challenging sometimes to do EU orders because they don't take the regular credit card or Paypal things. I might also need some help in French from some of you--we'll see.

International lace day link

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 10:45:53 GMT

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb7_f01YukS_HBjxBg44PQwtT0mBOdPsid7zCpUXhv-fYc1Q/viewform

Seventeenth century lace: talk, good references

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:25:20 GMT

Interesting lace history presentation.

Seventeenth century lace: "a pretty toy now greatly in request": a talk given to the West of England Costume Society at Bath, 22 nd March 2025

By Pat Poppy

Vintage Fabric Shop (Sturbridge) Find

Sun, 18 May 2025 19:51:59 GMT

I found this nice black bobbin lace piece in addition to 14 wide men's ties to make a jeans skirt for my daughter. Now I need to find a nice white shirt worthy of it!

Bobbin lace on the "Red List"

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:05:46 GMT

A nice article about the inclusion of lace on the endangered species list for crafts, apparently.

A Fragile Thread: Why Bobbin Lacemaking Must Not Be Lost

Name tags?

Thu, 08 May 2025 11:37:10 GMT

I'm considering ordering a name tag with my name and "New England Lace Group" on it to wear for demonstrations. There are quite a few options on Etsy, including a wooden one, and the choice of magnets or pins. Thoughts?

Molly's latest Tatting w/Yarn book is available on Handy Hands

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:11:13 GMT

https://hhtatting.com/product/beach-tatting-yoshikawa-t611/

I'm pleased with how it printed out!

I wouldn't say all the patterns are intermediate maybe a couple :-)

Sad news

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:26:50 GMT

It is with a heavy heart that I have to let you know that former NELG member, Susan Scionti, passed away yesterday. For many years, Susan was a regular at CT lace days.

Our thoughts are with her daughter, Michelle, at this difficult time.

Jill

Red roller pillow from retreat silent auction

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:48:14 GMT

I was fortunate to win the red roller pillow at the silent auction. I'm trying to find out if anyone knows the provenance of this pillow. It has an engraved tag in the well of the roller that says "Miriam No. 6 Lacemaker." I have tried searching online and cannot find any mention in my searches of such a pillow. I can supply photos if helpful.

Rose for Kalofer - free Lace Museum Zoom

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:59:23 GMT

Too bad I can't make either of these - but someone might be!

No charge - there is also a class on 4/10

Lace in Wikipedia: project overview Zoom (Mar 15 2025) | 4pm ET/1pm PT

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 23:04:52 GMT

Hi folks--

If you are curious about this project, and musing about editing Wikipedia, we're going to have a Zoom about the project.

This is not a training, per se, but we may have time to demonstrate a couple of things.

The goal is kind of an overview of the project, the goals, the needs, that sort of thing. There are training videos now on my website, and we'll have other zooms later for training and support kinds of sessions. But let's see who is interested first.

There's a sign up sheet over at this link, and you'll get the Zoom meeting info from that shortly.

Lace in Wikipedia, Zoom overview | March 15 2025, 4ET/1PT US

Intro to Bobbin Lace at New England Weavers Seminar

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 01:59:47 GMT

Hello,

This year NEWS - New England Weavers Seminar - is offering a 1 1/2 day workshop of Intro to Bobbin Lace taught by Carolyn Wetzel. It will be on July 10 and 11, 2025 at NEWS in Westfield, MA at Westfield State University. This is open to all, not just members of the weaving guilds. The seminar focuses on weaving, but weavers are always interested in new things to learn, so there are a few workshops on lace this year. https://www.newenglandweavers.org/conference-2025

You can stay overnight on campus, we have interesting speakers, a Gallery, Fashion, and, this year, a Tapestry Weavers of New England exhibit. A marketplace of vendors.

It's always a very nice time.

LeslieA

Roses for OIDFA Congress

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:46:56 GMT

If you are considering making a rose for the OIDFA Congress later this year, there are some additional instructions available on the IOLI website

Jill

CBS Sunday Morning: "Weaving a fascination for lace"

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 16:39:54 GMT

The CBS Sunday Morning segment on lace is now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsv5jL3dfHQ

Enjoy!

Jill

Sad news

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 16:10:13 GMT

It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that long-time member Janet Blanchard passed away in her sleep last night. Please keep her daughter and her family in your thoughts.

Jill

"The Golden Thread | How Fabric Changed History" by Kassia St. Clair

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:18:49 GMT

As part of the Gather Fiber Symposium events, there is a book talk coming up. It's unfortunately the same day as our Ipswich event so I can't go, but I thought it was worth checking out the book.

The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History by Kassia St Clair [review I found elsewhere]

It has a very good whole chapter on lace. It has a quick but effective summary of lace history. It has some of the price details of things like Elizabethan lace. It had a couple of other useful bits and references too. Including one about the black lace decay:

"Although used extensively in clothing and interiors during the seventeenth century--the 1624 will of Lord Dorset, husband of the well-known peeress Lady Anne Clifford, even mentioned the 'greene and black silke lace' that decorated his coach--black lace is often overlooked. In part this is because it is less striking in portraiture, but another, more prosaic reason is that very little has survived to be studied. The mordant used to fix the black dye to silk was acidic, making it brittle and fragile and in most cases, eventually consuming it altogether."9

The citation #9 says: "Wardle, p. 207; Kelly p. 246; Will quoted in Williamson p. 460.

Wardle is: Wardle, Patricia. "Seventeenth century black silk lace in the Rijksmuseum. Bulletin van het Rijksmuseum, 33 (1985) 207-25.

Kelly is: Kelly, F.M. "Shakespearean Dress Notes II: Ruffs and Cuffs". The Burlington Magazine, 29 (1916), 245-50.

Williamson is: Williamson George C. a 1922 book about Lady Anne Clifford.

I would like to get that Wardle one, as it seems probably relevant to the Ipswich story. [edit to add: it's right on the web as a PDF]

Another bit just made me giggle. Lace as a career was preferred to domestic service and prohibited at one point.

"In 1589, magistrates in Ghent passed a law to prevent servants from giving up their positions to become lacemakers: only children under the age of 12 who still lived at home were permitted to continue making bobbin lace. A similar law was passed in the southern French city of Toulouse in 1649. So many women were engaged in making lace, the lawmakers grumbled, that finding domestic servants was becoming impossible. Moreover, they reasoned, lace-wearing had become so widespread that it was no longer possible to confidently distinguish between "les grandes and les petites".

Cluny Lace company

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:00:41 GMT

Poignant article in the Financial Times.

England’s last lacemakers are in a race against time. In lace country, around Nottingham, there are only a handful of people left who know how to operate machines that have run since the 1800s. Soon there will be none.

Contact info for Marta Cotterell Raffel

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 16:55:18 GMT

Does anyone have contact info for Marta Cotterell Raffel (she wrote a book about Ipswich lace)? Hensel Productions are working with Karen Thompson on making an Ipswich video and need to reach out to Marta.

Thanks in advance

Jill

New Hudson Valley NY Facebook Group

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:23:31 GMT

Just sharing! Today I saw there is a new Facebook group in the Hudson Valley area.

Welcome to the Hudson Valley Lace Guild (https://hvlaceguild.com/)

About those AI lace books....

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:20:07 GMT

I got really angry about the grifters and the AI lace books. So I contacted a reporter and pitched the story. I think she did a good job with it.

https://www.404media.co/bobbin-tatting-lace-ai-generated-books/

Separately, I expected to launch the Wikipedia project in January, but because of the attention this is getting and because of that guy who is going after Wikipedia, I launched my overview and site today. More to come on that.

Youtube overview: https://youtu.be/5boV146lm_k

AI Generated Scam Tatting Book-TattingTube

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 21:01:07 GMT

We found one of these in bobbin lace recently too. Be careful out there.

AI Generated Scam Tatting Book-TattingTube #6

Youtube video by Karen Bovard-Sayre.

A plate painted with bobbin lace, 1650ish

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:15:27 GMT

So I was reading this review of a new exhibit in NYC:

A New Show Takes an Enchanting Look Inside the Estrado, the Opulent But Hidden World of the Spanish Elite

because it came up in my Google Alert for "bobbin lace". I wanted to see the lace they had. It turns out, it's a remarkable painting of lace on a dish. Here's the link to the catalog display of it for a better look.

Salver with Bobbin Lace Decoration [in case the link breaks, it's Accession Number: LE2329]

I wonder if they have laces that we could see on a field trip someday....

IOLI Convention

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:46:12 GMT

Has the NELG ever hosted an IOLI convention?

Book sale page

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 17:30:24 GMT

Hello everyone

The Book Sale page on the website is now live!

Have fun browsing (and shopping).

Jill

Finger Lakes 25th Tatting Convention Apr 4-6, 2025

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:35:02 GMT

I just received notice that my application to teach tatted earrings has been accepted! The earrings are created using Stephanie Wilson’s ANKARS-style Hair Clip pattern. Looking forward to giving back a little something to the group that helped me get started with tatting!

Piecework magazine podcast episode on lace

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 22:46:14 GMT

Piecework magazine has a podcast series. The current episode is about lace, with Elena Kanagy-Loux.

You can listen from the page or from your favorite podcast app.

Online Beginning Bibilla Class

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:29:32 GMT

Just signed up for the Oct session! Anyone else going?

Beginning Bibilla (Closes 10/3/24) — A Twisted Picot

Limerick Lace beginner kit, possible order

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 22:29:23 GMT

Hi folks--

I'm thinking I'd like to try one of these beginner kits. They have a video series to accompany it.

https://limericklace.ie/beginner-kit-2024/

If anyone else is interested, maybe we can combine shipping from Ireland and then distribute them at meetings or Sunday lace or whatever? Or I can mail them out and you can arrange to pay me US shipping.

If anyone is interested, let me know and I will contact them about a combined shipping order.

Let's say the deadline is Sept 30 2024 to let me know.

Mary

Lost Art Lacers Lace Day and Classes

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:55:22 GMT

The Lost Art Lacers of New Jersey announce their annual Lace Day and Classes, to be held in Newton, NJ, on November 2-4.

For details and registration see: https://www.lostartlacers.org/events.htm

Raleigh Lace Museum

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 18:28:06 GMT

I just received the first quarterly newslettr from the Raleigh Lace Museum, which can be found at the following link: 001-08-24.pdf (ksclcfoundation.org)

Bobbin lace in historical reenacting

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:06:03 GMT

Nice photo montage of the Concord MA 250th recent event.

‘250 Days to the 250th’ in photos

Nice piece about the Raleigh museum

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:35:13 GMT

Lace museum opens in Raleigh: Salisbury resident donates items for exhibit

SALISBURY — Lacemaking is an artform that has been around for a long time, but there are not many museums in the United States that can boast being called a lace museum and exhibiting this delicate artwork.

Finger Lakes retreat

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:44:22 GMT

I have signed up for the Finger Lakes retreat. I will be driving from NH, coming down Rt 495 & across I-90. Is there anyone attending who might be interested in carpooling? I'd be happy to detour a bit to pick someone up.

Finger Lakes Lace Guild Retreat in September

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:33:41 GMT

Hi, all.

I spoke with Holly Van Sciver at the IOLI Convention last week. She told me there are still 10 spaces available. So common and join us, New England Lacers!

Kloppelshop Order

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 14:31:22 GMT

It was nice to see everyone yesterday. I hope to finish my tatted exchange bracelet/earrings for the Fringe Tatting group (fringetatters@gmail.com) by the next meeting!

I will be placing my order to Klöppelshop | Klöppelshop im Kaufhaus Köck (kloeppelshop.de) on July 15 if anyone wants to order and split shipping. :-)

ACTUALLY I no longer need to order at this time!

happy lacing!

:-) joan

Another lovely "lace" fence...

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 19:22:30 GMT

Why can't we get Ipswich interested in some lace fences....? Or a bench like that Headford project had.

I love these. You can also vote for this lace fence over there among the other art.

Birds of Peace Gates

Edit to add: this is where you can see all the projects and vote, if inclined. https://www.codaworx.com/codaawards/2024-top-100/

Freehand lace of Queyras and the woodworking details of drum pillows

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:32:16 GMT

I got this book a while back, and it is the one that my local woodworker used to make the drum pillow that I have now. He was able to follow the directions, despite neither of us speaking much French.

Anyway: a couple of people have expressed interest in this book. It's not very expensive on their website, but we might as well combine shipping if anyone wants a copy.

Besides the pillow plans it has some patterns for the lace they make with diagrams. It's quite a nice book, really.

LACES FROM QUEYRAS AND NEIGHBORING VALLEYS

Book About Brazilian lace makers who encode messages in their lace

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:47:47 GMT

I just finished a book that involves using needle lace designs as encrypted messages! The Curse of the Flores Women is by a Brazilian author (Angelica Lopes) and is set in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. It follows 7 generations of a family and is a dual timeline story, set in 1918 and 2010. The 1918 women use their lace skills and income to seek freedom in a male-dominated culture.

Creative Arts now accepting entry forms!

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:29:55 GMT

The Big E has announced that they are now accepting entry forms for this year's Creative Arts competition. More information here: https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/creative-arts

The deadline for forms is August 12. Entries need to be dropped off on Tuesday, September 3.

Karen Thompson: lovely article on her backstory + family

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 17:23:22 GMT

I had no idea about the unusual path of her backstory. And a lovely donation for education.

Bob and Karen Thompson Pledge Funds for Purdue’s New Endowed Chair in International Ag Economics

Pat Morris Teaches Flanders Lace!

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:51:14 GMT

NELG Member, Pat Morris, will be teaching a class on Flanders Lace in Chagrin Falls, OH (East of Cleveland). Dates are October 18-20. Tuition is $150.

Contact Katherine Dunlevey (dunlevey1155@windstream.net) for information. Send registration and checks made out to Western Reserve Lace Society to Katherine Dunlevey, 11550 Colchester Drive, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

Irish needle lace

Fri, 31 May 2024 13:15:58 GMT

A nice interview with Fiona Harrington about the history of Irish laces.

Irish Needle Lace: An Interview with Fiona Harrington

She's doing a class in NY apparently.

Goldsmith works in bobbin lace, video

Tue, 14 May 2024 23:22:35 GMT

I still don't understand what happened to Doily Free Zone either. But this presentation surfaced at least.

It's amazing.

DFZSymposium2022 Presentation by Akiko Momiyama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPtAAYNcgAM

Elena is on fire!

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 01:07:39 GMT

My Grandma’s Doilies Are Not a Joke

When will art institutions finally pay respect to our foremothers’ artistry?

My flower is done!

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 22:52:29 GMT

Finished my flower! Thanks for sharing the pattern and teaching Sharon! it's a Size 20 Lizbeth Col 109 and DMC 20 699

It was very nice to meet everyone and I look forward to future events!

Yeti mug left at Sturbridge Meeting

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 21:36:26 GMT

To those who attended the recent NELG meeting in Sturbridge: Did you leave behind a very nice Yeti mug? If so, I have it and will bring it to Retreat or otherwise work to get it back to you.

Bryce

Threads of History: Martha Washington & the Lives of Eighteenth-Century Women

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:50:46 GMT

It doesn't say anything about lace, but I still like hearing about the context of the fabrics and textile choices.

Hat tip to Kathleen P for spotting this.

Threads of History: Martha Washington & the Lives of Eighteenth-Century Women

A Material Memory Program

Tuesday, May 7

Doors Open: 6:00 PM

Program Begins: 6:30 PM

Location: Old South Meeting House

Admission: Free

Combing History: Flax and Linen in New Hampshire

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:48:00 GMT

Anyone interested in a visit to a flax exhibit? A New England flax production story, particularly.

Combing History: Flax and Linen in New Hampshire

https://woodmanmuseum.org/event/unh-flax-exhibit-opening/

I can't tell from here how long the exhibit is intended to run, I'll send off an email. And I'll ask if they might have any opportunities for a small group visit maybe.

Colonial Craft Fair, with Ipswich Lacemaking!

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 13:59:08 GMT

The Marblehead Museum has a post about the upcoming fair, if anyone wants to share it around their socials.

2024 Colonial Craft Fair

NYTimes discovers the lace momentum

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:54:42 GMT

This should be a gifted article link.

The Unlikely Return of the Doily

In fashion as well as products for the home, lace — once seen as the fustiest of fabrics — is suddenly looking fresh.

New England linen production history

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 13:30:03 GMT

Exploring part of New England’s textile history from seed to garment

Maybe Kimberly Alexander would be someone to do a talk for us on this subject.

To understand those implications, Alexander relied heavily on historical documents to replicate the flax to linen process. That included old New Hampshire day books with information about harvests. And the history actually aligned with the present day.

Maggie Hensel-Brown’s Community Needle Lace Project Work Session Zoom

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 17:20:15 GMT

Hi folks--

The Lace Museum has a work session event planned for the Community Lace project. It's free, but you have to register for the zoom link.

Go here: https://thelacemuseum.org/virtual-education/

Scroll down to find this entry, and register for the zoom there.

Date: Monday, January 22, 2024

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon PST [note Pacific time shown there, this means 1-3 ET]

Red Dress, community embroidery project comes to MA in 2024

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 18:27:52 GMT

I have not seen this dress, and I might go when it's at this museum. Have we ever had contact with this Fuller Craft Museum? I had never heard of them before I saw this story about them.

February 2024 event: The Red Dress

The story that I saw about it: 380 Artists, 51 Countries, 14 Years: A Community Embroidery Project Connects Women Around the Globe

Ornament magazine, has lace items

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 02:36:46 GMT

At our Sunday lace, Jen brought a magazine that I had not heard of before. Ornament Magazine.

She was drawing our attention to a piece on the Threads of Power exhibit. But when I went looking around I noticed other lace stories too. It does not seem to be available on the website as an article. But you can buy back issues, it seems. ToP is in Vol. 43 No. 3.

Maybe we should pitch Ipswich to them...?

Another lace article:

An Unbroken Thread |The Story of Armenian Lace

IOLI Convention 2024

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:57:08 GMT

I am thinking about driving to Nashville, staying overnight on the way. Are there anyone interested in driving to Nashville next year? If we are driving, I would like to share the cost of gas and hotel of one night stay. Please contact Sumiko.

New article on French lacemakers’ tools; Lace in Context blog

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:35:24 GMT

I try to remember to check this blog from time-to-time, and just saw this interesting article about the French lace community history.

https://laceincontext.com/new-article-on-french-lacemakers-tools/

The Open Access part isn't in place, so I have written to the author for a copy.

MFA Boston exhibit on Renaissance women, may include lace

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:10:40 GMT

I just got an email from MFA Boston about Renaissance Italian women in art, and they say it includes textiles. So of course I went to see if they meant lace, and it looks like they do. They appear to have a copy of the Parasole book included in the exhibit--so I bet there's some lace too.

https://www.mfa.org/exhibition/strong-women-in-renaissance-italy

Runs until January 7, 2024.

Celebration of life for Patty Foley

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:51:18 GMT

Friends of Patty will gather on Wednesday, November 8 at 5:30pm at Indian Hill Country Club in Newington, CT for a celebration of life for Patty. I will be there and would love to see others from NELG, if you can make it.

Jill

Sad news - Patty Foley

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:55:49 GMT

Long time NELG member and past President, Patty Foley, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 20 after battling cancer for 5 years. Her wishes were for no services.

For Patty, the glass was ALWAYS half-full and her enthusiasm was contagious. We will miss her fire and determination and the example she set.

RIP Patty.

Jill

New Hampshire flax project

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 20:38:41 GMT

In the IOLI talk about flax, Elena mentioned that Kimberly Alexander's UNH class has something underway about flax production in the region.

I found this site about it: https://theclio.com/entry/169623

Big E Competition Results

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:18:51 GMT

Congratulations to all who entered the Big E Creative Arts Competition! See results on their website now. All blue and red ribbons!

"The Dress Diary" of Mrs Anne Sykes

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 22:51:21 GMT

I had heard a lot about this Dress Diary book because I follow Kate Strasdin on social media. But I didn't expect it to be hugely relevant to lace. Well, I should have known better.

First, her diary starts with Honiton lace on her wedding dress (scroll down on that first link to the last image). There's a whole chapter on lace making, partly because Kate is a lacemaker and this diary came to her via her local lace group! It's a lovely tribute to lace culture.

Then there are more lace samples, and just today I scanned the QR code in the book to get to this page with additional fabric samples, and there I also found black lace!

16 stunning Victorian textiles from The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes

In a separate interesting twist, on that page is a swatch of a Mrs Balestier. Mrs Balestier = Maria Revere, daughter of Paul Revere. She was friends with Anne in Singapore, it turns out.

That said, it's mostly not about lace, but it reminds you of the importance of textiles and the economics around that. And I like it as a reminder that history is not sepia-toned. Some of those fabrics are just wild!

PIckles at the Big E

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 14:06:02 GMT

Apparently, there will be many pickle-flavored food offerings at the Big E this year! Who knew?

See this link: https://www.thehour.com/living/food/article/the-big-e-new-fair-foods-2023-18300978.php?sid=5ba858bf3f92a454704faea5&ss=A&st_rid=ff38f303-d407-45d6-9408-171792c0b85b&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CT_HR_MorningBriefing

OIDFA lace notecards

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 17:04:54 GMT

OIDFA-USA is selling notecards with images of Ipswich lace on them. 8 cards (w/envelopes) for US$10.00. Carolyn W will have a set for you to see at the September NELG meeting and we can take orders together to save on shipping.

Sad news

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 18:42:52 GMT

Jackie Miller's husband passed away last week. In the past, she attended NELG retreats and Connecticut lace days, so you may remember her.

Please let me know if you would like Jackie's address.

Here is Ed's obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/thehour/name/edward-miller-obituary?id=52585034

Jill

BBC newsreel lace makers of Honiton

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 21:31:52 GMT

Short video of some lacemakers and bobbin winding.

https://youtu.be/Bc4CxgjHwtE

Lace-inspired murals celebrating European folk traditions – in pictures

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 20:07:03 GMT

In the Guardian, a photo tour of European locations painted with lace.

I want a building in Ipswich MA so bad....

Lace-inspired murals celebrating European folk traditions – in pictures

Delivery of entries to BigE

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 16:05:40 GMT

This is to encourage anyone in the Eastern MA area who might be considering submitting an entry to the BigE Lace competition. Please do so! Once again Sharon Sacco and I will be accepting entries for delivery to the BigE in September. Fill out the form, pay the modest fee, and attach your label. We will also be handling pickup at the end of the fair. Entry forms must be submitted by Aug. 14; we must receive your item(s) before the drop-off date of Sept. 5. If you have any questions, feel free to contact either of us. We hope to see lots of wonderful lace!

Bryce

Tatting featured in article in NYT

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 19:02:31 GMT

"An Expensive, Rustic Brand Faces Backlash for Its ‘Poverty’ Aesthetic" is a recent article in the NY Times about the elite clothing maker, Magnolia Pearl. The clothing is sold to Hollywood stars and other elites, through stores such as Free People.

In one photo the model is fingering some lace, almost as if the lace were being used as a necklace. A close look at the lace reveals that it is feet and feet of tatting! A beginner's tatting pattern at that, just a simple ring with three picots.

It's a gifted article so anyone can read it, even if they don't subscribe to the NY Times.

Enjoy!

Jill

(Information shared by former NELG member, Esther Paris)

"Nantucket School of Needlery", Eunice Coffin MD 1859

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 00:11:05 GMT

I found this curious book in the Digital Commonwealth archives. Who was Eunice Coffin MD? And why did she have this lace, I wonder?

https://digital.clarkart.edu/digital/collection/p16245coll1/id/101325

Looks like it's knitted and crocheted stuff.

This is sort of the same Coffin family, probably, as the Ipswich/Newbury ones--but the family split in the early 1700s and a famous branch of the Coffins went to Nantucket.

OIDFA Fundrasing

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 01:04:45 GMT

OIDFA USA is selling lace bag tags. All proceeds from this sale will go to OIDFA to help defray expenses for the OIDFA Congress this year. These bag tags are colorful to help you identify your luggage at the airport where there are many suitcases all the same color. These tags can also help you identify your convention, lace and project bags by writing information.on the reverse side. These tags are a nice little gift to take home to friends.

The price of bag tags is $3 each or $5 for two TO BE PICKED UP AT THE IOLI CONVENTION IN JUNE by you or your trusted friend. If you aren't attending the convention, is someone else from your guild attending? You may pay at the convention with a check payable to OIDFA, cash, or PayPal.

Bag tags ordered for mailing IN JULY AFTER THE IOLI CONVENTION will have an ADDITIONAL COST for mailing paid by the purchaser which will be at least $5. Consider a group purchase with friends in your guild to share the cost of mailing.

Email SallyRobertsonOlsen@gmail.com to place your order and arrange payment.

Thank you for supporting OIDFA.

Large-scale Bobbin Lace Mammoth!

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:25:58 GMT

The work is shown underway at this video:

Waco airport renovation and mammoth art by Manca Ahlin (June 9, 2023)

The Dress Diary by Kate Strasdin

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 21:16:11 GMT

I had heard an interview with Kate a while back, and she talks about the circuitous route of this diary to her hands. And it's a story I hope can come true for Ipswich lace someday too--overlooked or underappreciated documents telling a terrific story.

But this one starts with Bobbin Lace!

NYT Review: A Scrapbook Offers a Material Glimpse of Another World

“The Dress Diary” is an intimate record of one wardrobe — and its era.

The inaugural entry commemorates Sykes’s wedding day in 1838 with a neat rectangle of white-checked muslin and a piece of bobbin lace.

Sol lace day. June 24 via zoom

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 01:12:01 GMT

I got an announcement about an upcoming Teneriffe / Sol / Ñandutí event. It sounds unusual and I would attend, but I have a prior commitment at the time slot. It's a public notice, but it came only to people who had some certain terms in their IOLI profiles. So ICYMI:

I am making this invitation because you are in the group that is interested in Tenerife, Dramwork, Identification or Lace History according to the IOLI Handbook 2023. My name is Elizabeth Correa, from Brazil, and I am also a member of IOLI as a Tenerife lacemaker, teacher and researcher.

I organize every year a virtual meeting of SOLES weavers and in 2023 our SOL LACE DAY will bring the SOLES OF MARACAIBO, a unique technique to make SOLES and that was almost unattainable until 2014, when I went to Venezuela to know it and began to spread on the Web the “tejedoras” of SOLES OF MARACAIBO, this group of guardians that brought this complex radial weaving tradition to our days.

SOL LACE DAY with VENEZUELA will be hosted by ZOOM, on the 24th of June, Saturday, at 10:00 am, Brasilia time. Close to the date, 72 hours previous, the link to the virtual event will be available in our social media: Facebook ELIZABETH HORTA CORREA or NHANDUTI DE ATIBAIA and Instagram @rendatenerife . Follow us! Check below the hour at your place.

Along with more “tejedoras” we hope to see you at SOL LACE DAY con VENEZUELA!

Elizabeth Horta Correa www.nhanduti.ong.br

See it also here: @rendatenerife on Instagram

Kumiko Nakazaki’s workshop

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:10:39 GMT

Kumiko will be visiting again the fall, 2023. Her workshop is scheduled in Woodbridge, CT, from 10/6 to 10/10. She will be teaching Binche and other laces such as Flanders Lace, Paris, Rosaline, Bruges Flower Laces, and Duchesse. Interested? Please contact Sumiko Tray.

Pamela Nottingham Death

Thu, 25 May 2023 15:09:18 GMT

We are saddened to learn that Pamela Nottingham, the author of wonderful lace books and respected teacher, passed away on May 12, 2023.

Lace in the Philippines

Mon, 15 May 2023 13:06:31 GMT

Story about a program for women recovering from Hansen's disease to make lace. Has echoes of the long history of lace as an educational route for the churches.

Iloilo’s ex-hansenite lacemakers seek market boost

Podcast: Thread Around Holes with Kim Davis

Sat, 13 May 2023 15:05:31 GMT

A new member of the Fremont community, but not a new at all to the Bay Area, is the Lace Museum that will be reopening its doors in Fremont for the first time on Mothers' Day weekend...

The Fremont Podcast

Episode at this link, or search your podcast app for The Fremont Podcast.

Bobbin lace in Finland

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 12:23:15 GMT

Check out that roller pillow! I have never seen one with the roller oriented that way.

Take your time, do bobbin lace!

May 6 Retreat

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:38:55 GMT

Hi!

I am not able to attend the meeting on May 6. I have paid for coffee and lunch. If someone wants to take my place, it is all yours. Please contact me and I will pass your name to the organizers. My contact information is in the directory.

Sumiko Tray

The lace-cut parchment books

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:20:55 GMT

There was recently a small discussion of the amazing lace-like cut book of Marie de’ Medici, and this other book just came my way today. It is too early to be lace, I think the idea of the stonework on the cathedral makes sense.

Still, it's just lovely, even if 1300s is too early for it to be a lace imitation.

A Cut Above the Rest…? Unraveling the Mystery of the Walters “Lace” Manuscript

Lynley Anne Herbert

A colorful capuchin

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 14:56:13 GMT

I was looking for something else in The Met today, and came across this remarkably colorful piece.

I don't really have anything else to add, but wanted to capture it before I moved on to what I really wanted.

Capuchin 1725-1750

What I really wanted: American 1820-1829 black silk cloak with a Ipswich-like trim.

A sad notice among the lace family

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:08:42 GMT

I was alerted today that Louise West's husband had died this morning. There was a recent hospitalization and some hope that a new treatment path would be the right thing, but apparently that's not the outcome.

I'm told it's out there on facebook now, so if you want to look for more on that it's around.

I have a contact email for Louise if anyone wants it, but I don't want to post it publicly. Let me know if you would like it and I'll send it.

The Art and Science of Linen

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 13:11:28 GMT

I was actually looking at this artist's work based on another thing she did for the Sanger Center -- a cholera dress and a syphilis slip -- but looking around her site I found this older work on linen. I was hoping for more science, but it was still a neat video and SPOILERS: ends with lace. Scroll down the page for the video.

Linen: From the Field.

And if you are curious, here is the pathogen dress set. Cholera and syphilis captured in BioArt .

Rembrandt's Lace | blog post on paintings, but nice close ups

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 22:03:13 GMT

I recently watched a whole Rembrandt documentary just to look at the collars.

But this art historian just did a whole post on the painting of lace and what the details tell her.

Rembrandt's Lace

Silver Tissue Dress

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 01:20:55 GMT

I found this short YouTube video on the conservation of a 1660 dress really interesting. It is heavily embellished with a point ground lace unique in the use of a ribbon-like gimp (described as parchment lace - paper tightly wrapped in silk thread). Take a look!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gJs84kKzdc

Motion to rename this guild: "Frill Seekers"

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 21:54:34 GMT

I mean, the whole deal with 2 NELGs is ruff... Maybe we can just use it as a tag line.

Anyway: nice piece in The Magazine Antiques about the Bard exhibit: "End Notes: Frill Seekers".

"The Story of Ipswich Lace" for Maine Historical Society

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 01:57:03 GMT

Hey fans of historic laces: the video of our talk for the Maine Historical Society is up. You can find it on youtube at this link:

https://youtu.be/edclWzhqbEQ

It also sits at a page on the MHS site, if you prefer that link.

The Story of Ipswich Lace, a Unique American Craft of the Early Republic *NORTHERN THREADS SERIES*

OIDFA pattern book

Sat, 07 Jan 2023 19:09:25 GMT

The year 2022 was OIDFA’s 40th anniversary. In order to celebrate, OIDFA published the pattern collection. It contains various lace patterns such as tape lace, Torchon Lace, Polychrome Lace, needle lace to name a few. The price is $27. I have only 2 copies left. If anyone is interested, please contact me at traysumiko@gmail.com.

The Bard exhibit gets more press--NYTimes

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 21:35:28 GMT

Lace, that Most Coveted Textile [that should be a gifted article link that gets you past the paywall]

And they have Fanny Appleton Longfellow's dress. Someone in the comments talked about that as well, there's another piece about that at a different site.

A French Gown in the Spanish Style

A bobbin lace chair.

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 17:53:40 GMT

This is remarkable--a bobbin lace chair with an actual bolster headrest and bobbins hanging.

lluís alexandre casanovas blanco's 'UMT' chair explores politics of traditional weaving crafts

For the past four years, Spanish architect Lluís Alexandre Casanovas Blanco worked closely with his mother, María Lluïsa Blanco Estébanez, to develop the intriguing ‘UMT’ chair. Sporting a minimalist black frame and a delicate lace-made backrest and seat, the chair is both a furniture piece and an historical investigation into the politics of traditional weaving techniques, particularly the use of bobbin lace in decoration.

Free livestream Friday Nov 18 | Making Lace: Global Networks

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 02:53:54 GMT

Making Lace: Global Networks

A research symposium on historical and contemporary lacemaking traditions around the world

9:30am ET to 12:30pm

Part of the Bard events. You don't have to get a ticket--apparently it will just livestream on this page on the day.

Threads of Power online exhibit

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 16:33:31 GMT

In case you cannot get to the Bard Graduate Center Museum in NYC in person before Jan 1, 2023, they have a really nice online experience of the Threads of Power exhibit: https://exhibitions.bgc.bard.edu/threadsofpower/

NYT discovers lace, again.

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 23:43:37 GMT

Why Are Men Now Wearing Lace?

The gauzy fabric is not just for women’s lingerie and dresses anymore. Guys are flirting with the see-through material.

[the link should be an unlocked page at the NYT, I created a gift link]

I think lace is having a moment.

Craft: The Joy of Handmade Art and Industry | Book talk, BPL Saturday Oct 29

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 13:53:33 GMT

Hey nearby folks: as part of the Boston Book festival, this talk is happening at the Boston Public Library on Saturday. I think I'm going to go. It doesn't look like it requires tickets.

Craft: The Joy of Handmade Art and Industry

The books look interesting to check out of your local library too, even if the talk isn't possible for you.

Edit to add: I realized I should add the books here because the event page might go away.

Whether you collect crafts, engage in making things yourself, or aspire to turn a long-standing hobby into a business, you’ll find inspiration and insight in this session. In The Shape of Craft, Ezra Shales exhorts us to value craft as a human instinct rather than reducing it to an exemplary object on display. In fact, Shales considers craft to encompass not only the products of the individual potter, glassblower, weaver, or woodworker, but also the products of collaborative authorship, whether they are a building or a brick. In Return of the Artisan: How America Went from Industrial to Handmade, Grant McCracken describes how, owing to Covid-19, millions of consumers of artisanal goods became producers — from growing vegetables and baking bread to raising chickens, brewing beer, and sewing clothes — and how hobbyists turned into businesspeople. They will be joined in conversation by Edgar B. Herwick III of GBH’s Curiosity Desk.

WSJ covers Bard exhibit

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 14:01:01 GMT

The Wall Street Journal covers lace. Wow.

‘Threads of Power: Lace From the Textilmuseum St. Gallen’ Review: Webs of Influence

If you can't get past the paywall, just go look at the online exhibit. It has the key things. https://exhibitions.bgc.bard.edu/threadsofpower/

Bobbin lace in high fashion again

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:11:18 GMT

Cute shoes with Brazilian bobbin lace.

Alexandre Birman’s Spring Summer 2023 Collection Dives Deep Into Brazilian Craft

Ipswich Lace Radio Program

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 21:03:32 GMT

did you miss listening to the radio talk on Ipswich lace on Radio Boston. I found this link so you can listen for the first time or review this program.

Hope you enjoy ! It was a great program! Thanks NELG

https://www.wbur.org/radioboston/2022/07/19/ipswich-lace-hidden-history

Nerd alert: pan-genome of the silkworm

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 02:31:25 GMT

This is going to be a very niche item. That said, the more of you lace makers I meet, the more I grasp the heavy sci-tech nature of this couvige.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-33366-x

High-resolution silkworm pan-genome provides genetic insights into artificial selection and ecological adaptation

Anyway: researchers sequenced the DNA of silkworms. They picked different silkworms around the world to compare them. In some species, they might still have a gene that another variety lost. Or some have a gene turned up to 11 that's only set to level 3 in another one.

They found that one crucial different between fine and coarse silk, in this gene:

We found an 11.1 kb intron insertion and a 6.2 kb downstream insertion of the chitooligosaccharidolytic beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (BmChit β-GlcNAcase) gene in Chunfeng and Suxiu strains (Fig. 6f). We found that the BmChit β-GlcNAcase gene is expressed at a significantly higher level in fine silk strains (Suxiu, Chunfeng) and has an expression peak in silk press at the wandering stage (which occurs at the start of spinning) (Supplementary Fig. 6b, c). CRISPR-cas9 mediated knockout of the BmChit β-GlcNAcase gene produced coarser silk (Fig. 6g, Supplementary Fig. 6d). All these results suggest a key role of the BmChit β-GlcNAcase gene in the determination of silk fineness.

I don't understand what that gene does yet (but it sounds to me like it cuts sugars off, which makes sense...), but it looks like the key. So this gene, when turned up, makes silk finer. When they knock it out, it's coarser silk.

This is wicked cool.

In the Making: Jovencio de la Paz and Kat Sanchez Standfield [textile artists talk]

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 13:47:49 GMT

It's not lace, but might be of some interest to folks here. This North Bennet School in Boston is where I got my new lace pillow in the Queyras style. They have other hand craft skills and this talk is apparently about weaving and technology tensions.

https://nbss.edu/news-events/events/in-the-making-jovencio-kat/

Check out those fat cloth stitch sculptures--now I'm wondering about giant soft lace sculptures too!

From that post there's a link to their Eventbrite to register for the zoom tickets.

Architectural Digest discovers lace...

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:26:12 GMT

Inside the Fascinating History of Lace

The intricate textile—with its many technical and social complexities—is a key subject during New York Textile Month

Coinciding with New York Textile Month, “Threads of Power: Lace From the Textilmuseum St. Gallen” is the first large-scale exhibition on lace to be presented in New York in over 40 years. The show, which opens on September 16, is chiefly aimed to address the “simultaneous presence and invisibility of the lacemaker,”....

Nice piece on the Bard exhibition.

Unusual lace art pieces

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 23:26:43 GMT

This woman makes Ñandutí lace out of denim cutouts. It's cool, and expensive.

Libby Newell.

https://spaldingnixfineart.com/artist/libby-newell

Kumiko Nakazaki’s workshop in September

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 21:11:55 GMT

Spaces are still available. The dates are from 9/22 to 9/26. There is an option to choose the dates during this time. Please contact me if you are interested in Kumiko Nakazaki’s workshop. My e-mail address is traysumiko@gmail.com and the cell phone number is 704-501-7923. Kumiko will be teaching at the Finger Lace Guild Retreat this year. Anyone who needs Kumiko’s instruction after the retreat is very welcome.

Virtual class opportunity with Holly Van Sciver

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:18:32 GMT

Offered through the Lace Museum, join this virtual class every Thursday from Sept 29th - November 17, 2022
To Sign Up for This Class you need to Contact:
https://thelacemuseum.org/virtual-education/

The Bedfordshire Butterfly: an Interdisciplinary Adventure in Three Lace Techniques

Course Description: Made in five separate pieces, students will learn elements of 3 different lace techniques in one pattern that include Honiton, Bedfordshire and Cluny laces….a three for one! The body of the Butterfly uses Honiton techniques including starting at a point, working up the edge, the four-pin bud, working with and crossing the coarse thread, making a divided trail and ending at a point. The lower and upper wings use techniques from Bedfordshire and Cluny lace that include the Bedfordshire and Cluny joins, crossing trails, Bedfordshire circles, adding and deleting pairs, leaves, picots, cloth stitch trails and footside techniques, plus pattern interpretation, design, and the use of color. A bonus discussion on how to use this pricking with Honiton Fillings will also be discussed. The pattern was redrafted by Holly Van Sciver from a traditional pattern published by Pamela Nottingham.

Dates: 8 Thursdays – September 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, and 17, 2022 (24 hours of class time)

Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Pacific

Registration Fee: $280

Please visit the event page for more information.

Sad news

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:48:40 GMT

Clare Settle's partner, Bob, was tragically killed in a car accident last week. Here is the link to the obituary: https://www.waterburykelly.com/obituary/Robert-CentrelloIII#tributewall

Jill Hawkins

A Wooly Mammoth in Bobbin Lace

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 20:07:49 GMT

This story about an installation at the Waco Airport had me intrigued, for sure.

Picks for Waco airport art highlight flight, mammoths

“It was like nothing we had ever seen before, a traditional art form — lace making — but at such a large scale. … It’s a simple design, but complicated in how it’s executed,” Dyer said.

They are musing about cotton. But obviously it should be wooly....

She has not decided what material to use in Waco, but is considering cotton, given the city’s history as a cotton growing hub, she said. Also undetermined is how much of the piece she will weave onsite.

See more of Manca Ahlin's work at her website: http://www.mantzalin.com/

Nancy Hood

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 17:53:20 GMT

I learned today that Nancy Hood, long-time lacemaker and contributor to our NELG logo passed away on July 30, 2022. Her picture is included in our most recent newsletter among the other participants. Her generosity to our library and silent auction has been very much appreciated. Our thoughts and sympathies to her family and friends.

Interesting podcast episode weaves lace history and contemporary lace, Haptic & Hue

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 16:01:10 GMT

Spotted this podcast episode with some names I recognized, and I thought it was nicely constructed. It celebrates lace history and traditions but also moves it forward with contemporary lace art.

Haptic & Hue: THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD OF LACE, EPISODE #31

You can listen on podcast apps or from the web page, but also go see the episode page for some lovely images of lace work and links to a lot of good resources.

Hidden History: Ipswich lace makes the Boston airwaves

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 18:56:41 GMT

Today I went into the studio at WBUR, a Boston NPR station, to talk about Ipswich lace. I had pitched it as a story idea for their Hidden History segment in April, and they researched it more and decided to run it.

Link to audio: How hundreds of men, women and children built a cottage lace industry in Ipswich

They had reached out to the Ipswich Museum and Katherine Chaison and brought her in as well. She was terrific.

Karen Thompson was able to talk with them as well, so we have that audio--I'm so glad that worked out.

And they wanted to know about young people making lace, so I pointed them to LaceTok! They found several bits of audio there to use as well. [I didn't tell them that was a local thing, it just got twisted a little there].

I wish I had more time to explain our work on the mobile exhibit, but that's ok--anyone looking for Ipswich lace will find us now and we can spread the word in other ways. It was still great to raise the profile of this lace and have a way for people to find out more.

If you want to see some of the things we talked about--like Alexander Hamilton's papers and the sample lace, start here: Ipswich Lace at Wikipedia.

NPR segment on Ipswich lace!!!

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 22:42:27 GMT

The Boston NPR station, WBUR, has a local show called RadioBoston. They have a relatively new segment called "Hidden History", and Mary Mangen pitched to them the Ipswich Lace story this past April.

They have been pre-interviewing and researching it, and they have decided to run with it next Tuesday (July 19). So (assuming no breaking news or something wild), they will have someone from the Ipswich Museum and Mary to talk about Ipswich lace. (We offered them Karen Thompson and she did talk with them during the background research, but they wanted someone local, I guess!) Mary will be bringing in her samples to the studio so they can have a look as well. Hopefully they'll post some photos with the story.

11am ET is the live version, and they typically replay the show at 3pm. But it should be stored long-term and accessible later.

https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/radioboston They have a stream option so you don't have to be in the radio range.

It's all because of our project to raise the profile of Ipswich lace. It's working!

Eastern MA Delivery of Entries to Big E

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 21:04:12 GMT

This is just to reassure lacemakers in the Eastern MA area that once again Sharon Sacco and I will be driving out to Springfield on Sept. 7 to deliver entries to the BigE lace competition. So finish up those UFOs and plan on getting them to us by the preceding weekend! Entry forms and other information can be found on the BigE website. (We will also deliver entries to other departments as well.)

Happy lacemaking!

Workshop with Kumiko Nakazaki in the fall

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 13:28:43 GMT

I will be hosting Kumiko Nakazaki’s workshop from 9/22 to 9/26. She can teach Binche, Flanders Lace, Bruges Flower Lace, Paris Lace, Rosaline Lace, and Duchess Lace. Please e-mail me if you are interested. You can take 5 days or 3 days workshop. I highly recommend to take 5 days workshop for Binche Lace. Hope some of you can attend.

"What will you do with that?" Festival theme

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 19:49:44 GMT

I laughed.

The 40th Idrija lace festival in Slovenia. I know we aren't going. But I still thought it was interesting to see celebrations of lace out there.

International Lace Day 6/26/22

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 23:37:02 GMT

International Lace Day, the Facebook group, is organizing the lace day. We get together, make lace, take pictures, and post on Facebook. I have registered for the event and have blank copies of the badges. Anyone interested in joining me between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on 6/26? Please contact me at traysumiko@gmail.com or send me text message at 704-501-7923. I live in Woodbridge, near New Haven.

Funeral for Doris Schick - July 2, 2022

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:23:51 GMT

Hello everyone

The funeral for NELG founding member, Doris Schick, will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 2 at South Congregational Church, 949 Main Street, South Glastonbury, CT 06073.

Jill

ONLY THE CLOTHES ON HER BACK: CLOTHING AND THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF POWER IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 00:27:38 GMT

Massachusetts Historical Society talk

I have no idea if it will touch on lace. But I'm curious. These talks are typically very high quality.

Via tweet:

Hybrid event next Monday 6 pm EDT (USA): virtual=free: author of ONLY THE CLOTHES ON HER BACK: CLOTHING AND THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF POWER IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Laura F. Edwards, Princeton, in conversation with Christine Desan, Harvard

Registration link

Shaker Village lace

Fri, 27 May 2022 19:48:04 GMT

Listening to the local NPR today, a curator from a new exhibit at the Hancock Shaker village talked about the new installation that they have, which includes something about European lace. But I wasn't quite clear on what it was.

What I found at the Shaker site:

Another highlight of her work in the exhibition are video projections of her magnum opus Thread Routes (2010–) and its companion series Thread Routes—Lightwaves (2010–) in the Round Stone Barn. The second of this six-episode-series film, which focuses on European lacemaking, will illuminate inside this iconic building, stitching together the light and the dark.

It was during this interview at WBUR, RadioBoston.

Edit to add: I found a video that sounds like bobbins...

https://vimeo.com/196488170

NORTHERN THREADS SERIES A Talk with Ned Lazaro Looming Trends:18th-Century Patterned Silks in New England

Mon, 23 May 2022 20:55:09 GMT

Hi folks: I know it's not lace, but 2 things about Ned.

1. We recently asked him to look at a pillow in his collection that looks like an Ipswich bolster. We can't tell--but it has the right circumference. Anyway, so he's been made aware of Ipswich lace. American ? lace pillow.

2. The Maine Historical folks that have the wonderful Zilpah cape that we want to use on our poster just made me aware of their upcoming talks. And they also asked us for one on our project! So I'd like to see one of theirs to know what might be the right content for them. Zilpah cape, if you haven't seen it already:

Anyway, over at this link you can register for Ned's zoom event on 18th century silks. Wednesday, June 1, 7:00 – 8:00 pm

https://www.mainehistory.org/programs_events.shtml

RIP Doris Schick

Tue, 17 May 2022 00:50:52 GMT

Here is a message from Doris' daughter, Jennifer:

My mom, Doris Virginia Schick, passed away peacefully this morning between 4:30am and 530am mst. Mom was one of those pure souls put on this earth. I feel so blessed to not only have known her, but that I was lucky enough to have her as my mother. She was artist, adventurer and caregiver with a wonderful sense of humor and perspective on life. She loved me unconditionally. Her smile was like no other and even when she couldn’t talk these last few years due to her worsening dementia, she always knew us, embraced us and connected with everyone around her with her lovely spirit. She fought tirelessly to connect with everyone until the very end. I will love you forever momma.

She was a very special person who will be sorely missed by all who loved her.

HALI virtual textile fair

Mon, 16 May 2022 22:19:06 GMT

Doesn't look like much lace-related stuff, but I know there are a lot of folks in this group who also do weaving and have other textile interests as well.

The virtual fair returns, focused exclusively on extraordinary antique rugs and textiles from around the globe. Hosted by HALI—the world’s leading magazine on antique rugs and textiles... Find out more: https://hali-fair.com/

If anyone spots lace-related stuff, post it. I haven't had time to look through the whole thing yet.

EU craft project includes bobbin and needle lace

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 02:49:57 GMT

Ready, set, go: enriching and promoting crafts with the CRAFTED project

CRAFTED - a Europeana Generic Services project - aims to support the transfer of European crafts to future generations by aggregating, enriching and promoting tangible crafts heritage.

....

The first CRAFTED blog highlights our love for crafts: Lace, a Labour of Love explores the history and influence of lacecraft throughout the ages. If you can't get enough of lace, you can also peruse two related galleries: showcases of Bobbin Lace and Needle Lace.

Unexpected passing of David Springett

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 15:44:28 GMT

It is with much sadness that the Springett family announce the sudden and unexpected passing of David Springett on Sunday, April 3rd. David's illustrious career in wood turning, spanning over 40 years, left an impression on so many within the lace making community, and we are thankful to you for the outpouring of condolences we have received.

As a family, we are devastated, and adjusting to a life without David's sharp wit and unending kindness is not something we look forward to.

Details of the funeral will be announced in due course. For those wishing to make a donation in David's memory, can we suggest that contributions be made to the British Heart Foundation.

Many thanks for your support at this time
Nadine Springett (David's daughter in law)

Historical societies should be encouraged to do this: Pop up exhibitions

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 18:50:45 GMT

They gave a table for people to show off their collections of things, or their hobby. One of the people displayed bobbin lace.

This is the kind of thing I'm hoping that we'll be able to do with the Ipswich exhibit around New England.

Collectors strut their stuff at 'Pop-up exhibits' at museum

Julie McKenna displayed bobbin lace.

“This is a lost art,” she said, adding she was excited at the chance to display stuff.

She said she would like to see more exhibits and give the collectors more time to show their stuff.

Hallmark show on lace veil (Burano), also War Lace talk

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 19:24:24 GMT

Just wanted to capture these 2 recent programs about lace while I was thinking of them.

Hallmark show on a lace veil with special powers, includes scenes of lace making and Burano Italy: The Wedding Veil Trilogy Parade Magazine.

A Successful Humanitarian Story Hidden in Belgian War Lace of 1914-1918, Hoover Presidential Foundation talk with Evelyn McMillan. [goes to YouTube]

My evangelism is working....

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 21:59:14 GMT

I have lured another one to lace making. This is the archaeologist for the city of Boston, who I've been bugging about the bobbins in Paul Revere's privy.

He's making lace now.

https://twitter.com/idigboston/status/1492980730758152204

Sad news - Susie Johnson

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 13:15:56 GMT

We learned yesterday that our beloved friend, lace maker, and teacher Susie Johnson died in her sleep on Saturday night. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. More details will follow as they become available.

Jill

Louise Colgan online class

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 02:05:44 GMT

I received an email from the Lost Art Lacers saying that they have a few spots open in an online class with Louise Colgan:

Would you know of any NELG members who might be interested in taking a virtual class in Milanese with Louise Colgan?
It is 12 hours (1:00 - 5:00 PM, Eastern time) on Friday through Sunday, March 11-13 for $150.00.

Contact Pat Morris if interested: lacemaker.pat@gmail.com

Coming Soon: New Home for laceioli!

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 03:52:47 GMT

I just happened to go over there today, and spotted this announcement.

As many of you know, last summer we had to combine the old NeedleLaceTalk site with this site due to the rising costs of Web hosting on ning.com. Those costs are about to go up again, so we have found a new home. We have purchased a new domain which will be hosted on Epik.com. Not only is the cost much more affordable for us, we will have much more control over the look and feel of the site and will be able to have content that just isn't feasible (or even possible) here. The new site is at www.laceioli.org - be sure to bookmark it and be checking back as we move content from here to the new site.

Dorset Buttons puzzle

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 17:40:31 GMT

In honor of our upcoming monthly meeting where we learn to make Dorset Buttons, spend some time examining these lovely buttons from a puzzle that I found while looking for other lace things.

Button puzzle at GinaB Silkworks

"Lace is at stake!"

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:05:28 GMT

A friend on Twitter just found this utterly hilarious clip, with everything. Antique lace, a nuisance cat, and every line is a gem.

https://youtu.be/uRyK8j8Dss0

And those are very good caps.

Have a good laugh, and stay safe everyone.

Mimi Prober uses antique lace in her clothing

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 13:33:21 GMT

I was listening to a podcast today, called "Dressed: History of Fashion". They interview people on a range of topics, some are current designers, some are film costumers, some are historians, etc.

This particular interview was with Mimi Prober, who is apparently using some antique lace in her designs. I can't link to that specific episode, but there are 2 parts. What I heard so far was part 1, in the middle they talk about the lace part.

I went to her site to see what her stuff looks like: Mimi Prober Campaign.

I don't know how deep she is on it, but it's nice to see appreciation for the old textiles and see them get new life. And she did appreciate the hand-work of them.

Mimi Prober on Instagram

Dressed Podcast on Instagram

Gilded lace as jewelry

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 17:13:12 GMT

What an interesting and lovely idea. This woman on the islands takes antique and vintage pieces and dips them in metal plating. I love the idea of preserving some special items like wedding dress lace this way.

Gilded lace

Monika Knutsson creates jewelry — and heirlooms — from vintage lace.

https://www.mvtimes.com/2021/11/08/gilded-lace/

Her website: https://monikaknutsson.com/

Lace End-to-End, Nottingham lecture series

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:24:16 GMT

Just spotted this announcement on twitter:

Ruth Mather says:

Really excited to launch this new online seminar series next week - Lace End-to-End, covering the global history of lace from raw materials to heritage. Please come along! Last Tues of most months, 12 -1pm GMT.

Here is the link to the list of upcoming talks.

https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/events/upcoming-events?&query=end-to-end

Deep River Lace Company, CT

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 23:17:18 GMT

I was trying to find something else in the Connecticut Historical Society archives, and came across this image of the workmen (and that woman photobombing in the back corner) of the Deep River Lace Company.

http://emuseum.chs.org/emuseum/objects/15588/workers-at-deep-river-lace-company

To see what else was out there about Deep River Lace, I just quickly searched and found this article in the NYT archives:

Lace Factory And Artistry Of Old World Quietly Fade

Talks about a lot of old Leavers equipment and a style called "Rachel lace". Interesting tidbit about the Leaver's machines:

"But it is not entirely dying out. Each of the six huge machines from the Deep River shop weighs 16 tons and stands 9 feet 6 inches tall--a design essentially unchanged from the prototype built by John Leavers, an English lace worker, in 1813. But they are not being decommissioned. Instead the machines will be shipped to Calais, France, where the old ways of lace-making still hold sway and eager apprentices can be found."

The NYT article also references a bit about a similar mill in Rhode Island, "Rhode Island Lace Works in West Barrington" also to close soon, in August of 1990.

Has anyone ever researched any of this? Are there some old newsletter pieces or any local scholars of this around?

1880s lace sampler, antique show

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 19:00:28 GMT

A dress historian that I follow on twitter spotted this large and unusual sampler that I thought might interest some of the folks in our group.

Tweet: https://twitter.com/AldenBrien/status/1446533325368217604

@AldenBrien The Deerfield (MA) antiques show is online and I love this enormous long "sampler" of crochet, lace, and tatting designs. What a wall hanging it would make! #crochettwt #textiles

And the link to the actual item if you want to check it out: 1880s Crochet Lace Tatting Textile Sample Boards

https://adadealers.com/antiques/index.php?page=out&id=13097&cid=333

Not Your Grandmother’s Doilies: New Exhibition Explores the History of Lace

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 02:09:13 GMT

A nice story about the MoMu exhibition: P.LACE.S

Across five locations in Antwerp, the ModeMuseum shows how the delicate, weblike fabric became a staple of art, craft, fashion, and commerce.

Ipswich lace gets a mention in a new history book

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 18:35:07 GMT

I just got a copy of "Travels with George" by Nathaniel Philbrick. He did a sort of travelogue to revisit the route that George Washington took around the early US. This included Ipswich, of course, and I was wondering if he would talk about the lace.

We got a paragraph about it, mentioning that George did purchase some and that Martha wore it on her shawl. So more people will at least hear about the lace! I feel some momentum on this topic these days....

And then I realized not everyone might know about the video of Martha's shawl by the Mount Vernon folks. But they also have a couple of other samples in their archives.

Mount Vernon blog post: Lavish Lace.

Shawl video: RARE LOOK: Martha Washington's Shawl

Review of the Philbrick book in the NYT recently: George Washington Slept Here? Then So Will Nathaniel Philbrick.

Update for Lost Art Lacers Weekend in November

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 22:22:15 GMT

As of now in this CoVid Delta variant surge, Holly and Gerry are not coming down to vend. Gerry is immunocompromised. If the CoVid numbers improve, they will be down. But in the meantime, Holly is willing to do one large shipment to Pat’s address in time for the lace weekend. (Class specific needs are listed at the end of this message.) Holly is willing to take orders over the phone, 607-277-0498, or do a Zoom meeting with you and show you supplies. Of course, her website, http://www.vansciverbobbinlace.com, is quite complete. You arrange payment with Holly, excluding shipping, and Pat will divide the shipping costs among you when you pick up your things. A deadline of 10/12 should insure delivery well in time for Lace Day.

We’re sorry that Kenn will not be with us this time.

MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED. Anyone without a mask will not gain entrance.

Food – for Saturday, please bring a bag lunch. We will provide water, coffee, and tea, and individually packaged snacks. For Sunday and Monday classes, we will have individually packaged catered food.

Supply lists:

Carolyn - Taste of Needle lace

Required Materials

Threads: Lizbeth size 40 tatting cotton or equivalent. 1-3 (light – _medium) colors. Sewing thread, any color (this will be removed from the finished lace)

Needles: Tapestry #24 (large eye, blunt tip). Sharp sewing needle #8 or 9.

Miscellaneous Supplies

1. small sharp scissors for thread

2. scissors for cutting paper

3. pricker or needle vice+needle

4. portable light

5. magnifier if needed

6. thimble

7. tweezers or forceps

Carolyn – Armenian Knotted Lace

Required Materials

Students should bring these items to class:

1. Size 40 or 50 cotton cordonnet thread, e.g., Lizbeth 40, in a light or medium color

2. Several embroidery needles size 5 or close to 5. Embroidery needles have a sharp point and an elongated eye, and are also called crewel needles. I like to get the mixed size packages, e.g., sizes 3-9 or 5-10 so I can test for the best size for the thread.

3. Optional but really helpful are a few size 24 tapestry needles

4. Small sharp scissors

5. Magnifier and light if you need them for handwork

Optional if you want to start on a larger project in class:

1. Handkerchief blank or other item on which you want to add a lace edging

2. Smooth cotton thread in a size appropriate for your item. You should get comfortable with cotton before you try silk or polyester threads.

3. An embroidery needle of a good size for the thread you are using

I use DMC or Lizbeth size 80 thread with a size 8 embroidery needle and size 26 tapestry needle for the Irish linen handkerchief blanks that are commonly available from vendors.

Allie – Idrija

Thread available from Designs by Marguccio, who is vending.

For necklace, 3 small pearls or beads with holes through center.

Pat – Flanders

Egyptian Cotton thread size 70, a DMC gimp size 25

Karey - Tatting

Has supplies as vendor

Video tour of Erewash's Legacy of Lace exhibition

Sun, 12 Sep 2021 13:37:34 GMT

Found via Instagram.

Direct link: https://youtu.be/E4VskZNToWY

Attempted embedding: [alas, looked right in preview and then didn't display for me]

Magazine Antiques, new issue--has "dressed miniatures" piece

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 17:35:27 GMT

Although we broke the story of the discovery of that new piece of Ipswich Lace on a "dressed miniature" in our newsletter last time--there is a larger, luscious story about the Way sisters and their work in the current issue of Magazine Antiques. It is not online yet (although it looks like they put them up eventually). This one does not emphasize the lace, but it shows it on Sarah Sage at a nice size and high quality image.

https://www.themagazineantiques.com/magazine-september-october-2021/

Dressed for Success

The evolution of artistic recognition and appreciation for early American miniaturists Mary Way and Betsey Way Champlain

By Brian Ehrlich.

I have a hard copy--but it might be a nice thing to have for some of the folks who will demo Ipswich lace at some point as well. I don't know how hard it is to get paper copies of magazines anymore, I rarely try. But should you want one, the window may be small.

Mundillo lace exhibit, Haverhill MA

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 18:11:49 GMT

From The Boston Globe today:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/09/01/metro/mundillo-lace-joyful-fund-raiser-farm-fresh-food/

Haverhill resident Graciela Trilla won the Buttonwoods Museum’s annual “Curate your own Exhibit” competition. Trilla’s winning exhibit features her family’s collection of art by Puerto Rican artists from the 1950s. The bilingual exhibit titled “La Generación de los Cincuentas,” which translates to “The Generation of the ‘50s,” features 26 pieces created in a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, posters, and traditional Puerto Rican mundillo textiles. Additionally, the exhibit will feature a mundillo wheel — used for making traditional bobbin lace — on loan from Puerto Rico’s Museo de Mundillo. Buttonwoods, located at 240 Water St. in Haverhill, is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, $3 for children, and children under 5 free. The exhibit, which also will include ceramic pieces by Puerto Rican artist Atlas Moon Rodriguez Decker, will run Sept. 8 through Oct. 30. A reception is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, email info@buttonwoods.org

Eastern MA BigE Entries - We deliver!

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 15:57:41 GMT

Sharon Sacco and I are prepared to deliver BigE entries to West Springfield on the submission day of Sept. 7. If you would like your entry to go with us, please get it/them to us by the weekend of Sept. 4-5. You must have already registered your entries and they must have the entry tags attached. Please feel free to contact either of us regarding delivery and any questions you may have. We hope to see a lot of lace items! (We will also take items for other departments too.)

Bryce

Lost Art Lacers Lace Day in November

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:57:45 GMT

With faith that the pandemic will ease up enough to allow lace activities to resume, the Lost Art Lacers have scheduled their Lace Day and Classes to be held Saturday through Monday, November 6^th to 8^th, 2021. A flyer will be posted soon on their website, www.lostartlacers.org, and sent out to their mailing list.

Note: Our own Carolyn Wetzel is one of the teachers!

Big lace on buildings

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 18:37:31 GMT

I wonder if Ipswich has any walls they aren't using....

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2021/08/nespoon-lace-murals/

IOLI lace study box for retreat?

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 01:17:39 GMT

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.

Zeeland lace makers in a 1919 colorized film

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 14:21:46 GMT

A friend of mine spotted this gem in a longer film. I tried to get the code to start at the lacemakers part, but if you don't jump to that point it is about 9-10 minutes in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEFXq4GWIf8&t=587s

International Lace Day

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 17:31:10 GMT

Nice to see a story about all the different artistic opportunities and organizations around lace-making, told through this woman's experiences.

https://www.chetekalert.com/news/article_08f2e698-df4a-11eb-9d88-0787f32a3fd6.html

Dagmar Beckel-Machychova, a fiber artist who specializes in lacemaking, will be giving a lacemaking demonstration at Hope & Anchor Coffeehouse on Saturday, July 10, for international lace day.

Sad news

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 14:02:00 GMT

I am sad to announce that our webmistress, Jill Hawkins, lost her husband the night before last. While I do not know her plans, this blog is a way for members to express their sympathies. While I know there is nothing I can personally do to make this go away, the best I can do is to express my sympathies as a means of comfort. So on that I hope that she keeps all the good memories of her husband.

Louise West's bobbins

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 14:43:47 GMT

Jeremy Nicholas interviewed Louise West about her bobbin collection. The short video is fun to watch. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59x3Fdmh_rY

Puerto Rican Artisan Wins the National Hispanic Fellowship Award |

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 22:07:53 GMT

Lovely item about an artisan of mundillo. What style is that like?

"At 95 years old, and with a long career in the Puerto Rican arts, particularly in mundillo, Mrs. Nellie is worthy of this important award and distinction. We thank you and congratulate you for promoting this beautiful art that represents our history, culture and tradition," said Gov. Pedro Pierluisi.

https://www.theweeklyjournal.com/lifestyle/puerto-rican-artisan-wins-the-national-hispanic-fellowship-award/article_19089a9c-ce0f-11eb-9700-bb1a7b457b4b.html

Minnesota artist finds new ways to look at old lace in show at American Swedish Institute

Sat, 29 May 2021 18:47:38 GMT

Just an item that came up in a Google alert today.

https://news.yahoo.com/minnesota-artist-finds-ways-look-183800898.html

Limerick lace talk | May 26, 11ET

Mon, 10 May 2021 12:35:15 GMT

Just spotted on twitter. Here is the tweet for reference: https://twitter.com/LimerickLace/status/1391731307722461188

Zooming in to Limerick Lace | 4pm ET US, Wed May 26

https://www.limerick.ie/discover/whats-on/zooming-limerick-lace

Overview of Limerick Lace including brief history, guide to online resources available -website, facebook page, information on lace making classes in Limerick, latest acquisitions by Limerick Museum.

LaceTok is luring new lacers!

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 13:19:44 GMT

Not sure if a youtube will embed here, but here's the link to evidence of the reach of TikTok for lace.

But there was also talk at a recent monthly meeting about someone's nice Youtube channel: who was that, does anyone recall? I'd like to add it to the newsletter.

I Tried Bobbin Lacemaking for a Week and This is What Happened

https://youtu.be/XLaCOYWjQ10

Celebration of life for Lies Stolk

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 13:39:47 GMT

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Lies Stolk on Saturday, April 24 at 2pm at the New Hope Chapel in Westborough, MA.

Jill

Threads: a puzzle

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:20:59 GMT

150 Threads

I was looking through some old photos today for something else, and I decided to turn this photo from my first retreat in 2019 into a puzzle. If anyone likes puzzles, they can do it on the website in larger form.

It is a thread bin from the Van Sciver display room.

Collection of Irish lace dresses, panels and veils

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:42:07 GMT

NELG member Diana Wagner wanted to share this interesting article with members: https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/rosemary-cathcart-lace

Rosemary Cathcart’s passion for antique Irish lace and its history led her to spend decades acquiring the finest examples. Her fairy-tale collection is showcased in her home in a village in Northern Ireland, where her business Sheelin Lace is based.

New Lace Publication from Katia Karpenko

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 20:19:29 GMT

I received this email and thought readers might be interested in this publication.

As many of you know, we now publish a new lace and arts magazine: Masters & Makers. We are grateful to our subscribers for making last year possible! We have now updated our website with a new subscription for 2021. Postal services are now cheaper to many of you because we mail from Germany.

If you would like to subscribe, we invite you to do so here:

https://mastersmakers.com/products/full-subscription-for-2021

Sending you our best wishes for a good year!

With kind regards,

Katia Karpenko

Editor at Masters & Makers

Sad news - Lies Stolk

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 13:49:00 GMT

It is with tremendous sadness that I inform you that Lies Stolk passed away Monday night in her sleep. Lies was a friend and teacher to many of us, and offered support and encouragement to everyone she met.

I encourage you to share your reminisces of Lies here on the blog, and I will share them with her daughter Marian.

Jill

Inspiration for the New Year?

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 16:02:28 GMT

Our friend and former NELG president Patty posted this link to an article on an Australian lace maker who is exploring new possibilities. See: https://www.bobbinlace.org/blog/recycle-lace-art-mary-elizabeth-barron-australian-lace-maker

New Wikipedia page on Ipswich Lace created

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 13:22:42 GMT

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipswich_lace

I have worked with Karen Thompson to create a new Wikipedia page for Ipswich lace. There was none at all, prior to this.

I was spurred to this by a current edit-a-thon https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wiki_Loves_Fashion. This meant that I could get some help with the editing features that I didn't know, and that it might get wider reach than if I just hacked on something on my own. People were super nice to help me out.

But I have looked at a lot of other lace-related pages because of this, and there are many that are quite sparse. If anyone has some suggestions and citations for your favorite lace, I'd be happy to use my new skills on some of that. It doesn't have to be now, it's just more visible during the edit-a-thon.

Mary

Elena Kanagy-Loux's collar for Ruth Bader Ginsberg

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 21:37:15 GMT

This story was posted by Elena Kanagy-Loux to Instagram. Teen Vogue has a story on lace! And it's Elena's lace for a Columbia University special anniversary event for RBG.

It's a lovely story.

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/elena-kanagy-loux-ruth-bader-ginsburg-lace-collar

Ipwsich lace class will run again, October 2020

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 18:38:26 GMT

Hello local lacers--

If you were interested in picking up tips on the Ipswich lace history and structure, Karen Thompson will be running another class.

Here's her Instagram announcement of that: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFKQWnjFGo5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I was pretty pleased with the way the first online workshop went. I wasn't sure sure it would work, since I'm relatively new to this, but I definitely made progress on Ipswich lace. I was worried that it would be a long time before we could do workshops again, but it ended up going well and possibly sooner than I would have had to wait for in person.

Lace hearts

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 23:32:27 GMT

Can anyone point me in the direction of a bobbin lace heart pattern/book?

i would like to make some for Xmas presents. Have been practicing lacemaking for 18 months now. Worked through a Torchon book and currently working on Beds - just to give an idea of level of capability.

Thanks

Kara's talk for IOLI, Sat Aug 15, 3 ET | Zero-Waste through Bobbin Lace

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 01:27:12 GMT

She may have a post herself at some point, but I wanted to be sure to get this on to your calendars in case she doesn't have a login here.

Kara and I were in Jill's intro to bobbin lace class together, and I am in awe at what she is doing to take lace into the future.

It says it will be on facebook and IOLI Zoom, but I don't have links for those.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtVVZfMNhZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lace is having a moment: Dior highlights Tombolo

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 03:15:39 GMT

I have an alert set up for bobbin lace news, and usually it has not much more than the monthly meetings of local groups at a library.

I was surprised to see this piece about Dior come up. Lovely stuff. The story includes a video, I'm not sure I can embed it.

https://youtu.be/w3pK57hsAFM

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/dior-used-extremely-rare-technique-165446355.html

In this collection, for example, butterfly embellishments were made using Tombolo-style embroidery. Tombolo lace, which dates back to the 15th century, is created using a special, extremely meticulous technique, and is an important part of the region's heritage.

Big E Sad News

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 22:29:01 GMT

Alas, the Big E has announced that there will be no fair this year. While it is so important for public health, we will miss it. We hope that we will be able to go in 2021. For more details see thebige.com.

Ipswich lace course online early this July

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 13:32:13 GMT

Since I found out about the existence of Ipswich lace, I have been obsessed with it. I scour through museum archives to find examples. I've looked through Abigail Adams' letters to see what lace she bought (can't tell). Have searched colonial newspapers for ads (not clear).

My lace goals included skilling up enough to make quantities of it for my reenactor kit. Of course, now that workshops are cancelled, I thought that was unlikely.

But after our meeting yesterday, I went to The Lace Museum to look for those IOLI pins we discussed, and saw their workshop list included Ipswich lace! I'm so pleased. Thanks for the pointer to whoever that was.

https://thelacemuseum.org/workshops.html#

For those who might not know the backstory on Ipswich lace, here's a nice item from the Smithsonian. It was written by Karen Thompson, who will offer the workshop.

https://americanhistory.si.edu/node/47313

Original FLanders Lace Competition sponsored by the Kantcentrum in Brugge in 2021

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 16:15:16 GMT

The following link will provide you with all of the information about the competition. I hope some might find this of interest and enter. Margaret Susans was NELG's first teacher of Flanders in the 1980's.

https://www.kantcentrum.eu/en/competition-flanders-lace

Big E update

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 16:38:38 GMT

I was curious about what would happen to the Big E this year given how much has been cancelled due to the corona virus. Here is an article about that topic from the Hartford Courant :

https://www.courant.com/coronavirus/hc-news-coronavirus-big-e-agricultural-fairs-20200515-4scdqlhhlvejbncho3oqc3gt4u-story.html

Given that they are not state supported, I hope that this virus settles down by mid-September since it will be a terrible hardship for them otherwise.

In the mean time I plan to put together some lace for them to exhibit, assuming that it may go on as planned. I hope that other NELG members will also do the same.

Digital lace collection resource

Fri, 29 May 2020 18:47:32 GMT

Since we can't go on any field trips like the Gardner Museum for a while, I was taking a look through the state of MA digital archives today. I was impressed to find some old lace texts, but I particularly enjoyed looking through these historical lace samples in the Clark University collection.

https://digital.clarkart.edu/digital/collection/p16245coll1/id/101333

I found the "book view" version to be most helpful.

My source was DigitalCommons, which is where I found a bunch of the other old texts. https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search_field=all_fields&q=lace

NELG Virtual Retreat

Thu, 14 May 2020 12:39:29 GMT

Since we cannot meet in person at NELG Retreat, we'll be having a Virtual Retreat in Place on Saturday, May 16 from 11am to 3pm. Drop by to make some lace and visit with friends! There is no set program.

The meeting will be left open all day, so please join whenever it's convenient. You are also free to drop in and out; simply use the same link to rejoin the meeting.

Members will have received the link to the event via email. If you did not get the email and would like to join please contact us at nelginfo@gmail.com.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Jill

Ithaca Lace Day 2020 cancelled

Mon, 11 May 2020 14:08:21 GMT

Holly Van Sciver shared the news that this year's Ithaca Lace Day is cancelled.

"It is with great disappointment that the FLLG has voted to cancel our 40th Annual 2020 Ithaca Lace Day and rescheduled it for Columbus Day weekend 2021. As much as we are all anxious to celebrate with each other, given the uncertainty about a second wave of coronavirus coming in the fall, along with the demographic and nature of our event, we feel that we cannot assure our attendees and teachers a safe event.

The good news is that we will have another year to plan and celebrate our event's 40th anniversary with joy instead of angst."

Coping with the times

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 16:56:24 GMT

I hope everyone is staying safe. While our retreat in May has been cancelled, I am wondering what everyone is doing. For myself, I am working on the carp-dragon piece I started in 2012. I suspect that I will finish it this time. What I love about this piece, aside from the design, is that it takes a lot of problem solving. The order of the bobbins is fairly complicated, so it takes some concentration.

So what are you doing to cope with this social distancing that is fiber related? Are you working on an interesting (to you) piece of lace? Are you sewing something? We would love to hear what you are doing that is fiber related now.

Sad news of Carolyn Samonds

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 17:26:18 GMT

Long-time NELG member Carloyn Samonds, passed away on Friday, March 6. You can find her obituary and also sign the guest register on the Douglass Funeral Services website: https://douglassfuneral.com/wp-content/plugins/funeralworks_obituary_plugin/ajax-obituary2.php?Counter=1975&mn=25#guestbook

Jill

Tatting blog by Lilas Joublot

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 14:48:42 GMT

I have looked at a lot of tatting blogs over the years. They all have their interest, but many of them seem to fade over time. I found Lilas's blog yesterday. She does write tatting books and sells patterns. But even if you aren't interested in the commercial part, the blog is well worth looking at. (Okay, so I admire anyone who decides to tat with sewing thread.) You can find her blog at http://lilas-lace.fr/ . It is both in English and French.

Lacework murals by Polish street artist NeSpoon

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 12:52:04 GMT

Interesting article about NeSpoon - a street artist who spray paints lace designs onto various structures to beautify areas and preserve and celebrate lace patterns popular in particular places.

You can see more of her work on her portfolio page at https://www.behance.net/NeSpoon.

Jill

Lace collection in the Smithsonian American History Museum now online

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 18:01:05 GMT

Some of the lace collection in the Smithsonian American History Museum is now online and more will be coming. Click on individual pieces to learn more.

Enjoy!

Jill

Beginning bobbin lace class in May

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 19:47:54 GMT

If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning how to make bobbin lace, there will be a beginner class at the NELG retreat in May in North Andover, MA. This class is subsidized 50% by NELG, so is a really good deal.

For more information, please visit the Calendar page.

Lace in Wikipedia

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 19:48:40 GMT

There was an interesting discussion today on the dearth of lace information in Wikipedia. I noticed this when I was trying to learn the history and styles as well.

Maybe there's an edit-a-thon that could be organized somehow. Add some great photos. This would be a way to introduce new people to the hobby and connect them with the organizations.

Twitter thread [no pun intended] starts here:

https://twitter.com/GretchenAMcC/status/1227060591350566912

Every so often, you end up down a Wikipedia rabbit hole that reminds you how Wikipedia's editorship being 85-90% male creates huge content gaps for certain topics, especially those more typically associated with women Today's example: Battenberg lace

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battenberg_lace

Schick family news

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 12:48:12 GMT

There will be a memorial service this Saturday, February 8 for the husband of founding member, Doris Schick. The service will be at 10:30am at South Glastonbury Congregational Church, Glastonbury, CT with refreshments to follow.

Bill Schick passed away in early December. Here is the link to his obiturary: https://www.courant.com/obituaries/hc-obituary-charles-william-schick-20191212-story.html

Unfortunately, I am unable to attend, but it would be great if someone from NELG is able to get there to meet the family and get some news of Doris and to let her know that we miss here at NELG.

Jill

Agnes Herczeg - Modern Needlelace

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 20:27:04 GMT

Wini Blacklow put me onto this wonderful artist in needlelace/mixed media. Take a look: truly inspirational use of traditional materials! You don't have to do needlelace to enjoy them.

Planning for the New Year

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 18:40:16 GMT

It's that time of year again, the beginning of the New Year. The crazy shopping, decorating, and entertaining has finally calmed down. Your holiday guests have likely returned to their normal lives at home. Hopefully you now have a little time to breath.

I'm not really a big fan of New Years resolutions. Most of them fall by the wayside by the end of the month if I believe the smaller crowds at the gym then. However, I do regard finishing the obligations of the holidays a good time to look at what I am doing and plan ahead.

One thing I am determined is to finish at least one lingering bobbin lace project on a pillow. There are so many to choose from, which is a shame. I would like to get the carp-dragon piece finished. It was started in the last Year of the Dragon. I would like to finish it before the next.

So, I encourage everyone to do the same. Is there something that you can finish? If not, is there a project that you would love to start? After all, challenging yourself is good for you! And if you do get something done, remember that you can enter it in the Big E. We would love to have a great display of lace for everyone to see.

Remembering Jeannet van Oord

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 01:48:15 GMT

Sadly, we received the news that Jeannet van Oord passed away yesterday, 9 November 2019. She was a prominent lace teacher for NELG for many years. I have met so many people who have learned from her over the years, myself included. She will be missed, but in many ways her legacy lives on. Even today, I was mentioning to some people that when someone says they use a 7-2 picot I usually find Jeannet somewhere in their backgrounds.

Jeannet once mentioned to me that she had started out as a general craft teacher. Once she discovered bobbin lace, that was the craft for her. I learned Binche from her as well as Withof. She was special.

So for her family, I send my deepest sympathies. While their grief is no doubt huge, there are also many of us who are also so sad at this time.

Lace Challenge

Sun, 03 Nov 2019 13:51:54 GMT

Lenka of Lenka's Wire Lace sent me a postcard announcing her "3rd Lace heart art International Challenge and Online Exhibition of Handmade Bobbin Lace in Colour".

Entering the challenge seems very doable and there are prizes.

https:lenkas.com/laceartheart/

Have fun and good luck!

Thank you Gardner Museum

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 14:11:26 GMT

Last Saturday, NELG's annual "road trip" was a visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston MA. I had been there several times before, so I was not expecting an exceptional visit. After all, this is a museum that has restricted its collection due to the will of Mrs. Gardner.

I really appreciated our tour. Our guide focused on a few of the paintings as well as the lace collection. What was interesting to me was that it wasn't a one way passing of information. Our group was able to pass information to the guide, so it was a conversation.

The last time I was there was before the new addition was added. It was also a time when the lace collection was not displayed for some reason. The lace is available to see now, although it is not brightly lit for conservation reasons. Having learned a thing or two about lace over time, it is a wonderful collection of lace. My guess is 18th century or earlier for most of it. Gorgeous Mechlin and Binche are there. When you look at it, you should remember that someone spun those spider-web weight linen threads by hand, as well as that someone in a blacksmith shop produced the pins by hand. Needless to say, we cannot reproduce them now.

So thank you Gardner Museum. I really enjoyed the visit.

Using the resources you have

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 15:36:46 GMT

I will blame this one on Judy since she is very interested in fans as can be seen by her lovely little fan that did so nicely in the Big E.

For those of us who get serious about lace, we tend to collect resources over the years, no matter what type of lace it is. Often we buy lace books for access to the patterns even if we know we can't make them until we learn more than we know. I know I am guilty of that many times over. We can get overwhelmed by books after a while. Typically, I will flip though a book to see if it should be added, but just a typically, I also set it aside once purchased since there are other distractions in my life. I do like to look at the pictures, but often reading the text goes on a "to do" list. But Judy's fan has reminded me that I have yet to read Claudette and Michel Bouvot's book entitled "Eventails" ("Fans"). Oh my, the pictures are great, but there is so much history there. I will enjoy reading it.

Registering for the Big E

Sun, 16 Jun 2019 15:40:47 GMT

You can now register your entries for the Big E. Registrations will be accept through 15 August. Here are the relevant links:

For information on the Department and Division go to https://d38trduahtodj3.cloudfront.net/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=TheBigE&f=2_Lace.pdf. Please note that if you have participated in the Big E before, the department number has changed, so please read this document.

Information on the competition rules, how to mail an entry, and a link to the online entry form are on https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/creative-arts. This page will also let you access the paper entry form if you choose to manually enter, as well as the entry labels. Please note that we will have people in both CT and MA who will be bringing in entries and retrieving them after the Big E is finished, so you may not need to mail your entry.

NELG will still be coordinating demonstrators. While in past years it has been a little less formal (yes, a group of us have made the decision to demonstrate based on no one else showing up on the next day), this year's rules will require preregistration by every demonstrator. You will be signing up on the NELG event calendar, but this needs to be done by 1 August.

I hope to see your entry in the display case. Please note that registering your entry is not the same as having a complete entry. The entries need to be completed before 3 September which is the day that they must be at the Big E. Yes, I have a couple of my entries started, but one has not gone beyond the design stage. I will get them done!

Plan ahead for the Big E

Thu, 02 May 2019 15:39:33 GMT

While the Big E is not quite ready for entries yet (they promise to have that part of the website active later this month), I hope that everyone is making plans for entering. Lace projects are not usually started and completed in one day. You can have up to three entries for the Big E. Entries are not limited to complicated laces. Beginners are welcome and even have their own category. I will update this blog as necessary, but please consider entering something. This is a great way to let people know that there are lacemakers out there.

Idrija lace video to watch

Sat, 30 Mar 2019 15:37:06 GMT

I watched a video on Idrija lace this morning. This is a video from UNESCO. there are a lot of short interviews with lace makers, both women and men, as well as designers. The lace patterns they are using are beautiful. While Idrija uses few bobbins and coarser thread than the continental laces, it is a beautiful lace. Here is the link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NjYtxBLocTU

Enjoy!

Want to learn bobbin lace?

Sun, 17 Mar 2019 15:08:58 GMT

With the NELG Retreat rapidly approaching, I would like to mention to anyone out there who would like to start learning bobbin lace that we will be having a beginner's class this year. This is open to anyone who would like to learn, not just NELG members. If you are interested, follow the links to the retreat details on the NELG home page. The retreat will be held in North Andover MA from May 16 - 19 2019. Registration ends on April 15.

Senegal gold jewelry

Sun, 03 Feb 2019 16:33:03 GMT

I noticed this piece on NPR this morning (https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2019/02/02/660636686/senegals-stunning-gold-jewelry-and-the-controversial-women-who-wore-it), and while it is not technically lace, it certainly reminds me of lace. This is about gold jewelry from Senegal that is worked with filigree. There is more information and pictures on the Smithsonian's website (https://africa.si.edu/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/good-as-gold-fashioning-senegalese-women/). Perhaps it will inspire lacemakers, particularly those who like to make wire lace.

Fiber Fest, Lowell MA on February 2

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 01:34:57 GMT

Just heard about this brand new event that is taking place in Lowell MA. If you're in the area, why don't you check it out?

http://millno5.com/event/mill-no-5-fiber-fest-2019/

Lace not lace exhibit catalog

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:14:54 GMT

Thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of Nancy Neff the NELG library is now the happy owner of the "Lace not Lace" catalog. This was published in conjunction with the Hunterdon Art Museum exhibit of contemporary lace organized by Devon Thein. Some of us have managed to get there; others of us wish we could. In any case, this is a lovely informative book with lots of eye candy. It is now officially listed in our library catalog and available for borrowing. (I had to read it first...) Thank you, Nancy!

--Bryce

November newsletter

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 22:58:38 GMT

Thanks Gail for another wonderful edition of the newsletter! I especially like the linked resources you had on the first page.

Jeri Ames recommends lace articles in Winter 2018 issue of PieceWork

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 03:02:34 GMT

This 26th volume, number 5 (Winter 2018) PieceWork has Point d Gaze on cover. It features needlework articles from old books and publications. A lot of lacemakers enjoy old quotes.

It has an interesting article on page 30 - The Secret in the Old Lace - about Nancy Drew and her detective adventures in Bruges, followed by instructions for two small needlelace hearts just right size to applique on clothing. My library is sufficiently open-minded that I have a 1980 edition this Nancy Drew book.

This PieceWork also has a knitting pattern on page 40 for a lacy fichu that might have been made in Louisa May Alcott's era, a wonderful lacy knit scarf on page 66, and Russian-style knitted lacy mitts on page 68. Plus, articles about women's needlework magazines of the late 19th-to-early 20th centuries have been researched in-depth and are explained. Anyone who collects Needlecraft, Priscilla, or Fancy Needlework magazines will find these articles of interest.

Fans and creativity

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 01:31:55 GMT

I found a site with many lace fans. A few of them even have closeups so you can see the details. The text is in Italian, but it is great to see so many styles of lace in fans. It is a tribute to creativity. See: http://www.fioretombolo.net/Ventagli.htm

Lace, Not Lace

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 18:10:31 GMT

Saw the Lace, Not Lace exhibit at the Hunterdon Art Museum last Saturday. It was well worth the trip. The Sea Urchins were spectacular. All of the selections were fascinating, each with its own attraction. Kudos to curator Devon!

The star of the show, though, was Lieve Jerger's Carriage of Lost Love! I'm sure it was a challenge to display, but Devon and company rose to the occasion. It is in a room by itself that is just slightly larger than the carriage, and it is lit from inside, projecting onto the white walls all of the designs! Great idea!

Enjoyed meeting some other lace makers and answering questions from other visitors when they learned that I was a lace maker (but not in the same league!). The accompanying program book was worth the investment because of the in depth stories about many of the pieces. Hope you can all get to see the exhibit!

Creative Arts winners 2018

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 19:36:58 GMT

The list of winners for this year's Creative Arts has been published by ESE and can be found here. Many congratulations to all the winners!

Jill

Sea Urchins at Hunterdon Art Museum

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 17:34:22 GMT

Please be aware that although the Lace, Not Lace exhibit runs from September 23 to January 6, the Sea Urchins will only be there for the first 2 weeks, that is, until October 7!

Please check the museum website for details.

September meeting?

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 23:18:11 GMT

Is there going to be a meeting on Saturday in addition to the demo at OSV in September? Both are on the calendar. Thanks for clarification!

Eastern MA Deliveries to Big E

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:22:26 GMT

Anyone who would like their entries delivered to the Big E should get them to me or Sharon Sacco before Labor Day, Sept. 3. Please let us know you are coming to coordinate an appropriate drop-off time. We are looking forward to bringing lots of items!

Bryce

"Lace, not Lace" at Hunterdon Art Museum

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 17:15:37 GMT

The Hunterdon Art Museum is about to open a major exhibition on contemporary lace. The exhibition, "Lace, not Lace: Contemporary Fiber Art from Lacemaking Techniques", features 41 lace works by 26 artists and includes Jin Choi + Thomas Shine's the Urchins, and Lieve Jerger's Carriage of Lost Love. The show is curated by long-time NELG member, Devon Thein.

The exhibition opens September 23, with live music, food trucks, artist talks and a special lighting of the Urchins at dusk outside on our terrace.

The detailed press release can be found here.

IOLI Convention

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 17:48:09 GMT

I just got back from the IOLI convention in San Antonio. It was a great event, and despite the heat (over 100 ^oF everyday) and some hotel glitches, I think that "a good time was had by all".

At the AGM I picked up the charter chapter gift CD and a replacement charter that has the new IOLI name on it, which I'll bring to the first meeting in September.

Hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer,

Carolyn W

Big E Deadline rapidly approaching

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 15:11:59 GMT

Just a reminder that the price for Big E entries will be increasing on 2 August. You can enter pieces that are not yet complete. I encourage all of you to enter so we have a good lace display for all to see. To enter follow the entry links on https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/325

Ithaca lace days information is out

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 19:25:36 GMT

The Finger Lakes Lace Guild has sent out the registration packets for the 38th Annual Ithaca Lace Day and Conference that will be held 5 - 8 October 2018. For more information including pictures see: http://www.vansciverbobbinlace.com/LaceDayRegDoc2018_w_pics.pdf

NELG member in May Piecework Magazine

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 20:10:21 GMT

As many of you know, the May issue of Interweave's Piecework magazine is devoted to the topic of Lace. This year's issue is no exception. One of the featured laces is Frisado de Valladolid by NELG member Carolyn Wetzel, examples of which are on the cover.

Heritage Village Lace Guild Seminar

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:06:06 GMT

I received the brochure from the Heritage Village Lace Guild for their Seminar that will be held 2 & 3 June 2018 at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village in Amherst NY. They will be offering 4 classes including Carolyn Wetzel's Frisade de Valladolid Needle Lace class and a Teneriffe Wreath class. More details including a link to the brochure can be found at http://bnhv.org/event/30th-annual-lace-seminar/ .

LOKK sampler patterns

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 02:44:41 GMT

The Dutch lace group has posted 40 edging patterns in celebration of LOKK's 40th anniversary. This is in Dutch, but language should not be a barrier. In this collection are Torchon, Point Ground (including a Tonder pattern), Binche, Flanders, Milanese, s'Gravensmorse, Russian, tape, Dutch, a spider sampler, and more. Here is the link to the page: https://www.lokk.nl/kantjevandemaand/kantjevandemaand.php . There are a range of patterns here, so beginners should not be intimidated.

Enjoy!

Smithsonian article - posted on Facebook by iloi

Sun, 18 Feb 2018 03:23:09 GMT

Great lace pictures.

https://www.si.edu/spotlight/lace-collection

Nordic Needle features NELG member

Sun, 18 Feb 2018 02:56:25 GMT

Laura Bensley found this article in a recent Nordic Needle newsletter. Mary Linden has been an active NELG member who has been our liaison to the Big E for a while. Here is a link to the article. See: https://sendy.nordicneedle.com/sendy/w/aruk31ISriYlin0ntLtBgQ

Interweave Magazine/blog - more on the Choi + Shine Lace projects

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 04:26:26 GMT

https://www.interweave.com/article/crochet/jin-choi-crochet-art/ Great article written by Dora Ohrenstein. I was interviewed for the article after we finished the Urchins and just before the Flying Mosque. Hope you enjoy reading about these large lace exhibitions. The next one will be in Scottsdale AZ and will open from November to March. Plenty of time for people to see ..... Lace is Everywhere.

IOLI Bulletin - Urchins

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 18:51:58 GMT

Hi all,

Some of you may have read an article in our NELG newsletter about my participation in the Urchin Lace project. If you haven't cracked open your IOLI Bulletin - Winter 2018 do so now. You'll find my 2 page spread on the project. https://www.facebook.com/patty.foley.395/posts/10213502793518489?pnref=story this link is to my Facebook page with pictures

You'll also find an article in the IOLI Bulletin by Devon Thein and her exhibit, Lace not Lace, that will be shown at the Hunterdon Art Museum, New Jersey in September. The museum is looking for support to enable the Urchins to be shown at that exhibit. This will be (must be a first!) an outdoor exhibit of lace in the United States. Any support you can muster would be greatly appreciated to bring the Urchins, and more importantly, a major outdoor exhibit of lace. You can help by going to https://hunterdonartmuseum.org/support-lace-fund/ - thank you in advance!

Patty

Sad news - Ginny Korz

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 18:50:32 GMT

We recently heard that Virginia (Ginny) Korz passed away on December 16, 2017, aged 80. She had recently undergone hip surgery and was recovering well. Heart issues had arisen, but were under control when she suffered a cardiac event.

A short service took place the week before Christmas. Interment and a memorial service will be held in the spring.

Ginny had been a member of NELG for many years, although she has not been active recently. Our condolences to her family.

Jill

Anny Noben-Slegers

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:59:54 GMT

Some of you may know Anny Noben-Slegers and may have attended a workshop with her at Lies' house back in the late 1908s/early 1990s.

I am sorry to say that Anny passed away on Friday, December 22 and is now teaching the angels how to make lace.

Jill

Allie Marguccio will be on public TV -ioli post

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 06:42:32 GMT

IOLI member and Idrija teacher, Allie Marguccio will be featured in a documentary filmed by public television station WPSU (Penn State University, State College, PA) titled: “Pennsylvania Folklore : Woven Together” which will air on December 21, 2017 at 8 PM (EST). The program will be available online at www.wpsu.org after the airing date. http://wpsu.psu.edu/tv/programs/pennsylvania-folklore-woven-together/

Lace Guild 2017 Advent calendar

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 22:02:07 GMT

For those who like to follow the lace in the Advent Calendar from the Lace Guild, this year's version has started. See: https://www.laceguild.org/adventcalendar . Enjoy!

Rosewood travel woes

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 14:13:29 GMT

I saw this article on musical instruments and rosewood this morning (See: https://www.npr.org/2017/11/30/566927001/the-tree-that-rocked-the-music-industry) , and I wondered if the fears of those whose cellos and guitars that have rosewood in them should also be shared with bobbin lace makers with rosewood bobbins. I knew that the availability of rosewood had diminished in recent times, but I was unaware that in some countries rosewood can be confiscated at the border. It might be best to research the regulations on rosewood for a country you might be visiting, or, even better, bring the less expensive ones with you if you are traveling internationally.

News about DMC threads

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 20:18:00 GMT

I just received an email from Jo Firth (an English supplier) which I thought I would pass along. I know most of you will not be ordering from the UK, but the information about the DMC merger/takeover is worth sharing, as is the note about Anchor Lace thread being discontinued.

"We are having trouble with certain DMC threads. DMC in the UK at least, have been taken over by a company called Blue Gem, who have merged DMC, Sirdar Wools and Wool And The Gang into one "DMC Group" and have moved operations to the Sirdar warehouse in Wakefield. This is about 30 mins away from me by car but parcels are taking longer than they did from France! (Getting better as difficulties are ironed out) However in their wisdom, they have decided not to stock certain DMC products. The ones which concern lacemaking/tatting/crochet etc are the Perle 12 in colours and Special Dentelles 80 in colours. They are only stocking white, black and ecru in these. They are not stocking Broder machine 50/2 or Variations Perle 5 in hanks. Having argued the cause for lacemaking until I am blue in the face, it has been decided that we (UK suppliers) will be able to still order these items from France, WHEN they have sorted out a method by which to do so. So please be patient and do not believe certain suppliers who are telling people that DMC have stopped production! In the meantime, I keep removing colours from the web, so even if you see the colour on the photograph, it might not be in the "available" list.

To make matters more complicated Anchor have stopped making Anchor Lace thread. So only available while stocks last."

Jill

November Anniversary Meeting

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 16:10:37 GMT

I will be bringing some photos and other NELG memorabilia with me to the November meeting. We can have a little fun looking through the years for previous events and old friends!

Thanks to all at the Windham Textile and History Museum

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 03:57:56 GMT

I would like to thank Jamie Eves and Bev York for the tour that NELG members took on Saturday. I, for one, learned from the presentations so it was well worth the trip. For those who could not come today, it is a small museum with a lot of impact.

CT Road Trip Oct. 21

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 16:09:02 GMT

I plan to be driving down from eastern MA to the Windham Textile Museum visit in CT. If anyone would like to join me, please let me know. We can arrange a convenient meetup point. It's always more fun with a few people in the car! -- Bryce

Get ready for Fiber Festival

Sun, 08 Oct 2017 03:55:57 GMT

A reminder to all that Fiber Festival is coming up 4 & 5 November. Signing up early will be helpful. See the calendar for details

Big E

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 20:24:43 GMT

Time to pick up entries already. Thank you to all who entered and all who were there to demo. Jane and her team of volunteers make the process go so smoothly. They really appreciate us sharing our beautiful pieces and talking about it too. It's worth finishing the pieces, adding careful mounting and framing . Next year be ready. Nelgbige coordinator.

Creative Arts - Big E - Prelim Results

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 12:43:19 GMT

Congratulations to everyone that entered ! Take a look for lace all through the exhibition!

http://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/creative-arts/338

Sad news - Santina Levey

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 18:30:13 GMT

If you have not already seen the news on Arachne, Santina Levey, author of the 1983 book, Lace: A History, and many other textile-related publications, passed away in late August.

To read her obituary in The (London) Times, use the following link: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thetimes-uk/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=186564968

Jill

Big E deadline

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 23:00:58 GMT

Big E entries August 2 - 15 are $10. There were less entries last year than previous years so try to complete your projects. Also, sign up to demo before the end of August so your complimentary entry and parking passes can be picked up when dropping off entries.

Ithaca Lace Day Registration is open

Sat, 08 Jul 2017 19:47:21 GMT

For those of you who eagerly anticipate the Ithaca Lace Days, the registration form is now available. You can find it online with pictures and descriptions at

http://www.vansciverbobbinlace.com/LaceDayRegDoc_2017_w_pics.pdf .

Lace Samples from Ipswich, Massachusetts, 1789-1790

Sat, 10 Jun 2017 10:33:14 GMT

Karen Thompson's much-anticipated self-published book is now available from Amazon, Holly Van Sciver and Maria Provencher. A complete book review by NELG member, Jeri Ames, is available on the Book Review pages.

Jill
Webmistress

DMC video

Fri, 26 May 2017 18:12:49 GMT

I saw this on the White Threads blog today. While it is relatively short, it does give you some idea of how DMC embroidery threads are made. The video is in French with English subtitles. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M7CtTwGo2o

New competition "Lace : Heart : Art"

Tue, 16 May 2017 11:27:19 GMT

Just announced: A new creative lace event for lacemakers worldwide sponsored by New School of Lace. This 1st International Challenge and Online Exhibition of Handmade Bobbin Lace in Colour is called "Lace : Heart : Art".

Free pattern, no entry fee, simple submission process. Submission deadline is February 14, 2018. More details at: https://lenkas.com/laceheartart/

Manidoro 2017, needlework fair

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 14:28:56 GMT

I occasionally follow a few bloggers. Yolande of Fils et Aiguilles recently attended the Manidoro 2017 (needlework fair) in Italy and posted a lot of pictures from it in her 7 April blog posting. This fair has a wide variety of needlework represented, and from a lace perspective worth the effort. There are a few pictures of Romanian lace that are impressive. I know that the beginning Romanian Lace book in the NELG library is a good way to start, but the pieces that Yolande recorded show how beautiful it can really be. While we do not often think of it this way, macrame is also a form of lace, and you can see its use there also. Beyond that I think many types of laces, including netting were represented here, although I did not notice any bobbin laces other than some Torchon and the Italian styles. On the bottom of the posting are a couple of links to larger collections from Manidoro 2017. See: http://fils-aiguilles-passion.blogspot.com/

Choi and Shine Amsterdam Lace installation

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 13:24:20 GMT

Last January we had a blog posting asking for some crochet help on this piece of art. I know for myself that I was afraid that the time table was a little too aggressive for my abilities. I don't know if anyone was able to participate.

The latest issue of Vogue Knitting arrived in my mailbox yesterday, and in it was an article on the Amsterdam installation last winter. There are a couple of links that you will find interesting. The first, http://www.choishine.com/TheLace.html, shows the installation over the canals in Amsterdam, including a video. The second, http://www.choishine.com/TheLaceMaking.html, shows the construction and the install, again with a video.

Enjoy!

IOLI Bulletin Editor needed

Fri, 07 Apr 2017 23:48:57 GMT

I received a message from IOLI that they are in great need of a new Bulletin Editor. Here is some description their needs: "... what we are looking for at the moment is someone who would be willing to deal with finding copy, dealing with advertisements, finalising the Bulletin, and liaising with the printer and mailing house. The Bulletin Editor is also an appointed officer with a position on the IOLI Board and on some IOLI committees." If you have any interest, please contact me and I will give you give you the contact information.

Luminous Lace

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 18:29:48 GMT

I don't know if any members are aware of this, but there is an exhibit of metallic lace at RISD Musem. A friend just sent me the link; it's the first I'd heard of it so I thought I'd share. Looks interesting, I'll probably be checking it out soon.

http://risdmuseum.org/art_design/exhibitions/215_luminous_lace

Heritage Village Lace Guild Seminar

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 18:21:24 GMT

Heritage Village Lace Guild will be holding their 29th Seminar in Amherst NY on June 3 & 4. They have a few classes available including Milanese Lace with Louise Colgan. If you are interested, here is the relevant web page: http://bnhv.org/event/29th-annual-lace-seminar/

Sad news: Marni Harang

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 12:01:03 GMT

I received the following sad news regarding Marni:

"To her many biking friends, some of whom she met on Women Tours rides, it is with great sorrow that I have to let you know that she passed away today, March 9th, 2017 from the results of a traumatic brain injury. Marni was severely injured in an accident on a Woman Tour ride in Moab, Utah in October of 2015. For the last 16 months she has fought to regain some of her former mental and physical abilities. Today she expended the last bit of her energy in that fight and has passed on.

Over the last 12 years, biking was one of her major passions in life. She rode whenever she got the chance and she cherished the friendships that she made on the road. I want to thank all of you who shared her road bike passion and who befriended her for your continuing support during her long battle with TBI. Many of you sent her cards and letters that I read to her. She enjoyed them all and they helped to keep her spirits up.

Over the last year, she especially treasured the quilt made from colorful biking jerseys that many of you helped to make. I will try to send individual letters to those of you who I have addresses for when things have settled down. If you would like, please make a remembrance donation in her name to either the American Cancer Society (she was a survivor), or to Planned Parenthood for their support of women's health.

Again, my thanks to all of you for being in Marni's life. Phil Harang (husband of Marni)"

Biggins patterns and thread

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 19:30:19 GMT

NELG received the following Facebook message:

"I have these 3 patterns with thread, and I no longer do bobbin lace. I'd like to pass them along to someone who could use them. Pickup appreciated, but might be able to meet up somewhere nearby (I am in Sandown NH, so Derry, Plaistow, Salem)."

They are 3 Torchon patterns from Biggins Lace (http://bigginslace.co.uk/): Clare, Natalie and one other. From experience, the patterns include starting instructions and an enlarged working diagram.

If anyone is interested, please contact me at nelginfo@gmail.com and I will pass on the inquiry.

Thanks

Jill

Urgent! Crochet help needed!

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:40:28 GMT

Post from IOLI re-posted from our Facebook page:

Choi +Shine, the creators of the wonderful lace cap that floats over the Amsterdam canal are producing a new illuminated lace artwork that will be suspended at shoulder height over the Marina Bay in Singapore as part of I Light Marina Bay, Asia’s Leading Sustainable Light Art Festival. The work will be called the Urchins and will consist of three huge sea urchins in what appears to be reticella lace but is actually large crochet. (Photos of this project cannot be made public at this time so I am posting photos of the cap which has a similar aesthetic.)

Jin Choi says, “All the motifs will be assigned specific locations on the Urchins, so once completed, you will be able to locate your own work. Our deadline is the first week of Feb., but even a small contribution would be of great help for us.”

Each motif should be 70cm x 70cm (roughly 2’-4” x 2’-4”) and they are worked with 3mm polyester rope with 5.5mm hook.

Those who are interested in helping should contact jchoi@choishine.com. The company is located in the Boston area, so due to logistical reasons, the closer to Boston that you are, the better.

Here are some helpful links.

https://amsterdamlightfestival.com/en/light-art/water-colors/the-lace/

http://choishine.com/Projects/TheLace.html

http://choishine.com/Projects/TheLaceConcept.html

http://choishine.com/Projects/TheLaceMaking.html

https://www.ilightmarinabay.sg/

Jill

IOLI Convention Information

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 02:40:57 GMT

As many of you know, the IOLI bulletins have been delayed as of late, including the winter issue. IOLI is trying to get the information on the 2017 convention out as quickly as possible. The hotel and Wednesday tour information will come shortly, but They have released the classes and registration forms. Here are the links:

Class information: https://internationalorganizationoflace.org/Conventions/2017Convention/Classes/classes.html

Registration Form: https://internationalorganizationoflace.org/Conventions/2017Convention/Registration/2017regform.pdf

Looking for room to rent

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 16:12:31 GMT

My daughter is a professional costume technician and also a lacemaker and has been a NELG member. She has a six week contract to work in Connecticut at the Hartford Stage, starting January 18th.The commute from my house in Brookline, MA is to long for a daily commute so she is looking for a room to rent for this time. If anyone of you would know of a possibility, I would greatly appreciate if you could contact me at Ewagner1@gmail.com or my phone (617)3199101. Many thanks, Elisabeth

Arachne Ornament Exchange Pictures

Sun, 18 Dec 2016 22:13:46 GMT

Those on the Arachne list organize an ornament exchange every year. Most are simple laces, but it gives you a view into how well these simple laces can be used. Jenny Brandis has posted the pictures on her site in Australia, http://brandis.com.au/arachne/2016/index.html .

Enjoy!

Lace in the News

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 15:06:10 GMT

I had the fortunate opportunity to be interviewed for an article for the Blue Muse magazine.

https://bluemusemag.com/2016/12/13/lets-make-lace-michelle-patnode/

Enjoy!

More sad news

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 15:32:06 GMT

Carolyn Hasting's husband Jeremy passed away on Dec 8. While she has not been able to attend a lot of meetings lately, Carolyn has been Vice President as well as an early web mistress in the past for NELG. Here is a link to Jeremy's obituary: http://obittree.com/obituary/us/massachusetts/clinton/philbin-comeau-funeral-home/john--slinn/2791210/

I wish to extend condolences on the behalf of NELG.

Sad news

Sun, 04 Dec 2016 15:03:19 GMT

I'm sorry to have to report that Father Stan Kolasa of Sacred Hearts Retreat Center passed away on December 2. An obituary is posted on the Sacred Hearts website.

http://www.sscc.org/wp/main/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Fr.-Stan-Obit-Pub-1.jpg

Lace in Wareham is canceled for December, but Sacred Hearts' annual Christmas Open House will be held as planned on Sunday, December 11 from 1 - 5 p.m.

Lace in Puerto Rico

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 20:27:01 GMT

Marjorie found a link to a video on lace in Puerto Rico, https://vimeo.com/21796393 . For those who may be unaware, there has been a lace tradition in Puerto Rico for a long time, and IOLI once held a convention there. I found the video well worth watching. Enjoy.

Thanks

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:26:50 GMT

Thanks, Patty F, for posting photos from the NELG booth at the New England Fiber Festival on the IOLI Facebook page! We had a great turnout of volunteers and a steady stream of visitors.

Let's lace blog

Sun, 20 Nov 2016 13:41:17 GMT

For those who love this lace, but have not yet had the courage to give it a try, there is a great post on the Let's Lace blog about Binche: https://letslace.com/2016/11/19/binche-bliss/

Jill

Lace in Wareham canceled

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 00:01:03 GMT

I had a call from Sister Claire at Sacred Hearts this afternoon; unfortunately she has to cancel lace in Wareham this month. Father Stan is not well and has some medical appointments. I don't have particulars at the moment but will share them when/if I can.

IOLI Summer bulletin update

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 14:29:12 GMT

If you are and IOLI member and have been awaiting your delayed summer bulleting, I have received mine a couple days ago. I have also seen that other people have received their copies. If you have not received yours, it should be in you mailbox very soon.

Stitches East....Now Stitches United

Sat, 22 Oct 2016 15:40:28 GMT

Save the Date.... Stitches East is now Stitches United.

APRIL 27–30, 2017 Hartford Convention Center, Hartford, Connecticut

Lace pictures from Le Puy

Sun, 16 Oct 2016 14:21:37 GMT

The lace center in Le Puy in France has posted pictures from the 2016 Couvige (I am still looking for a translation of the word). There is a Google page (https://goo.gl/photos/sAaZnvYsF8nEE96x6) with lots of photos as well as a slide show on their home page (http://www.ladentelledupuy.com/). There is a large variety of lace here and well worth the time to explore. Enjoy!

Health Benefits

Fri, 23 Sep 2016 12:00:32 GMT

http://www.littlethings.com/how-knitting-boosts-your-health/?utm_source=budget&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=healthy

wait..... and lacemaking!!

Big E / Creative Arts Results are available now

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 15:32:52 GMT

To all of you who have anxiously been awaiting the results of the Creative Arts competition, you can see the results at http://d2w7gersd1ix5b.cloudfront.net/files.ashx?t=fg&f=004Lace16.pdf&rid=TheBigE .

Congratulations to all who entered.

Big E / Creative Arts

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 20:56:57 GMT

the Anticipation is killing me......... Do we have the results yet??

IOLI summer bulletin delay

Sat, 03 Sep 2016 14:39:29 GMT

I have gotten news that the summer issue of the IOLI bulletin has been delayed due to health issues. The editor is now working with the publisher to get it out, so I would expect that it should show up soon.

Rio closing ceremonies and lace

Thu, 25 Aug 2016 21:45:56 GMT

I saw a comment on the White Thread blog from Vetty Creations on lace in the closing ceremonies of the Rio Olympics. Having watched some of the Olympics, I wish I had watched the closing ceremonies, if only to see the lace connection. Here is a link to the item on the blog: http://vettycreations.com.au/white-threads/2016/08/23/lacemaking-in-the-rio-olympics-closing-ceremony/

Enjoy!

Old Sturbridge Village Lace Demo is Go!

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 14:03:03 GMT

I just received word from the coordinator of the "CRAFT: Beers & Trades" event at Old Sturbridge Village and they are looking forward to our participation again this year (Saturday & Sunday September 10th & 11th). If you would like to participate and have not yet registered, please go to the Calendar entry for this event and do so.

NELG Calendar Event

Looking forward to seeing you there,

-Jim

Lace as Street Art

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 18:10:07 GMT

thought you all may enjoy this article..... http://www.crochet-world.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=5916&source=fcebk

have a great weekend!

Marni Harang news

Fri, 22 Jul 2016 18:24:14 GMT

Got the following message from Marni's husband after I saw that her biker friends had made her a quilt from their tee-shirts.

Marni had a very serious bike accident back in October 2015 and fractured her skull. She has been in Rehabilitation ever since. Her biking friends made the quilt for her as a get well present. This is her husband Phil.

Marji

Sad news - Radmila Zuman

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 18:44:36 GMT

We have lost another of our precious lace experts, Radmila Zuman. You can read her obituary by clicking on her name (on the right) at:

http://www.dignitymemorial.com/garner-funeral-service/en-us/index.page

Many of you will know of Radmila, and others have been fortunate to meet her and take a class. A great loss to the Lacemaking community.

Jill

Lacy stamps

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 21:16:28 GMT

I made a trip to the post office today and bought some lacy looking stamps. While they are not in the same class as the ones in the 80's, if you want a lacy looking stamp, they are available.

Big E Entries from Eastern MA

Fri, 08 Jul 2016 00:26:56 GMT

If you were thinking about entering the Big E but held back because you weren't sure how you would get your beautiful lace there, relax. I will once again be taking items out to Springfield. So go ahead and enter (it's only $5 per item!), and plan on connecting with me to make the transfer. And good luck to all!

Bryce

Salon des Arts du Fil (Artistic Craft Exhibition) of Niort

Fri, 08 Jul 2016 00:01:39 GMT

A fiber festival was held at Niort in France in June. The blogger Yolande has documented it for the world at http://fils-aiguilles-passion.blogspot.com/ . It is well worth the time to look at if only for the bobbin lace chess set, but there is much more quality work to see. Enjoy!

Time for Big E entries

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 21:12:11 GMT

The Big E is now accepting entries. Please consider entering so we have a great lace display. Simple items work as well as complicated or long term endeavors. I hope you all can enter. Entries do not have to be completed at this time as long as you can get them finished by sometime in August. We will let you know the members who will be bringing entries to the Big E at the beginning of September at a later date. For more information, here is a link to the Creative Arts Catalog: http://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/creative-arts/340

Laces in Colonial America

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 03:54:55 GMT

Mount Vernon has a wealth of videos discussing the use of lace in Colonial America. Here is a link to the page with many of them. See: http://www.mountvernon.org/video/all/

Last Supper - tatted piece

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:33:02 GMT

This is an amazing piece of work...... it is tatted

http://venturinifamily.us/wp/index.php/lucy-concistre-venturini/tom-venturinis-great-aunt-final-closeup-3200-pixels-1024x512/

American Textile History Museum closes

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 15:47:12 GMT

Sadly, the American Textile History Museum in Lowell MA has closed its doors. They had made a concerted effort a few years ago to revive the museum and reached out to us. We did a couple of demos there, but truthfully, there wasn't much traffic. We also spent some time identifying some donated laces for them.

We live in a culture that has fundamentally changed. The old model where families once went to a museum for an afternoon isn't common now. We spend a lot of time online, be it on a computer, smart phone, or other device, and it is hard for a museum, particularly one like the American Textile History Museum, to compete with this level of stimulation.

I wish the best for the staff as it closes. This is always hard. Where the collection and old machinery goes will be determined by their bylaws. For the rest of us, whether we know it or not, a little bit of our cultural history has disappeared.

"Let's Lace" blog

Sun, 05 Jun 2016 13:55:19 GMT

There is a new blog called "Let's Lace" that has been created by a New Zealand lacemaker. Posts include:

A quick guide to resizing a lace pattern
Ten tips for great prickings
Things I wish I knew when I started making bobbin lace
Ways to document lacemaking
Let's talk Lace bobbins...Lace tools....Lace books
and many more

You can find the blog at https://letslace.com/. For those of you on Facebook, there is also a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/letslace/?fref=nf

Jill

Laces at Smithsonian Museum now online

Sat, 04 Jun 2016 14:38:18 GMT

The first 44 of several thousand laces in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC went online this morning (http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/lace-collection); more will be added as they are approved.

If you scroll down, you will see thumbnails of each of the images. By clicking on 'expand' in upper right corner of each lace you get more information, and then to see more images and more information click in lower right 'view full record'. Clicking on the image will open a new window, where you can zoom in.

The first part of the collection to go online was the War Laces made in Belgium during WWI http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/world-war-one-laces

Enjoy!

Jill

Sad news

Fri, 06 May 2016 12:28:28 GMT

I am sad to report that Jeanne Goodwin has passed away. I knew her from NELG meetings as well as some demonstrations. Despite her illness, she showed a strength of life that went beyond her condition. I remember her as a positive person who did her best and frequently volunteered for NELG.

My greatest condolences go to her family. She is a great loss, and I will always remember her well.

Big E Centennial

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 15:14:01 GMT

The Big E special theme this year is its Centennial. There will be two awards per division, an adult and a youth. Each exhibitor is limited to one special theme entry which needs to be indicated on the entry. So, if this interests you, it is time to get working on it.

And, of course, please also get going on any lace entries for the Big E.

Sr. Madeleine in Belgium

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 15:18:03 GMT

In light of the recent bombing, I had a brief contact this morning with Sr. Madeleine, who, as you may remember, is now studying in Brugge, Belgium. Her response:

Thanks I should get a ditto pad. at least I know I have friends!!!! My tablet is dinging away.

I am safe thank God i was not traveling as I knew the departure lounge and that Starbucks very well drank many a coffee there waiting for check in or flight. Belgium is somewhat overwhelmed we are a little country and 20 dead and 100 injured is a lot. Ferrying the injured to Gent and Antwerp.

The famous fugitive mastermind from the paris attacks was caught a few days ago in Mollenbeek and is now in a Brugge prison not in the centrum Thank God and it is thought this is retaliation for that.

Anyway thanks for writing and share with anyone who asks about me.
Love
SM

Message to the news media from the fiber arts world

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 14:47:34 GMT

I noticed a link to this blog article posted by Jane Viking Swanson this morning on lace-chat-digest. While it deals with crochet and knitting, I think that those of us in the lace world will gain a smile from it.

See:

http://blog.lionbrand.com/2016/01/06/franklin-habits-friendly-three-point-message-to-journalists-who-seek-to-write-about-knitting-and-crochet/?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=::+Read+the+rest+of+Frankiln's+message+to+journalists+::&utm_content=Your+6+Favorite+Patterns+Featuring+Popular+Made-in-America+Yarns!&utm_campaign=Weekly+Stitch+

NELG Scholarships & Grants

Sat, 12 Mar 2016 16:14:57 GMT

This is just a reminder to anyone who might have need for a little assistance in order to attend Retreat, the IOLI convention and/or other lace event. We do have a modest fund available to help. However, do get your application in as soon as possible, and please read the guidelines. We especially encourage those who might be interested in bringing back a skill or program that will benefit NELG members!

Bryce Wolf & Barbara Morrow, Scholarship Committee

Search done by someone on Facebook for "bobbin Lace"

Fri, 11 Mar 2016 15:15:42 GMT

If you go to www.philamuseum.org/collections and search for "bobbin lace" you should see a lot of lace.

Knitting and needlelace

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 14:28:23 GMT

In looking at the Lace Digest this morning, I discovered a beautiful blog, http://fils-aiguilles-passion.blogspot.com/ , which seems to do a lot of knitting, needle lace, and embroidery. The blogger, Yolande, lives in France now, but she is originally from Belgium. While there are a number of blogs in French that are very good, I normally do not mention them here due to the language barrier. This blog is posted in three languages, French, English, and Flemish (my assumption).

Enjoy!

Gil Dye's talk at the School of Historical Lace

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 15:19:06 GMT

Gil Dye has posted a pdf of her talk on early lace at the School of Historical Lace in London on her website. While subscribers to Arachne have seen the link, I would encourage all to take a look at it. There is a lot of good information on how the materials were constructed, but the photography is just as important. You can really see how these laces were made. See https://earlylace.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/gold-thread-to-gold-lace.pdf

Looking ahead to the Big E

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 19:16:31 GMT

As snow is falling here, it is time to think ahead towards the demonstration season and the Big E. As I have often reminded people, the Big E is one of our largest interactions with the public, both from demonstrating as well as the Big E entries. We would love to have the display case full of beautiful lace.

For myself, I am planning on what will go to the Big E even at this point in time. I have one project that will definitely be there as well as two more projects. I hope everyone will be able to contribute to this. Remember that the size of the project does not have to be large. Most entries in the past have won prizes that more than covers the entry costs. Planning ahead will make getting the project finished on time easier. Besides, wouldn't you rather work on lace than go out to slide on some ice?

Gardner Museum

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 06:00:56 GMT

Posted on Facebook by IOLI International Organization of Lace, Inc. 1/11/16

Museum Update-Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, in Boston, MA.

The velvet rope that kept viewers away from the 40 pieces of displayed lace has been moved so that one may see them close up. However, IOLI members are advised only TO VISIT ON A SUNNY DAY. The lace is in a dark corner. There is a lamp next to the display, but the guard is not authorized to turn on the lamp. Consequently you can barely see the outline of the lappets, and not the workmanship on a rainy day.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of only four museums in the US to have numerous pieces of lace on public display in the permanent exhibition, and arguably the most high profile museum of the four. The lace is on the third floor in the Veronese room. Photography is not permitted.

http://www.gardnermuseum.org/collection/artwork/3rd_floor/veronese_room/lace_panel?filter=room:1806

Inclement weather reminder

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:01:38 GMT

It is that time of year when New England weather can be dangerous to travel. Planning is always difficult since the weather forecast is not particularly accurate in advance. While we will try to have NELG meetings as planned, during the winter months especially, please consult the NELG home page before you start your trip to the meeting. We will be posting any meetings that are cancelled due to weather so you can get that information on the home page, possibly through the blog.

And of course, do remember that the weather throughout New England can vary widely at any time. Please consider your local conditions even if the meeting is not cancelled. We prefer that you are safe even if it means you need to skip a meeting.

Washing old textiles

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 23:00:25 GMT

We are often reminded by our peers that washing old textiles is dangerous. As someone who has more than once washed curtains that ended up with less than started in the washing machine (have you ever retrieved just the hems of a curtain from the dryer?), I have respected that warning. I saw this video of the cleaning of a 17th century tapestry which obviously is an exception to the rule. The process is interesting. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xN3rqmfkk&feature=youtu.be

facebook posting about commemorative bobbins

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 19:01:12 GMT

Is it ok for me to "share" this on the IOLI Facebook page? Is there any other information that you would like to share with the IOLI Facebook page?

Devon Thein

dmt11home@aol.com

Snowflake video

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 13:18:20 GMT

I finished my Snowflake video.... year long project. Enjoy !

Snowflake Video by Patty

Monthly meeting

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 16:08:43 GMT

Are there really only 3 people planning to go to the meeting this Saturday? If you are planning to go, could you register so I know how much food to bring? :-)

Dresden (Connecticut) Laceworks

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 20:42:15 GMT

I was just re-reading the November newsletter, and my curiosity was piqued by Gail's article about the Dresden (Connecticut) Laceworks and the lace sample book at the Connecticut Historical Society. When I first read the article, I must admit I assumed it was handmade lace, but on their website there are a couple of blog posts, and what looks like a pattern for machine made lace.

Here is the blog website http://chs.org/2014/10/william-blores-lace-pattern-book/

Jill

Thanksgiving once again

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 14:54:14 GMT

We had a busy demonstration period this fall. Now it has wound down and been replaced by holiday season. There is so much to be thankful for as we reflect upon our lives. So here is my NELG list:

I am thankful for everyone who joined the demonstrations this fall. We managed to cover nearly every day at the Big E as well as Old Sturbridge Village and Plimouth Plantation that overlapped it. We are not a huge group, and I am always amazed that we manage to cover everything at once.
I am thankful that we have so many small groups that meet outside of the NELG meetings in Sturbridge. These smaller groups help to promote lace by connecting people who love lace. Often this allows members who cannot travel to Sturbridge to connect with the group. It also lets people who are just starting out on a technique to get informal help from others.
I am thankful that Jim, our VP, has put together a great schedule for us this year. Our "field trip" on October was great fun, and I think we learned a lot about silk in New England.
I am thankful for Jill in England who continues to support us by maintaining our website. She does a wonderful job of it, and I think we have one of the best as a result of her work.
I am thankful for all of you who do travel to Sturbridge for the NELG meetings. The last one was a very large meeting which was great, but even those very small meetings are important.

So enjoy your meal tomorrow. I know the holidays will be busy for most of us, but if you can, please come to the December meeting. We will be celebrating the season with an optional gift exchange which is always fun as well as lots of food. To make it easier to fit into your schedule (we hope), it has been moved to the second Saturday, December 12. I hope to see a lot of you there.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Lace pillows for sale at Nov meeting

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:13:48 GMT

I'll be bringing 2 lace pillows to the November meeting to sell on behalf of Carolyn Samonds. One is a Princess Lace Loom roller pillow (green velveteen cover, with original 1904 instruction manual, a 1911 catalog of laces, and an Italian lace magazine) for $35 and the other is an antique grass-stuffed bolster pillow with red stripe cotton cover over a natural linen cover (just the pillow, no stand), for $15. See you then!

Lace at the MFA

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:21:25 GMT

I had the opportunity to view a little of the current exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston yesterday. If you have the opportunity to go, there are a couple of exhibits with lace interest. The current major exhibit, "Class Distinctions: Dutch Painting in the Age of Rembrandt and Vermeer" has a number of paintings with well depicted early bobbin lace. The other exhibit with a very interesting contemporary lace piece that was brought to my attention by Doris May is "Crafted Objects in Flux". Both are well worth the trip. The first ends January 18. The second ends January 10.

for the Links Page

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 01:27:26 GMT

Hi folks,

http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/html/warm/main.htm may be a great resource for our Links page. These are patterns that are out of copyright date.

Amazing Lace

Sun, 18 Oct 2015 02:36:20 GMT

Visit her website......

http://walldecor-laces.weebly.com/lace-with-coconot-shell1.html

This is only One of several collections...

Tremendous work

Bridget Cook Idrija Lace book

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 20:19:38 GMT

For those of you who would like the Patterns from the Idrija School of Lace, Slovenia book by Bridget M Cook and Metka Tratnik go to the following website to get a reprinted copy that Bridget is selling: http://www.bridgetmcook.uk

Ferragamo and the needle lace of Travanelle

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 21:42:34 GMT

Last month the Italian Needlework blog had a piece on the use of needle lace by Ferragamo on his shoes. There are some good pictures of a couple of pairs that are delightful as well as a translation of an article that Jeanine wrote for Giuliana Ricama. See the September 15 post on http://italian-needlework.blogspot.com/ .

Enjoy!

Fast Motion - Modern art in bobbin lace

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 05:15:42 GMT

Need to take about six minutes out to watch this amazing bobbin lace creation......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1&v=

Truly a gift.......... interesting artist.....

Big E - Thanks!

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 18:54:04 GMT

I had a great time as usual! Great to introduce folks to lace making. Next Year they are celebrating the 100th year. Hmmmm needs to think about this!!

Opening dates of the fair 9/18/2016 to 10/04/2016.... read more about it at http://www.thebige.com/ese/news/ese-begins-countdown-to-100th-anniversary/

A “Thank you” from Old Sturbridge Village

Fri, 02 Oct 2015 12:41:45 GMT

The following email was sent to us by the Director of Public Events at Old Sturbridge Village:

I just wanted to take a moment to send all of you a big thank you for our inaugural Craft: Beer and Trades at Old Sturbridge Village. I just came from a wrap up meeting with our upper management and they asked me to pass along their thanks as well. From all standpoints we considered the event a great success and hope you enjoyed being a part of it as much we enjoyed hosting it. I heard nothing but positive comments from our guests regarding the event and a large percentage made it a point to tell me that we need to do this again, Our social media has been on fire about the event as well and we certainly seem to have hit a chord that resonated with our guests. So with that being said I am pleased to tell you that we plan on offering and expanding this event in 2016. I will be in touch with invitations early in the year but for now please save the date of September 10 & 11 for our second annual Craft event. Again , I can’t thank you enough for helping us make this unique event so special. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Historical Lace Patterns

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:50:57 GMT

At Plimoth Plantation this past weekend we encountered the people who made all the re-enactor's clothing by hand. They had some wonderful resource books that also included pictures and prickings for accompanying lace patterns.

I found the books on the website: theschoolofhistoricaldress.org.uk. There are 4 of them titled Patterns of Fashion 1-4. They are available on Amazon.com for $20 to $30 each.

More antique pattern resources

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 15:21:00 GMT

Through the Lace Digest, I found yet another source for antique patterns that can be downloaded. I won't vouch that it is a perfect site since the first one I clicked on seemed to have a password for unknown reason. What is particularly interesting about this site is that in addition to English language publications a lot of the books are in French and German as well as a smattering of other languages. The site is antiquepatternlibrary.org .

Big E Results are in!

Sat, 12 Sep 2015 02:22:41 GMT

Just checked the Big E website for Competitions, Creative Arts Division 4 - Lace........... taking a deep breath!....... there is the drum roll and the suspense.......... http://www.thebige.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/004laceres.pdf to find out who's who this Year. Hope to see some of you there and demonstrating how we make beautiful lace!

Old Sturbridge Village Demo and Meeting Update

Sat, 05 Sep 2015 12:02:13 GMT

Here is the latest information our regular meeting and bobbin lace demonstration at Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) in September .

Demonstrating: The event runs from 9:30 to 5:00 on both Saturday and Sunday. Participants can drive right up to the demonstration location to drop off equipment from 8:30am to 9:15am, otherwise carts and some helpers will be available to help transport equipment. Park in the main lot and enter through either the security area or the main entrance, whichever is easier. Lighting and some access to electric outlets will be available. I will be on site Saturday morning to assist as needed.

Regular monthly meeting: The regular monthly meeting will be held on site at OSV (near our demonstration area). People who are not demonstrating but wish to attend the meeting should go to the main entrance between 10:30 and 10:50 (the meeting will start at 11:00). Let the greeter know that you are with NELG and they should let your though without charge. I will be at the main entrance during the time listed above to assist as needed.

Sea Silk article

Fri, 04 Sep 2015 14:32:40 GMT

I saw this reference via lace digest this morning. Sea silk comes from clams. It is an ancient fiber that is nearly nonexistent now. The BBC has a good piece on it. See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-33691781

Video

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 03:45:46 GMT

http://thelacemakers.co.uk/

Great 3 +/- minute video on Lace.

Lace resources via LaceNews Pinterest

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:07:11 GMT

A recent post from Arachne that might be of interest:

LaceNews (Laurie Waters' fabulous blog) has an extensive website on Pinterest with links to over 1700 websites about lace, all carefully cataloged. Very easy for a beginner to use. This was a major effort with a number of people helping out. Entries also list links to Facebook pages, Twitter sites, etc., so everything about a resource is all contained in one pin: https://www.pinterest.com/LaceNews/

Jill

Eastern MA Big Entries - Delivery to Springfield

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 17:43:11 GMT

If you would like to have your Big E entries delivered to Springfield, please get them to me by Sunday, August 30. I will be happy to take them and pick them up as well at the end of the fair. Please call or email to let me know if you are interested, so I can know when to expect you!

Bryce

WW1 Belgium Lace in Smithsonian

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 18:13:17 GMT

Posted by Karen Hansen Thompson on Bobbin Lace Makers Facebook page is the link to her blog: http://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/delicate-war-laces-world-war-I and a link to the collection: http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/world-war-one-laces

Thought those not on fb with the group might enjoy

YouTube about lace in Croatia

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 03:48:20 GMT

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JuMHTNeUDrI

Bobbin Lace Makers - FaceBook

Sun, 16 Aug 2015 23:54:56 GMT

I listed NELG on the Bobbin Lace Makers FaceBook page. I know that some you post and like entries. Thought we should be listed on the America page ;) Happy Lacing.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bobbinlacemakers/ is their link

Largest piece of bobbin lace in the world - GWB on 8/2/2015

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 04:30:49 GMT

https://youtu.be/NEmyWqsSQTY this video from Vila do Conde celebrated receiving the Guiness World Record. It was amazing how it was hoisted between the two masts of an old sailing ship. Watch ... I teared up with joy.

Local groups listed on FaceBook page

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:29:34 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I enjoy being a member of the FaceBook page Bobbin Lace Makers. Recently the owner has added a place in the files section where local groups can add information. I don't see NELG there yet.

Should NELG consider adding our information? And if so, who could/would do it? Officers? Member?

Here is a link to the page: https://www.facebook.com/notes/bobbin-lace-makers/bobbin-lace-groups-america/10155850248890113

Carolyn

found this video

Sun, 26 Jul 2015 03:44:31 GMT

Adding Lace motifs - big sigh :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=130&v=6uAnbD_x4mI

My Big E entries

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 01:59:26 GMT

To all, the deadline for the less expensive entries is quickly approaching. If you get your entries in by Friday of next week, the price is $5 per entry. I hope you all will be able to enter something.

As for myself, I promised myself that I would only enter things with finished lace. Oh, dear! I broke that promise. I have entered a piece that is only a pattern at this point. It is a small Duchesse bell. We will see if it makes it to the Big E. It is a small piece that will give me some practice, so there is a good chance that it will make it.

Jean Leader's Lace Identification booklet

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 00:59:29 GMT

For those of you who do not see the Arachne posts, Jean Leader mentioned that a couple of years ago she put together a booklet (42 pages) about identifying hand-made lace that was used for a series of workshops for textile curators organized by the Dress and Textile Specialists in partnership with the V&A. This booklet includes useful information about the conservation, display, and storage of lace. It is online at

http://www.dressandtextilespecialists.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Identifying-Handmade-lace.pdf

Thanks to Jean for posting this. And yes, I used a good deal of her text description here.

Lace in India

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 00:54:48 GMT

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB113988355753173114

Ithaca information is available

Thu, 02 Jul 2015 14:16:32 GMT

Since many of our members like to go to the Ithaca Lace days, I have received the registration form in the mail. More information can be found through Holly's website (www.vansciverbobbinlace.com). The registration form hasn't been posted yet, but given the past history, it should show up soon. If you really need a form sooner, please contact me and I will get one to you.

IOLI Convention - Anyone Going?

Sun, 28 Jun 2015 01:13:50 GMT

Is anyone going to the IOLI Convention this year? If so, I would like to ask a favor -- it involves a vendor. Please contact me (email) if it might be possible. I would be ever so grateful! Thanks! -- Bryce

Getting ready for the Big E

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 13:21:11 GMT

The Big E has made some changes to their website, so the navigation is new and a little unfamiliar. I hope everyone is planning on entering. Here is a link to the page with the rules, forms, etc.

http://www.thebige.com/competitions/creative-arts/creative-arts-catalog/

You will find the link for electronic entries also on this page. Entries before 1 August are $5. There is a $10 penalty for later entries with the final date of 15 August. Note that there is no requirement that the project be finished when you enter, so consider entering an unfinished project as motivation to get it finished.

There is also information about mailing entries. Some NELG members will be taking entries directly to the Big E. If your entry "needs a ride", please contact us and we will try to arrange something.

Election results

Sun, 21 Jun 2015 20:30:12 GMT

I admit that most of you already know the results of the election at the June meeting, but to be official, I will be president for another 2 years and Kate Moore has been elected to the Member-at-Large position. Thanks to all who showed up to the meeting to vote as well as those who voted absentee ballots including two who voted electronically via e-mail.

Technically, the e-mail ballots could have been disregarded since the bylaws only mention mail-in ballots, but we did not reject them. We did vote to specifically mention electronic balloting in the latest revisions to the bylaws. I expect that we will see more ballots cast electronically in the future. The revised bylaws will be posted in the next day or so.

Thanks for a great retreat

Tue, 19 May 2015 21:13:37 GMT

The annual NELG retreat was held last weekend, and it was a great time. I'd like to thank the retreat committee, Jill and Winann, for handling the logistics. The popup thread containers from Rosalie were a pleasant surprise. Mary once again provided ambiance with her sea shore themed center pieces. Allie and Holly expanded our lace knowledge with their classes while Gerry and Tom manned the vendor tables. Sr. Claire manages the retreat center well despite the challenges of an old building. Jim's ATC competition went well with 9 entries this year. It was great to see so many entries. Bryce managed the silent auction which is one of the highlights of the event. Susan transported most of our library to the event. We had a lot of activity in the library. Thanks to you all!

I would also like to point out that Carolyn Purcell made a very generous donation of books to NELG. Some of these books were sold in the silent auction. We will be adding a number of them into the NELG library which will expand the coverage of bobbin lace in particular. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And, of course, to everyone who attended, whether they were there full time, commuted to class, or just came to shop, your participation is appreciated.

WW1 Laces now on line

Fri, 08 May 2015 19:18:01 GMT

Reported earlier today, the Smithsonian American History Museum collection has launched on-line the first group of 37 war laces.

Read more about and you can see the WW1 Lace at the Smithsonian

Linda Lane in the news!

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:51:48 GMT

NELG's Facebook page received a 'Like' this week from Greg Cook in Boston, MA who quoted Linda Lane “In lace, there is a whole world of technique in just getting around a corner."

Greg also included a link to the 'Keepers of Tradition' blog where Linda is featured as one of artists who are hand crafting textiles in the 21st century. Read more about it here: http://blog.massfolkarts.org/index.php/2015/04/hand-crafting-textiles-in-the-21st-century/

Enjoy!

Jill

Blowtorch filigree

Sat, 18 Apr 2015 16:14:51 GMT

While it's not strictly lace, Linda Boston came across this online and thought the group might enjoy seeing it: Blowtorch Filigree: Lace Patterns Delicately Cut from Industrial Steel Objects by Cal Lane

Jill

NELG commemoratives - a pictorial history

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:26:26 GMT

I have set myself something of a challenge and am hoping NELG members will be able to help. I would like to have a photograph of each of the NELG commemorative bobbins so there will be a record for the future.

I have looked through my bobbins and have managed to locate 12 - the oldest being from 1997 when we had the retreat at Bloomfield Seminary in CT - but there are definitely some gaps. Please take a look at this document to see which ones I have already found: NELG Commemorative Bobbins.pdf

I would appreciate it very much if you could look through your collection of bobbins and either email me a photograph, or bring the bobbin(s) to this year's retreat so I can take photographs?

Thanks in advance

Jill

Lace Museum in Sunnyvale CA

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 14:49:03 GMT

As NELG president, I often pick up e-mail from organizations outside of NELG. The latest was a link to the latest newsletter from the Lace Museum. It is mostly about events that they are participating in, but there is a picture of a Tenerife baby bonnet that makes you understand why people made Tenerife lace. See: http://www.thelacemuseum.org/PDF files/LGSpring2015Newsletter.pdf

If you are interested in subscribing to their e-mail feed, there is a link on their home page, www.thelacemuseum.org .

Volunteer Hours

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 01:24:27 GMT

Please report all of your volunteer hours for 2014. This includes time you spent on board activities and commitees,

Website for antique linen and lace

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:28:08 GMT

A friend sent me this link to a website for a business that revitalizes and sells antique lace and linens. Cannot get a good close up to see if the lace is handmade, but it is lovely to look at, nonetheless! Enjoy!

http://www.antiquelinen.com/cgi-bin/web_store/web_store.cgi?cart_id=3572604_14753

NELG meeting CANCELLED tomorrow

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 02:12:57 GMT

Due to the potential bad weather tomorrow afternoon, I am cancelling the February NELG meeting. I hope to see you in March.

Hyperbolic tatting

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 16:18:49 GMT

There is a posting on Ning about hyperbolic tatting which was inspired by the hyperbolic crochet word done a while ago. The links on the page are also interesting since many of them lead to the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef which is beautiful. See: http://api.ning.com/files/7K-JVVxwVhh4LGvReFO018O*M*lVkVxiCkKDXgkvZES9uImRI9DR6d5*5E-Te54YQgM07nM*LFJxlaKHH-5w6iU-Gm28GnaB/HyperbolicTatting.pdf

Enjoy!

The Singing and the Silence: Birds in Contemporary Art

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:35:22 GMT

I saw a reference to this exhibit at the Smithsonian's American Art Museum (http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/online/birds/ ) this morning on the NPR website. They had a picture of a lovely crocheted pigeon on the page, so I dug a little deeper and found the artist who had made this, Laurel Roth Hope. Here is a link to the Smithsonian's page on her: http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/online/birds/artists/roth/ . She has several Crocheted birds there and I think they are gorgeous and perhaps at times even lacy. Enjoy!

2015 NELG Lace Challenge

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 14:41:55 GMT

It looks like winter has finally decided to put in an appearance. While the weather outside may be frightful, the lace making indoors is delightful. So here’s another lace making activity to keep you going through this season’s snow:

The Lace Challenge ATC subject has been chosen for this year’s retreat and packets will be available at the February and March meetings. Or, if you prefer, I will mail you a packet upon request. Submit your original design ATC at Retreat and whether you participate or not, don’t forget to vote for your favorite design. Prizes will be awarded!

More info will be in the February newsletter.

Solid sterling silver bobbins

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 18:43:26 GMT

Alex Battershill posted on Bobbin Lace Maker's facebook page lovely silver midland bobbins.

Lace workshop in Plymouth, MA

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 18:19:49 GMT

Plymouth Craft, a recently-formed non-profit dedicated to promoting (nearly) lost and forgotten arts and trades, is sponsoring a lace workshop this Valentine's weekend, to be taught by none other than Holly Van Sciver!

http://plymouthcraft.org/?tribe_events=bobbin-lace-with-holly-van-sciver

I am planning on attending as are several other lacemakers in the area. Hopefully this will attract some beginners too! Rest assured I will spread the word about NELG!

Looking forward to the New Year

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:42:45 GMT

Yes, the holiday season is almost over for us. New Years Day is a time when many of us contemplate changes in our lives. While it is hard to follow all the resolutions we can generate, we can select a few that we can make happen. If you are so inclined, may I make a few suggestions?

The Creative Arts competition comes up quickly in terms of the pace of lace. It is one way that the members of NELG can show this craft to the crowds at the Big E. So, pick out a piece of lace to finish by the end of August. You can always enter it by the end of July even if it still needs work.
Another way to show off your lace to the world is to send pictures of your lace with a short description or story behind it to our webmistress (nelgwebmaster@gmail.com) to go in the Member's Lace section of the website.
As a reminder of the previous post, for those of you who are on Facebook, you can always "like" the NELG Facebook page. Now for a New Years resolution, isn't this an easy one to accomplish?

Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous New Year,

Sharon

NELG Facebook Page

Sat, 27 Dec 2014 18:36:16 GMT

If you are a facebook member please like the NELG page.

Lace Guild Advent Calendar

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:00:30 GMT

For those of you who do not subscribe to Arachne, the Lace Guild is once again offering an "Advent Calendar". For those not familiar with it, a different lace picture is provided for the first 24 days in December, sometimes with the pricking. Additionally, they have a contest where the hints are provided via a picture on several of the days. This is a fun exercise in lace identification even if you don't enter the contest. This year they are providing the usual version for your computer as well as one for your smart phone. See:

http://www.laceguild.org/guild/calendar.html (for browsers)

http://www.laceguild.org/phonecal.html (for smart phones)

Enjoy!

New Mediterranean Lace book

Sat, 22 Nov 2014 16:29:39 GMT

Carolyn Wetzel gave a great program on Eastern Mediterranean (Armenian, Oya, Bibilla, etc.) last week at NELG. To add to the list of books she mentioned, there is another recent book in French, Fleurs & Papillon en Broderie Oya. Below is a link to the publisher's page which will give you an idea of what it contains. There are lots of flowers and butterflies that can be used as accessories.

http://www.edisaxe.com/fleurs-papillons-en-broderie-oya.html

Rita Bartholomew's netting book

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 19:47:22 GMT

I want to thank Rita Bartholomew for donating a copy of her new book, The Lost Art of Netting, to the NELG library. I believe that those of us who went to the netting lesson at NELG last year had some preprint excerpts as handouts. This is a labor of love with a lot of pictures detailing the methods. She obviously is thinking there could be more since this is volume 1. While I am not aware of any of the usual lace vendors offering her book at this time, for those who may be interested, it is on Amazon. And, of course, you can request it from the NELG library.

Insertion of the week

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 21:18:51 GMT

Just saw this post on Arachne from Gon Homburg in the Netherlands, which I thought might be of interest:

"In the Netherlands nowadays it is very popular to publish every week an edging for crochet or something small to embroider. We, a group of bobbin lace teachers thought it a good idea to start something similar in lace: Every week an edging or insertion. It started today with a simple edging in Schneeberg Lace. We will try to make it interesting for all people, not only simple edgings but also more complicated ones. Every Wednesday around 15.00 pm a new edging or insertion will be published on my website www.kloskant.com <http://www.kloskant.com/> or directly to the page http://bit.ly/1GpjsLJ <http://bit.ly/1GpjsLJ> If you like the idea, please join us. There is a special group made on Facebook to show your results, comments and questions. This group is called Kantje per week (Dutch for every week an edging or insertion in lace).

So I hope to see many of you there or read your comments on the edgings or the idea via Arachne.

Happy lacing and have fun make your lace this week."

Jill

aka Webmistress

Fiber Festival Opened and was busy

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 02:25:38 GMT

I had the opportunity to stop by the Fiber Festival at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield MA this afternoon. The goodies were plentiful, I picked up some amazing beads and an two skeins of fingering hand dyed merino yarn. I met the artist that did the dying and lo and behold a re-located Brit!

The NELG booth was staffed by Sharon and Marjorie. Here's the pics.

Sharon discussing the finer points and....

Marjorie, Sharon and a guest at the booth this afternoon.

More lace to look at

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 16:09:21 GMT

I picked up this link via lace digest, and I think it is worth looking at. There is an auction in France on the 21 October, and they have published the catalog on line. Not everything is lace. There are linens and dolls in the offerings, but the lace is beautiful. There is a lot of Valenciennes as well as needle lace. Obviously, this is what the upper classes were buying since there is a lot of work here. Enjoy! See: http://catalogue.gazette-drouot.com/index.jsp?id=20117&lng=fr

Jo Edkins' website

Sun, 05 Oct 2014 14:56:25 GMT

Jo Edkins' website is absolutely phenomenal and contains a ton of information including how to make lace, dozens of free patterns and links to other useful websites: http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/lace/

If you haven't seen her website, or haven't visited in a while, I recommend you take a look.

Jill

Lacis Museum Eye Candy

Sat, 04 Oct 2014 21:52:23 GMT

For those of you not lucky enough to be in Berkeley CA this winter, here is your chance to feast your eyes on their current display of nineteenth century laces:

http://lacismuseum.org/exhibit/Nineteenth%20Century%20Lace/

Over 200 slides of hand and machine-made laces, with closeups!

Enjoy!

Idrija lace

Thu, 02 Oct 2014 18:15:50 GMT

There have been two posts on Facebook recently about Idrija Lace.

The first was about a short video (6 minutes) on Idrija lace that is played on a continuous loop at the Idrija Municipal Museum in Slovenia. There is no narration, but it is beautiful to see the lace being made.

The second is that Bridget Cook has recently announced that her out-of-print book on Idrija Lace is again available directly from her, for £20 plus postage. NELG's library has a copy of the original book (published in 1999), but if you are interested in getting your own copy you should contact Bridget directly at lacebmcook@btinternet.com.

Don't forget that we will be having an Idrija Lace workshop at retreat in 2015!

Jill

Thank You from Plimoth Plantation

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 14:22:34 GMT

A big thank you to Gail, Rosalie, Sharon, Marjorie, Linda, Mary Lou, Sr. Madeleine and Sr. Annaliese for demonstrating at our first annual Crafts Center celebration! With your help the weekend was a huge success! Our visitation and revenue were significantly higher than the same day last year. I personally loved having you there and getting to spend time (and make lace!) with you and, of course - we got the word about lace out there to lots of people!

And yes, you read that right - it is going to be an annual event! Or, we're doing it again next year, anyway! I will be attending a "debriefing" meeting tomorrow afternoon, so if any of you have any suggestions for improvements, I'll be glad to take them with me. If you don't see this in time, or you think of something later, no worries - pass it along anyway and it'll get to one of the innumerable planning meetings we'll be having between now and next September.

Again, thanks so much for your part in making the weekend a success!

Thanks to all who supported recent demos

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:28:25 GMT

I want to thank all of you who have supported demonstrations in the last month. This is a busy time of year for demonstrations that really help to get the word out to everyone that we believe lace is important. It is always hard to determine who we inspire during a demonstration. A few will show their interest in lace, but it may be some time before we know about that spark. While our members do demonstrate at small venues which are important, I was particularly pleased that we were able to support two major events that overlapped. Bryce Wolf and I were out at the Big E last Thursday to demonstrate. It wasn't the best of days since it was cool and gray, but we did see more people that we expected. I was also at Plimouth Plantation for the demonstration at the opening of their new crafts center on Saturday. What a beautiful day for the group of us that came. I'm sure that those who were there on Sunday also had a good time.

We are always looking to improve the demonstrating process. Having been to two demos in the last week, I am thinking about it as well as gathering ideas from others. You can expect that we will talk about ideas in November.

New NELG Clerk

Sat, 27 Sep 2014 23:01:10 GMT

I am happy to announce that Bryce Wolf has volunteered to take on the position of NELG Clerk. We have had many people record the minutes at our meetings for the past year, and I would like to thank all of them for contributions. Bryce has held the position of NELG Vice President in the past and is currently on the scholarship committee as well as running the silent auction at the last retreat. I welcome her back onto the board.

Big E results are available

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 14:37:31 GMT

The Big E results are now available on line at http://www.thebige.com/fair/agriculture/documents/14ca004bobbin.pdf . I'd like to thank all who participated as well congratulate those who placed or won awards.

This is always an important way to show our interest in lace and inspire others. Note that it isn't too early to plan for 2015.

Searching for lace at the V&A

Sun, 31 Aug 2014 19:43:17 GMT

I came upon a reference for searching the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. You can search for different laces in the collection. Unfortunately many are not photographed (only 36% is by my calculation), but it does give some information on the piece of lace when you click on the details button. The details will also allow you to get a larger picture of the lace. See: http://collections.vam.ac.uk/

Eastern MA delivery to Big E

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:49:19 GMT

Once again I will be taking entries from Eastern MA out to the Big E. The dropoff date there is either Tues., 9/2 or Weds., 9/3 -- I'm not sure yet which date I'm going. Because I will be away on vacation at the end of August, Sharon Sacco has kindly agreed to accept entries & will then pass them along to me. Call her first so that she knows you are coming. Otherwise, you can bring them to me either Sun., Aug. 31 or Mon. 9/1 of Labor Day weekend. I hope to see lots of entries!

Bryce

Making scissors

Sat, 02 Aug 2014 19:40:36 GMT

The BBC has an interesting piece on making hand made scissors. This link has a video which is really interesting. So, if you are interested in the process, see http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28581597

FLLG lace day

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 00:11:22 GMT

Seeking roommate for FLLG lace day Fri-Sat-Sun-maybe Mon nights. PM if interested - Carolyn

A question about thread

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 19:20:59 GMT

Hello, all! At retreat this year I won some linen thread at the auction that I believe was part of Carolyn Purcell's "stash". It's lovely stuff, I've done some hand sewing with it and just wound some onto bobbins and started making some lace with it. It is Knox's Gimp Lace Linen Thread, 2 cord, 60. I'd assumed that meant 60/2 but it seems much finer to me, finer than the Fresia 100/2 linen I've been working with lately. Also looks finer than some Bockens 60/2 that I have. Can anyone enlighten me? It's on wooden spools so maybe it's been around a while - has the terminology changed over the years? Or is a different terminology in use in Scotland?

Thanks for your help!

Congratulations to Rita Bartholomew!

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 11:41:15 GMT

There is a wonderful four page article on netting (“A Chain of Netting”) and six pages of directions for making a net bookmark (“Bookmark to Net”) written by Rita in the new (Jul/Aug 2014) issue of Piecework Magazine published by Interweave Press.

Plimouth Plantation Demo

Sun, 25 May 2014 04:50:08 GMT

Opening of craft center is Sept 13th and 14th.

demo at Mass Sheep and Wool Festival

Fri, 23 May 2014 12:14:43 GMT

If you are coming to demo at the MA Sheep and Wool Festival tomorrow morning, send me an email so I can email you a free parking pass to print out! I'll be leaving at 9 am so get it to me before then. - Carolyn W

Retreat thanks and Ulrike

Tue, 20 May 2014 16:08:53 GMT

Thank you to all of those wonderful, capable people who put our retreat together, especially Winann and Jill. It's always a marvelous experience for everyone who attends.

Thanks to Bryce for taking on the Silent Auction this year, and giving me a chance to focus on class.

Ulrike is a marvelous teacher. I understand now why people flock to her classes. She is able to clearly communicate what's needed, and has an ingenious way of demonstrating techniques with yarn. Ulrike was able to attend to each her twelve student's needs in a balanced and equitable manner. I came away much more knowledgeable and reasonably proficient in the Blonde/colored point ground techniques she taught, and I even feel able to move forward and complete the piece.

It was quite a joy to see so many faces there, both familiar and new. This is truly one of the best lacemaking events.

Great retreat

Tue, 20 May 2014 15:53:53 GMT

Thanks to all of the organizers and volunteers who made the retreat such a success! It takes a lot of work to put on the event and your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Retreat reflections

Mon, 19 May 2014 23:11:40 GMT

Our annual retreat came to an end yesterday. I certainly had a very good time, but even more important, from the comments I heard from many, it was a very good time by all.

Both of our after dinner speakers were appreciated. Barbara Doheny's talk on pins Friday night was interesting. No doubt the explosion of bobbin lace around 1500 was sparked by the invention of a pin machine. Patty Foley tailored her talk "Lace is Everywhere" to a lace-aware audience, and it was well received. I have seen her general audience version before, and I would recommend it for anyone who might have an inkling of interest in lace.

Since the library was at the meeting, a lot of people had the ability to browse the collection. Many of the books are now in use by people. In looking at the checkout list, this was one of the largest lists I have seen for the NELG library.

We had a great auction. There was a lot pillows this year as well as bobbins and out-of-print books. I was very please to see that some of these ended up with some beginning lace makers at reasonable prices. The proceeds help support NELG for things such as the library and the scholarship fund.

On the trip to Logan Airport, Ulrike Voelcker who had taught a class on Point Ground lace commented on how pleasant the experience was. That made me feel good.

So, for all the people on the retreat committee who organized it, for all the people who donated items for the silent auction, for all the people who made bids on the silent auction, for the excellent teachers, for the staff at the Sacred Hearts Retreat and Spirituality Center, and for all the people who attended, thanks for making this a success. I hope we will do as well next year.

Patty Foley and CT TV

Sat, 10 May 2014 19:16:54 GMT

Kudos to Patty. A well done and informative look at lace. Take a picture in September when Gary visits you at the Big E.

Retreat

Tue, 06 May 2014 13:04:30 GMT

It's ready, much thanks to the Retreat committee for the last several months in preparing for the upcoming retreat. There are a lot of plans, decisions that need to be taken care of - this part is done. Now on to the last part - the final details that will make the retreat such a joy to those of you attending.

Anyone still looking for a commemorative bobbin - you have until the end of retreat to order one.

Remember if you are not attending the Retreat - you are welcome to attend the NELG monthly meeting that is held on Saturday starting at about 1pm and of course there is some shopping to consider!

Once again - thank you to the Retreat Committee

Patty

Out of print Milanese lace books

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 13:55:53 GMT

It was recently posted on Arachne that Anova Books, the company that owns the Batsford imprint, are about to add the Read & Kincaid books to their Print on Demand service and also make them available as ebooks. The planned schedule is

Milanese Lace: An Introduction - July
New Braids and Designs in Milanese Lace - August
50 New Milanese Patterns - December

This is great news for all fans of Milanese lace!

Jill

It's Live - Lace Interview

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 02:46:36 GMT

Was I suprised to find out that the show has gone live.

Lace Interview of Patty Foley on NCTV Common Sense Connecticut

the lace interview begins at about 32:15 into the clip. Hope you enjoy! please leave a note of your thoughts...... if you wish to contact me directly.... send an email to PattyFoley.lace@gmail.com.

Thanks in advance..... we need the numbers!

Patty

TV Interview on Lace!!

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 13:30:44 GMT

Filming went well - it was the fastest 30 minutes ever! It was a fun interview. I met with Gary, the host, before filming to go over some of the questions, what to do and not do, where to look and where not to look, sound check with the microphone, notes on good TV and not good TV. Met with the director to go over the slides they had selected to use. Mind you, I sent a mere 70 pictures so they could determine what they wanted to use. There is plenty of preparation time before, during, and after for the studio crew! It's interesting to be working for a project that will not be shown until next month. No instant gratification here!

The current format is an hour show - two 30 minute segments. It is a conversation with the host - the camera is the audience looking in. They kicked off the first segment - for me it was wait; those 30 minutes seemed even longer. Not due to the first guest- she was great and has a great book to read. It was the anticipation of how it would go. I had rehearsed the questions submitted, sought out more information and council of another lace friend.

I was in the second segment. The crew liked the segment and said it went quick and well. I did get to look at the post production film, it was pretty good. It will be up to the lace community to let the station know they liked the segment. We could get to produce additional segments.... the future will tell.

Thanks to the crew at NCTV for a great job. Thanks to the individuals that helped me. This episode will be aired on NCTV.org beginning in May.

New Exhibit

Sun, 20 Apr 2014 03:27:48 GMT

Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, United Kingdom has a lace show ....LACE21 opening right now and will be showing amazing lace from the Baron's collection with inspired lace created by many contemporary lace makers.

It is absolutely grand...Waddesdon chateau

Thanks Lauran S. for the heads up!

PS If you haven't been back to Lauran's site.... take a peek at lauransundin.com

TV Interview on Lace!!

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 03:02:08 GMT

It's done - well almost done - on April 21st is the taping of the tv program Common Sense Connecticut. I will be interviewed for 30 minutes on Lace! While it is a local tv station, once it is uploaded everyone will be able to tune in via the internet.

Does anyone have any additional questions I can give the interviewer ?? He doesn't think we could talk about lace for 30 minutes..... I told him I could talk about it for 30 days!

Thanks in advance ! I'll post the link as soon as I get it.

PS One great thing about this show - it is posted to the various cable / at&t venues, so therefore we can get some coverage about our love of lace

Maire Treanor- Clones Lace

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:31:01 GMT

Maire Treanor, an authority on Clones Lace, a form of Irish crochet that she has re-intorduced, visited me on Friday at the museum to bring me up to date on her research. She was in Manhattan for a class with the NYC Crochet Guild before traveling on to Kansas City for a public program and class sponsored by the Irish Center there.

Maire uses the money from her teaching tours to finance further research into Irish crochet. She is particularly interested in Irish crochet that has developed outside of Ireland. She made a research trip to Orvieto to study the Irish crochet there, has written about the Irish Crochet made in Japan in the early part of the 19th century, and is interested in continuing her research pursuing contacts in Central and South America. She was also traveling with some pieces of contemporary Irish crochet made by a Ukrainian friend which were rather nice tops. They were were pretty and contemporary looking and were it not for my figure problems I would have wanted to find out more about how to obtain such a garment.

Maire showed me the project that she would be teaching in Manhattan. It is a mask based on the concept of the Venetian carnival masks. I thought it was a good idea for a project, because it is pretty, and it is not too big, and each mask will be unique. Each student will make various Irish crochet motifs and then join them to make a personal mask.

Maire told me that she would be particularly interested in teaching in the Boston area and asked me if I know of a contact there. (I am assuming her interest in the Boston area may stem from the idea that there are a lot of people of Irish heritage there.) If anyone would be interested in contacting her for a future class, her email is Maireslace@gmail.com. I think she is already lining up future tours in the US.

New Member at Large

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 16:13:25 GMT

I am happy to announce that Marjorie Dashef has agreed to fill out the remainder of the Member at Large term. This board position has not been filled for a few months, so I expect that there will a little ramp up time. If you are aware of demonstration opportunities, please let her know. Your support is appreciated.

Lace glossary

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 20:10:45 GMT

A member of Arachne recently posted a link to a lace glossary that she maintains. It has approximately 80 entries in English, German, French, Spanish, Danish and Dutch. This is a fantastic resource for those who have multi-lingual lace books - especially if you don't speak any other language.

If you would like to make any additions to the glossary, please contact the owner Achim Siebert (achims63@mac.com)

Jill

Other diversions

Sun, 23 Feb 2014 16:43:43 GMT

Hi all, a quilt event just opened last week in Bridgeport CT

http://www.citylightsgallery.org/ displaying the Gee's Beend Quilts

Amazing work.... inspirational :) show will be open through Friday March 28th.

NELG Retreat on May 16 - May 18, 2014

Mon, 17 Feb 2014 02:27:38 GMT

NELG Retreat on May 16 through May 18, 2014

As of February 15, 2014, fourteen people have registered for the retreat. So far, 3 people have signed up for Holly Van Sciver’s class, 8 people have signed up for Ulrike Voelcker’s class and 3 people are only retreating. There is a $10 to $20 discount for registering before March 15. Commemorative bobbins by Chris Parsons are available from $13.50 to $19.50. If you order your bobbins by March 1, they will be delivered at the retreat. Bobbins ordered after March 1 will include a mailing fee.

Registration will close on May 5, 2014.

February meeting cancelled

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 02:41:06 GMT

We have cancelled the February meeting since the weather is marginal. This was to have been a business meeting in addition to the Teneriffe program that was planned. One of the items on the agenda was to announce some new appointments.

I am happy to announce that Susan Landry will take the position of librarian. The library is an important part of NELG, and I am sure Susan will get this working for us once more.
We now have a nominating committee for the June elections. Carolyn Wetzel and Marjorie Dashef have volunteered for the committee. This year we will elect the treasurer and vice president. If they approach you for a position, please consider it. NELG cannot work without participation by the membership, and that includes people who take the responsibility of board members. Yes, it does take a bit of your time, but it is well worth it.

Thanks,
Sharon

Lace - A Sumptuous History

Fri, 07 Feb 2014 14:56:14 GMT

A new exhibit is opening at the San Francisco Airport! I probably won't get to see it, but it looks amazing.

http://www.flysfo.com/museum/exhibitions/lace-sumptuous-history

Kate

Lace is Everywhere

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 02:42:02 GMT

Just back from my presentation of the "Lace is Everywhere" at the Tolland Library, CT. There were about 25 ladies present for the talk. Thank you to Jeanne Goodwin for making the introduction so that this event was booked. Thanks to Jeanne, Sharon S. and Marjorie D. for attending and showing how bobbin lace is made. Special thanks to Cressy - he photographed, videoed, more than a gig of pic's from the session. Watch later on for the pictures of the event. Of course thanks to the Tolland Library and the Friends of the Tolland Library for believing in the topic.

It was a great day ---- very chilly yet the folks came to hear about the lace. Many of the attendees were from the three fiber related groups in town and library patrons. The Library and the Friends seemed to be very pleased with the turnout. I may book another event with them in the spring. There was lots of interest in tatting - the difference between shuttle and needle. There were takers at the try me pillow.... yes.... 2 over 3, and before you could really count - they were saying cross & twist.

All in all - a great day for the Tolland Library and a great day talking about Lace.

Stars and snowflakes for Sacred Hearts Retreat House

Mon, 20 Jan 2014 11:26:15 GMT

We received a wonderful thank you from Sr. Claire for all the stars and snowflakes that were sent for their 2013 holiday display. I have just posted some photos on the Lace Projects webpage, together with a list of all the lacemakers who took part.

Thank you to everyone for a great response!

Jill (aka Webmistress)

Retreat: Lace Challenge & Silent Auction

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 19:57:07 GMT

OK. So far winter has not been too wonderful. But start thinking ahead to May! It is not too soon to start setting aside items for the Silent Auction -- always one of our most popular activities! All items related to lace or fiber are eagerly sought. Give to me, or Clare Settle in CT.

Also the Lace Challenge ATC packets are ready. They will be available at the Jan. meeting or I will mail you a packet upon request. Submit your original design ATC for judging at Retreat by your peers and the teachers. There are prizes! Again, a lot of fun and no pressure.

More info will be in the Feb. newsletter. Just think sunshine, warm breezes, unlimited lace time...it's coming!

Happy lacing!

New Year's Resolutions

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 15:26:25 GMT

I hope everyone has made it through our long holiday season so far. Mine has been a bit hectic with a wedding in early December in Maryland including a return trip that was a bit challenging due to snow. That was followed by Sunday Lace the next week that was moved to Saturday to work around yet another snowstorm.

The next week was NELG. Given how close it was to Christmas, having six people attend, bring food, have a gift exchange, and actually stay for a while just to converse was really a pleasant break. The commute home was interesting since I seemed to share the road with a ton of electric crews headed to Northern New England to be ready for the bad ice storm that even now has people waiting for the lights to return. This may be the lot of life for linemen, but given the holidays, I suspect a number of them would have preferred to be at home with family and friends.

We are almost at the end of the holiday season with New Year's Day on Wednesday. If you are someone who makes New Year's resolutions, here are some lace suggestions:

If you have unfinished projects, pick out one to finish and do it. It will free up some equipment and space as well as give a sense of accomplishment.
Please remember that the Big E comes again next summer. This is our biggest display of the year, and it won't happen without our members contributing. All lace is welcome, and your contribution is important. Getting the pieces planned early so they can be finished ahead of time will make it a lot easier.
Volunteer for something. NELG always has plenty of opportunities. If you have something that would make a good program at a meeting, please let us know. If you are planning on going to the retreat, we could use another co-chair for the silent auction.
Pass your knowledge along to others. You don't have to run a formal lace class to teach someone. If you can help someone with their lace, you are passing along your knowledge. Local lace meetings are great places for this to happen.
Attend a demo. This is one way that we spread the word that handmade lace still exists and is a great activity to learn.

I hope this list gives you some ideas.

Wishing you the best for the New Year,
Sharon

Lace Advent Calendar

Wed, 04 Dec 2013 21:50:10 GMT

This was recently shared with me by Lorraine W:

The Lace Guild has an online Advent Calendar, including a fun puzzle!

http://www.laceguild.org/guild/calendar.html

Check it each day in December for clues to the puzzle.

Netting - Rita Bartholomew

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 18:40:47 GMT

We had a wonderful workshop with Rita at the NELG meeting on 11/16. There is a certain knack that must be acquired to perfect the netting knot -- sort of like learning to "flip" that tatting knot. And although most of us had difficulty trying to keep the thread wrapped around the correct fingers, some of us actually made a little progress! Rita has agreed to come back to our January meeting, which is devoted to UFOs among other things, and help us further with the bag project if wanted. So keep on netting! I think she said it's a little like tallies -- it takes a 100 or a 1000....

And be sure to check out Jeri's report in the post below.

Netting -- from Jeri Ames

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 18:38:40 GMT

Netting Artist, Stephanie Crossman

On November 2, 2013, I discovered Stephanie Crossman, of Vinalhaven, Maine www.mainenetbags.com at a Maine Crafts Guild museum show located in the large entrance lobby of the Maine State Museum. When I exclaimed that some of her Netting was like lace art, and introduced myself, she asked if I knew Lauran Sundin. It was then that we knew we could "talk lace".

This artist has a web site that features a limited selection of her creations. I suggest you look at each tab:

Pocket bags, Shopping bags, Shawls and Scarves are what you would expect, though each is unique. But the one you really must view is Sculpture.

These items are made with very fine threads, using old hand-made tools inherited from a great grandmother, not standard-size netting needles. All these small thread sculptures were presented in protective shadow boxes, none much more that 8" in height. The featured item is a Jelly Fish, and it was the first that caught my eye. It is shaped to puff out from the surface, somewhat like a child's balloon. Then, position your screen arrow over the Sand Dollar, Lady's Slipper, Bird. and Fish to enlarge other images. All are 3-D.

------------------------------------------------

For research and instruction, there are chapters in books devoted to Netting, but fully-dedicated-to-the-subject books may be hard to find. IOLI has some, listed with Needle Lace books:

http://www.internationalorganizationoflace.org/iolilibrarylist.pdf

N-065 Art of Netting from the Kliots - 112 p. reprint
N-084 Beautiful Netting, by Rita Bartholomew - 66 p. for 2001 IOLI Class
N-057 Harper's Bazar (sic) Netting Patterns - 26 p. of articles & patterns
N-034 Knotting & Netting, by Lisa Melen - 88 p. hardback
N-082 Make Nets, Here's How, by H.T. Ludgate - 72 p.
N-066 Priscilla Netting Book - 40 p.

My lace library inventory contains over 1,000 book titles and I had been looking for one on Netting for a long time. At the Caen OIDFA Congress, a German book dealer offered "Knotting and Netting - The Art of Filet Work - Designs, Materials, Techniques", originally published in Sweden in 1971, and re-published in the U.S. by Van Nostrand Reinhold in 1972. Library of Congress # 72-1857 and ISBN # 0-442-29958-3. I looked at the Netting section, illustrated with pictures, before buying. It would be worthwhile to try to borrow from InterLibrary Loan.

New England magazines (like Yankee and Downeast Maine) often contain articles about local crafts and historic homes, some of which have pictured Netted bed canopies. The 2-volume set "The Treasury of Early American Homes" by Dorothy and Richard Platt (republished frequently since 1946) shows Netted bed canopies at Gore Place and Whipple House. A woven fabric canopy is shown at the Nathan Hale house. Attached at the edges is a Netted trim that looks to be about 8" wide.

These may all have been replaced with reproductions, since my books are over 50 years of age. I am guessing this, because the nets were stretched tautly, which may have weakened them over time. Sharing these resources, in the event photos are needed for anyone's research files.

Information is the way I can share with the NELG, since I no longer make lace.

Jeri Ames in Maine USA
Lace and Embroidery Resource Center

Sister Judith

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 15:16:46 GMT

The following sad news was just posted on Arachne:

Sister Judith passed away this morning, one and a half months after celebrating her 100th birthday - a great day that she enjoyed immensely. She is quoted as saying just last week: "It was good; but it is enough".

She will be greatly missed, but her lace - Withof - will live on.

Jill

Lace is Everywhere - Lecture in Newington

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 02:30:44 GMT

Much thanks to GAIL MACLEAN, DORIS SCHICK, RITA BARTHOLOMEW, and JEANNE GOODWIN for volunteering at the

lace lecture I gave at the Newington Library on October 24th. Special thanks to Cressy Goodwin, for taking pictures and the video.

We had great participation by the attendees who were able to enjoy the making of lace, by our expert lace makers, and enjoyed the lecture and show.

It was truly a lot of fun to put together this lecture, great to do some research and when it all came together, I was hoping everyone would be pleased.

If you are in southern CT for November 11th - I'm doing it again - check the Events Calendar or contact me directly at pattyfoley.lace@gmail.com

PS I have some video of the entire talk - so once it is edited - who knows where it will go next!

Thinking ahead and other matters

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 18:31:43 GMT

I think I often get a bit complacent when looking at the NELG website if there is nothing new for a while. Today for some reason I went to the Member's Lace page. Jim Martin has added a lovely Bucks sampler bookmark that he made. It is lovely! We will have to remind him next summer that he needs to enter Creative Arts in the Big E since we know that he has at least one piece that is well worth entering.

Participation is important to NELG. Please post pictures of your lace when you have finished it. People love to look at lace examples. And do remember that it is never to early to start planning for the Big E. If you are working on a large project, don't you need an occasional break to make something small to say you accomplished something?

Request from Catherine Barley, needlelace teacher

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 11:59:17 GMT

Catherine Barley is a teacher of international renown, and has been teaching bobbin lace, needlelace and stumpwork both in the UK and abroad for over 40 years. Her book ‘Needlelace Designs and Techniques Classic & Contemporary’ first published in 1993 by BT Batsford and re-printed four times is now sadly out of print and it is prohibitively expensive to have another re-print.

Catherine has been looking into the possibility of ‘print on demand’ for this book, largely prompted by the outrageous prices being asked by second-hand booksellers. I checked today and Amazon.com is currently selling it at $250, but I found other sites (in the UK) where they are asking up to $1,000!

Catherine needs to get a quote from a ‘print on demand’ company, but they will want some idea of the number of copies. Therefore, she is asking that if you might be interested in a copy, to email her so she has some idea of how many copies to get a quote for. She is not asking for a firm commitment, but if you would be seriously interested, she would like an indication of intent. Catherine can be reached at catherinebarley@btinternet.com.

If you have friends belonging to embroidery groups or other lace groups, perhaps you would forward this information on to them. More information about Catherine and her work can be found on her website; there is a link on the ‘Links page’.

Thanks in advance,

Jill

Have you ever struggled to understand lace books in a foreign language?

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 09:28:13 GMT

I’m sure that all of us, at one time or other, have looked through a lace pattern book and been unable to understand the text because it is in a foreign language. Like me, you’ve probably tried Google Translate and laughed hysterically at some of the results. Then you should read on….

Our good friend and lace teacher, Jean Leader, posted on Arachne that her husband, David (who is webmaster for OIDFA) has just released a facility on the OIDFA website for translating between common lace terms in different languages. Although there are printed lace dictionaries available, the distinctive features of this facility are:

It is freely accessible to anyone with an internet connection
For each language the terms are certified by native speakers
Each term is accompanied by a defining image
Discrimination is made between rare and common words in that translations of rarer words are provided, but these words are not given as translations of terms from other languages.

The url is http://www.oidfa.com/translate.html. Although only four languages are currently available in addition to English and French (the official OIDFA languages), anyone can contribute additional languages, without having any knowledge of lace terms in another language, merely by identifying the images. In this way it is hoped that, for example, a Czech/Japanese translation can be achieved without requiring any individual to know lace terms in both these languages.

The number of items is currently quite small (40) but the focus is on words that appear in instruction or pattern books, and which Google Translate will not handle properly. The use envisaged is for people reading lace books in languages other than their own (and non-English speakers with a general knowledge of English translating terms into English correctly – lazy loops anyone?)

Jean and David encourage any non-English lace makers whose language is not represented (Italian? Spanish? Japanese?) to contribute either on-line or by contacting them by email. The rule is native-speakers only.

For technical reasons the facility doesn’t currently at all on the iPhone, or well on the iPad. However, these problems will be addressed in due course.

I took a quick peak, and it looks to be a very useful tool. Kudos to Jean and David for coming up with the idea!

Apologies for the long post - but it's all good stuff! Check it out and let me know what you think!

Jill

An interesting lace site

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 14:17:50 GMT

In doing a search this morning, I came across a lace page with a lot of interesting pictures. The site is
http://blog.seniorennet.be/kantklossen/archief.php?ID=1159907
While the site is either in Flemish or Dutch (my apologies for not being able to distinguish between the two), it appear to be the blog of Gisela Altruye who has been making lace for about 35 years. There is a lot of lace here in many different styles including Binche and modern lace. I don't know if she made all of the lace, but it is worth looking at when you have the time.

Great Big E Creative Arts entries

Sun, 06 Oct 2013 22:16:25 GMT

I just scrolled through the photos of the lace entries - wonderful, beautiful work! Thanks to all of you who entered and helped make it a great exhibit at the fair.

V&A Clothworkers' Centre for the Study & Conservation of Textiles & Fashion

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 11:23:31 GMT

Many thanks to NELG member, Jeri from Maine, for posting on Arachne that the Victoria and Albert Museum’s (V&A) textile and fashion collection will be re-opening on October 8, 2013 in brand new facilities at The Clothworkers’ Centre for the Study and Conservation of Textiles and Fashion. The Centre is in Olympia, London which is approximately 2 miles from the V&A’s main museum in South Kensington.

The Centre will be open by appointment (there is no charge) to individuals and groups who would like to study and research objects in the collections. While many NELG members will not have the opportunity to visit the collection in person, they can take advantage of the huge online resource that the Centre provides. The Centre’s webpage (http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/c/clothworkers-centre/) features various links, and while there is a wealth of information to look at here, if you want something more specific about lace, then select ‘Textiles’. The resulting page (http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/t/textiles/) is a good place on which to enter ‘lace’ in the search box.

Jeri states that there are 75 search results. This will undoubtedly provide enough reading and ‘eye candy’ to last a long time. Having taken a very quick look around, I noticed that a lot of the images can be downloaded, which will give the opportunity for extended examination. Hopefully those who visit the website (or are lucky to visit the collection in person) will post their comments.

Thanks again to Jeri, who I trust will forgive my paraphrasing of her original post on Arachne.

Jill

Historic books on lace and lacemaking

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 09:02:38 GMT

Whilst doing some online browsing today, I came across a link to this Online Books Page which features PDF versions of lots of historic books on lace and lacemaking – mostly from the On-Line Digital Archive of Documents on Weaving and Related Topics at the University of Arizona, but also from other places. The webpage has been put together by the University of Pennsylvania and is a fantastic resource anyone who wants to look at some of the old books, and read more about the history of lace and lacemaking. Those who own a Kindle or other e-book reader will be able to download the files on to their device.

I will post the link on our Links page so it can be easily located in future.

Jill

Creative Arts - Big E Countdown!

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 19:14:34 GMT

I'm just back from the Fair ground where I picked up this year's tickets for the Volunteers and got to see our NEW showcase! By the way - there are 18 exhibitors and 37 entries! Thank you Everyone!

Big Thanks to Jane Chapman at Creative Arts for snagging a new display case. We have been using these two cases. That's Jane

doing the modeling. While great cases to display our lace, both are a

bit small for number of pieces of lace submitted. Then neither are at eye level.

Never fear - with some discussion back in January she mentioned that she had another case in mind. It was from the Storrow Town Village's basement. Guess there are treasurers down there. The Girl Scouts used it last year. She said it was bigger, had glass shelves and it was more at eye level. Unseen, I said that would be great. Great doesn't do it justice.

This will be our new home for our lace entries at Creative Arts - Big E for 2013!

Yeah! Okay we will need to spruce it up a bit - that's no problem.

Big thanks to Jane! We really appreciate the effort to find a new cabinet to display our lace.

BIG E OPENING DAY ---- Friday, Sept 13th

Entries due at the Fair grounds on Friday Sept 6th and/or Sept 7th.

CHECK the website before opening day to see pictures of the entries before the public!

Good Luck everyone,

Patty

Fiber Artwork

Sat, 24 Aug 2013 12:21:32 GMT

In looking at the latest issue of Vogue Knitting this morning, there is an exhibit, "Red, Yellow, and Blue" by Orly Genger that is currently at Madison Square Park in New York City. This consists of 1.4 million feet of lobster rope that is knotted (crocheted?) by hand and then painted. These panels are then stacked to form sculptures. While this is near its end in NYC (last day is 8 Sept), it will move to deCordova Museum in Lincoln MA where it will open 25 October. This is not true lace, but an interesting application of lobster rope that is being replaced for the safety of sea creatures. Here is a link to the information on the exhibit including a video: http://www.madisonsquarepark.org/things-to-do/calendar/mad-sq-art-orly-genger . If you are interested in the deCordova exhibit in October, their website is www.decordova.org.

Kenmare Lace Festival

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 09:19:43 GMT

As part of "The Gathering Ireland 2013", Kenmare is holding a lace festival from October 3 to 6. This festival will celebrate the wonderful heritage of lacemaking and design established by the Poor Clare nuns in post famine Kenmare in the 1860s. You can find more information at the festival website:www.kenmarelacefestival.com or in the festival brochure.

If you are planning a visit to Ireland in October, you might want to include this on your itinerary.

Jill

IOLI convention ends

Sat, 10 Aug 2013 21:37:11 GMT

As I write, those of you that attended must have had an amazing time. Classes, vendors, lace, lace and more lace.

Our own member Devon has written about the event - you can read more about it on the Ning IOLI group discussion. Thanks Devon for the updates!

Breaking News! The first lace iPhone App

Mon, 05 Aug 2013 09:01:43 GMT

I just read a post on Arachne that Jean Leader and her husband, David, have released an app for iPhone and iPod Touch that provides a quick reference for about 60 individual styles of lace (with photos, of course - courtesy of The Lace Guild). More information is available at Jean's website: http://www.jeanleader.net/publications/lace-app.html

Congratulations to Jean! I have an Android phone, so won't be able to look at the new app. If anyone downloads the app and has comments, I would be very interested to hear about it.

Jill

Eastern MA delivery to Big E

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 17:56:15 GMT

Just wanted to let those in the eastern MA area know that I am once again willing to take entries out to this year's Big E. Just get them to me before Friday 9/6, together with their entry labels. Bring them to the Sunday Lace day on Aug. 11 or call or email to arrange another time.

I encourage everyone to enter! Beginners especially! Go to the Big E website, go to the Creative Arts section under the Agriculture pull-down. Enter for $5 by 8/1 or $10 by 8/15. You get free entry & parking tickets! You will most likely win something! Really!!

Lace correspondence course

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 12:40:38 GMT

I just saw a photo of a gorgeous piece of lace posted on the Bobbin Lace Makers Facebook page. The lacemaker is doing a lace correspondence course with Martina Wolter-Kampmann. You can find out more at Martina's website: http://www.lace-web.com/index.html

Looks like a great resource for those who don't have easy access to a local teacher.

Jill

Website visits hit 6,000 mark!

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 13:01:42 GMT

I am very excited to report that today we reached a total of 6,000 visits to the NELG website! And our site visitors have come from 67 different countries. Considering the updated website was released just over 2 years ago, this is absolutely phenomenal!

Jill

ATC's

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:56:14 GMT

Last weekend I mentioned to the group at the NELG meeting, that Billy Collins will be reciting his poetry at the Sunkin Garden in Farmington, CT on August 7th. You can find more information by following the link.

His poem, "Questions about Angels", was used for our inspiration for the Lace Challenge 2012. Come back an view the pictures of the lace that was made. Follow the link to read his poem once again.

If anyone can make the event, please let us know! Thanks Doris S. for forwarding the newspaper article.

Love your Lace,

Patty

Information from Alex Stillwell

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:20:38 GMT

I was asking Alex about using some of her material in a meeting. She has a website, www.alexstillwell.wordpress.com , which is worth looking at. On it she also has a link the Arizona Library where you can download a number of lace books including her Teneriffe book.

She has also recently republished "Torchon Pattern Drafting", and there is a book on Floral Bucks that she is working on.

Sad news

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:05:18 GMT

For those who are not friends of NELG's FaceBook page, Lois Rostanzo posted the following message late yesterday: "Ladies...sad news today. Lee Daly's husband, Jeff, died in a motorcycle accident this morning. Please remember Lee and her family in your prayers."

Lee has been a member of NELG for very many years. Those wishing to send condolences, may find her contact information in the Member Directory.

Jill

Opps? Or is it Really?

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:49:15 GMT

So one great person says. Have you every started a project only to find out that the pattern, directions, or even the picture used doesn't make sense?

Even with the greatest focus on a pattern I have found that ... it just wasn't working. Sometimes .... I have discovered a new way, a new look, and surprise myself. Last fall I was attempting to tatt and talk - LOL, I found it difficult and gave up on the pattern I was following. I threw caution to the wind, and began to tatt what ever came in my mind. What I did learn was an amazing freedom to .... just do it. Often times, lace makers come into a situation where there is a decision that needs to be made. I hope that after consideration, when the puzzle doesn't seem to have an answer, you too will throw caution to the wind and just do it,

Love you lace,

Patty

Lost and Found - Retreat

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:17:25 GMT

Thank you to everyone that attended the retreat this year. It's just about a month since we all parted with new techniques in hand, inspiration abounding and hopefully feeling a bit rested.

As we were cleaning up - I was walking out the side door to the main parking lot and found this little critter under my foot! He's been sitting on my desk since my return and has been whining that he's lost his 'mommy'.

Does anyone know who he belongs to? In this picture, he's getting a great view from the top of a water bottle. If not, he's found a home right here!

Remember to Love Your Lace,

Patty

Lacemaker's estate sale at 6/15 meeting

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:38:16 GMT

As was mentioned in the meeting announcement, we will have a guest who will be offering for sale quite a number of items from her lacemaking mother's estate. Many of the items will be French -- LePuy pillows and bobbins -- and continental. There will also be midlands bobbins (both wood and bone, new and antique), threads, pins, some books, and various small tools, etc. A little fun shopping, and perhaps something for us all to think about when the time comes to catalog and/or disperse our own collections!

We are finding or losing?

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:59:38 GMT

I have spoken about our art, our lace, our time with the shuttle, pillow and needle in other postings. Each of us take our time to be with ourselves and our wondrous threads. We engage in a library of books to find the pattern, the technique and to raise up our inspiration. We meet with lace makers to discuss, learn and develop our art.

Each of life paths take us near and far. Sometimes our journey throws something 'new' at us. I call this an opportunity and I recommend that we must take and ponder this 'new' information. I was looking around on blogs, FBs and the such, all related to lace in some way. There was a recent discussion about making a particular type of lace with variegated threads. This excited me as it was about using color for our lace - color other than white or beige/tea stained. The discussion was concerned that there was little control of where the colors went or changed. I left the discussion, sadden as there was more 'talk' about what it wasn't and not what it was ; a great piece of lace and very well executed.

Whether you enjoy traditional or contemporary lace - I ask you to consider, to ponder the 'new', whatever it may be and how it brings, TO YOU, it's message. It will enable you to find and lose yourself in the Art ..... of Lace.

Love your Lace,

Patty

Sr. Claire's lace project

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:27:13 GMT

I just finished the star. Note that the pattern calls for 6 bobbins of white and 4 of gold, not pairs. Also do a few sewings when the pattern crosses, it will be make the lace more stable (thank you Claire Settle). I bought my perle 12 cotton from a Joann's store and I did 2 twists around the pin. The pricking was copied on a light blue cardstock and didn't require prepricking or a film cover, just jump right in and have fun.

Tonder lace festival

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:36:38 GMT

Off to Denmark tomorrow morning - VERY early (our flight leaves at 7 am!!!). I'm very much looking forward to spending some of this weekend in Tonder for their triennial lace festival and meeting up with Barbara Morrow for dinner on Friday night.

Also looking forward to catching up with Nikki Nelson, Tina Allen and Bobbi Donnelly - I'm sure there will be more lacemakers from the US that I know!

In addition, there will be a book launch on Friday evening at the Tonder Museum for Bobbi's new book: "Spiderweb and Dreams". It is a book on Danish Cross Cloths from the Museum's collection. Can't wait!

Jill

A picture is a thousand words

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:10:37 GMT

... so he said. It's true. Over the last several years, we at NELG have made an extra effort to collect pictures from events, local gatherings and especially when we are in the public showing our lace.

Last weekend, several of us were at the MA Sheep and Woolcraft in Cunnington. Thanks to Carolyn W. and Sr. Cathy and yours truly for braving the real cold and wet conditions. It paid off, as it does as we met lots of people, heard stories, and we able to show many individuals about lace. The bonus was the Hampshire Gazette reporter Sarah Crosby came by to take pictures speak with us. Follow this link below as it shows us working the demo. It appeared in the Hampshire Gazette today. There was a blurb. a quote, and some great pictures!

... so he said ... and so we did.

http://www.gazettenet.com/artsentertainment/hampshirelife/6633530-95/your-time-the-massachusetts-sheep-and-woolcraft-fair-cummington

Thanks to Sarah Crosby for the article and pictures.

I should have worn my wellies

Wed, 29 May 2013 05:07:48 GMT

A great quote for all of us to remember. This past Saturday, while at the MA Sheep and Wool show, I was taking in the sites in between lots of rain drops when I came across this young child. He had his wellies on and was stamping in a puddle of water and giggling to his hearts content. Watching this young child lifted my heart and before long I contracted his infectious giggling.

Some time ago, I was sent the following website Design, Decoration and Craft at The Textile Blog. Thanks Clare this is a treasure! It is written by John Hopper and has been on the web for over five years. That is pretty good in the life of a blog. While it is not primarily a lace site, what I have found is looking at other textiles for inspiration for lace designs. It is written well and you can listen to each of the current blog posts if you turn up the volume.

The current entry May 28th - discussed The Contemporary Maori Inspired Pattern Work of Mitch Manuel. How absolutely interesting as a pattern is dismantled and reassembled into an new pattern. The possibilities are endless.

if you go to the subject area of the blog and scroll down you will find the listing of lace entries that exist on the site. The first one Lace as Traditional and Contemporary Craft is a great entry and explores that contemporary will become as common as the traditional and the two shall live side by side in harmony.

So .. do you have your wellies on? Time to get them out, dust them off and celebrate the fun of jumping in a puddle. So go and experiment and have fun with your lace!

Love your Lace,

Patty

Creativity...... Lace in ATC

Mon, 27 May 2013 14:21:16 GMT

Wikipedia says creativity that it "refers to the phenomenon whereby something new is created which has some kind of subjective value (such as an idea, a joke, a literary work, a painting or musical composition, a solution, an invention etc.). It is also the qualitative impetus behind any given act of creation, and it is generally perceived to be associated with intelligence and cognition."

These statements ring true when we talk about our Lace. There is a mystery that unfolds when we re-create a piece of lace - what was going on in the lives of lacemakers when it was first developed. Our recently concluded ATC challenge called for lacemakers to take two different pieces of thread and create a card. On the link above you can see this year's entries. Bravo to our lacemakers for allowing your creativity to grow and to share them with us.

Thank you all for participating in this year's Lace Challenge.

Alencon lace video

Sat, 25 May 2013 14:57:33 GMT

In looking for something this morning, I found a video on Alencon
Lace on this site. This video is in French, however the photography is very detailed. It shows how Alencon was made, from the pricking to cutting it off of the pattern, removing threads and smoothing the lace. The site is in English. See: http://visitnormandy.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/alencon-lace/

Your Art

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:23:25 GMT

Back from the NELG retreat where lace, your art was abundant. Threads crossed and twisted, a knot here and a knot there, and a needle was rethreaded.

One thing about a gathering of such, you have the ability to witness great work come to life.

As we go into the weekend..... go to your lace...... and create.

Sweet Briar Opening - Act Fast!

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:11:11 GMT

Clay Blackwell informs all registrants that a last minute slot has opened in Susie Johnson's "Lace a la Carte" class" at the Sweet Briar retreat in June. If anyone is interested email Clay immediately!

MA Sheep and Wool demo

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:07:47 GMT

There is still more room for lace demostrators at the MA Sheep and Wool festival this Saturday! We have a nice indoor location to show off our work on Saturday from 10:00 - 12:30.

Isabella Stewart Gardiner and recent newsletter

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:33:32 GMT

I did an internet search the other day on lace and isabella Stewart Gardiner. I was surprised to see that they had had a lace event that I was unaware of. It seems that they had a young woman, Katherine Traylor, demonstrate bobbin lace on April 18th. There are some photos on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151426756425963.1073741828.23619335962&type=1 and you can read a write up on the Isabella Stewart Gardiner website. I believe that people had to pay for this event. Was the NELG involved in this? If not, may I suggest that it implies that the ISGM is possibly re-evaluating the value of the lace in its collection and might be receptive to overtures? I would really like to see more done with the lace there.

I have been enjoying, as always, Jill Hawkins adventures as she tries to penetrate the mysterious and insular lace culture of England. Six people pining to join the Bradwell Abbey lace group, but unable to qualify? Christine Springett teaching on the QT? What next?

I was also interested to read of Sr. Madeleine's adventures in Bruges. How I envy those who will have a chance to see the slide show of the Marys. Is there any chance that this could be turned into a "long essay" on Ning? Jeri's essay on the French Chateau laces is a hit, and I think this has similar potential. Also, since it is likely to be quite visual it is a good candidate for Ning. Lorelei likes close-ups, and Sister Madeleine says that she took a lot of them.

Lastly, I note that I receive the newsletter in print format, and i have dutifully checked my membership profile and see that I have an email address on record. You are welcome to convert me to internet newsletter status.

Devon Thein

Count Down.....to 2013 Retreat

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:07:53 GMT

Our committee, headed by Winann & Jill and it's members, have wrapped up all what is needed to have yet another successful retreat for NELG at the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham MA.

It begins this Thursday evening with dinner then classes begining bright and early on Friday thru Sunday. We will have a vendor and you are welcome to come to shop - at no additional charge.

Our monthly meeting will be held on Saturday at approximately 12:30pm and there is no charge to attend the meeting. I'll have lots of updates about the group, insights about our upcoming demo season, of course Creative Arts / Big E has great news, we will announce the winners of our ATC contest - see Lace Challenge 2012 - for exquisite and creative work by our members.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone there...... so let the lace begin,

Love your lace,

Patty

Piecework's Annual Lace Issue

Mon, 13 May 2013 03:20:25 GMT

It's here - arrived in my mailbox a few days ago. Once again it is a great issue. There is a something about tatted, crocheted, knitted, bobbin and needle lace. Something from personal stories to those from fiction and historical.

It is an exciting time, there is so much lace that will be coming to the 'market' and the tools to make them. We must be on the look out to collect these pieces to continue to preserve their beauty and history. It is truly our legacy.

Enjoy the copy...... How many medallions were contained on the table cloth made by Grandma Pat?

Love your Lace,

Patty

Study in Lace

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:03:41 GMT

Just got this news this morning. It's opening tonight! The Hartford Artisians Weaving Center received a grant and has produced this show.

For everyone who has ever been interested in the vast and varied traditions in lace and lace-making, a new exhibition opens on May 9th through August 3rd in the third-floor glass cases of the Hartford History Center at the Hartford Public Library, and the new show underscores the idea that everything old is new again.

For more information, click here

Love your Lace,

Patty

The last Beguine

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:39:43 GMT

I was forward this link on Marcella Pattyn 1921 - 2013 from Jeri via Lace News. The article is in the Ecomonist - written smartly and I hope you enjoy it as much as I.

If you attended our meeting in April, we had a lovely presentation by Sr. Madeline about her stay in a beguinage in Belgium. You can read about her episodes with picutres in the February and May NELG newsletters.

Love your Lace,

Patty

Weavers’ Stories from Island Southeast Asia

Sun, 05 May 2013 15:36:08 GMT

In the current issue of NELG's newsletter, I mentioned this link in my message. It's several stories of the weavers out in the Indonesia part of the world.

As we are faced with the future of lace, so are they about their weaving. You can see them speak (translated) about their concerns and you can see some of the most lovely patterns that they make.

This picture I took in a batik factory just outside of Yogykarata, Java, Indonesia. The patterns are hand drawn on the fabric with the help of a light table. You'll see batik made in one of the stories - it is truly amazing. to see more about them visit this website for a host of interesting stories, lots of interesing techniques and beautiful textiles, http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/exhibitions/weaversstories

Remember show your lace ------ love your lace,

Patty

Connecting to the past

Fri, 03 May 2013 20:05:29 GMT

I have been making a hankie for my niece. It is from "Guipure-und Cluny-Spritzen" which you can get with translation (for us German-challenged types) from the NELG library if you don't own a copy. This is Genoa lace, although done on a finer pricking than recommended with 50/2 EC. The pattern is said to date from about 1610.

What amazes me is that there is a Velazquez portrait at the Metropolitan Museum of Art of Juan de Pareja who was Velazquez's "Moorish slave". This is a beautiful portrait. Juan has a lace collar that is not painted in great detail, but from what I can make of it, the lace that I am making could be very similar, at least in style. Here is a link to the Wikipedia entry where there is a fairly good picture of it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_of_Juan_de_Pareja

A Fiber Mill alive in CT

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:49:37 GMT

If you are wondering where to have your fleece or roving made into yarn, we have a new mill in Connecticut. https://www.facebook.com/fitchfibers Stop by and meet Fitch Fibers! They will be having an open house as part of CT Tourism Day on June 8th.

Linda Adelman stopped by at our booth at the CT Sheep and Wool this past Saturday. Lovely lady, owner, who gave us some information. Here's an article from the Norwich Bulletin to read more about it - http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x633482141/4-women-turning-fur-into-yarn-at-new-Bozrah-fabric-mill?photo=0#axzz2Rr6m9SYc

Sheep & Wool

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:04:13 GMT

My neighbors to the north in Massachusetts are also enjoying great weather today.

If you want an event in your back yard - come visit at the Gore Place - located at 52 Gore Street in Waltham, Massachusetts just off Route 20

We will present showing off our lace making skills. For more information for their event on Saturday the 27th. http://www.goreplace.org/sheepshearing.htm

See you there!

Sheep & Wool

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:57:56 GMT

Gather all - if today's weather in Connecticut is any indicator for tomorrow - We are going to have the warmest day at the CT Sheep & Wool Festival!

Looking for a nice drive, walk through the barns and in the fields with the shepherds, dogs, and of course the sheep - then come on down to the

104th ANNUAL SHEEP, WOOL & FIBER FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Rain or Shine
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tolland Agricultural Center
Route 30, Vernon/Rockville, CT

http://www.ctsheep.org/sheep_and_wool_festival for more info.

French Chateau Laces

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:45:14 GMT

At this past Saturday's meeting, I spoke about these most exquisite pieces of lace that our own Jeri Ames was able to write about. Thanks to Vi Eastman also for the pictures and getting me the link to pass along to all of you. The Discussion is on the NING site of IOLI. It is amazing and extremely interesting - take a moment to read and then observe. I kept the pictures up on my extra monitor for over a week so that I could be enchanted at the amazing work.

French Chateau Laces

http://laceioli.ning.com/forum/topics/french-chateau-laces-under-construction?xg_source=activity

Ride Needed to Retreat

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:54:00 GMT

Anna Bone, who does not have a computer, has asked me to see if anyone passing through the Rte. 128 area might be able to give her a ride to & from Retreat. She is registered for the full session. I would be happy to oblige but unfortunately I will miss this year. If you think you might be able to help, either call her (she's in the Members' Directory) or me (ditto). Thanks!

Behind the Veil: Brides & their Dresses

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:55:13 GMT

Just heard from Linda Sheff that there is an exhibition currently on at the American Textile History Museum in Lowell, MA called 'Behind the Veil: Brides and their Dresses'. It is described on their website as 'an intimate look at generations of wedding dresses and the women who wore them'. Linda's harp teacher was the harpist for the opening night event and said the exhibit was very impressive.

You can find out more on the webiste of the ATHM.

Jill (aka Webmistress)

Catherine Barley's website

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:43:08 GMT

I received a lovely (surprise) email from Catherine Barley to let me know that her new website is now live (http://www.catherinebarley.com/). In addition to some fantastic photos and information about Catherine's lace (both needle and bobbin), she has included photos of some of the exhibits of the California Poppy Project. If you aren't aware of what that is, there is a very good explanation on Catherine's website.

Treat yourself to some wonderful 'eye candy' and take a look. It is FABULOUS! Catherine has given permission for us to include a link to her website on our Links page, so you will be able to visit any time.

Enjoy!

Jill

The Laces of Ipswich

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:36:31 GMT

The Laces of Ipswich by Marta Cotterell Raffel is now selling for $4.95 from EdwardRHamilton.com.

Lace related festival

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:30:25 GMT

In going through some news pictures this morning, I found one with "Gilles of Binche". Apparently Binche Belgium has their own version of Mardi Gras known as Carnival of Binche which has been recognized by Unesco as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The costumes of the Gilles are interesting. They wear "a hat covered with ostrich feathers and a red, yellow, and black medieval costume hung with bells and decorated with fluffy lace at the neck, wrists, and ankles". Unfortunately, I cannot find an image with sufficient resolution to see the lace well, but I am assuming it is machine lace given that there are close to 1000 of these costumes.

There is a website for this festival, http://www.carnavaldebinche.be/

Newsletter Available / Survey Coming

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:43:18 GMT

Yes, Our newsletter is out for you! Check your email for the link; members can also get to the copy in the "Members Only" section.

It is filled with new articles - more about the travels of members about. Second installments of Bruges and England.

Keep an eye out - we will have a survey coming on our newsletter. Let us hear your suggestions and comments - we are here to serve you!

Remember - Love your Lace,

Patty

Jill Hawkins adventures

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:42:54 GMT

I must say that I am enjoying Jill's indefatiguable attempts to gain entrance into her local lace group. Bravo for becoming a vendor at the sold- out a year in advance lace day! That is really thinking outside the box. I hope she was able to buy a ticket for 2014. It seems as though it was enjoyable and worth it. Also, it would appear as though other lace societies are opening their secret doors under Jill's relentless pounding. But, like a well-crafted mystery, the hints and foreshadowing keep coming. What is this about the local group that has no common members with the other local group? I am sitting on the edge of my chair to find out more. Is this simply a matter of the inconvenient scheduling, and other structural barriers, or is there an historical rivalry, possibly a blood feud? Will the newcomer figure out the mystery? Will she have to start a new lace group for people who were not born in the towns around Olney, Bedford and Milton Keynes? Will she discover a secret cache of mimeographed newsletters in a hollow tree that explains it all? I can't wait for the next installment!

Snowflakes

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 02:19:24 GMT

We did it, and thanks to all of you that have responded to the request for snowflakes for the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

My nieces and nephews all sat with me on our 'Christmas day celebration' and cut out snowflakes. I sent off about 3 dozen of them this morning. From the looks of reports I've seen, the children will be warmly welcomed back to school.

Once again, thank you NELG members for sending in what you could on short notice.

Best to you, Love your Lace,

Patty

Sandy Hook Children Snowflake Project

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 04:08:09 GMT

Hi all,

If you are on our email, then you would have recieved a email from me talking about a project that is being run through January 12, 2013.

The tradgey that took place on December 14 is unexlplainable - we all feel grief.

In light that the children will be returning to a new school in a neighboring town, the PTA would like to make the school look like a Winter Wonderland.

They want snowflakes - any kind, any way.

Clilck here to reach the State PTA association and read more information about the project.

Finished snowflakes should be mailed to

Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT 06514, by January 12, 2013.

Thank you in advance for any snowflakes you can send,

Patty

Contemporary Lace

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:13:31 GMT

I just received this link from Devon at IOLI Ning. It is a great blog on contemporary lace and lace events for the next several years.

It is written by Jane Atkinson - Europe 2012 - a lace odyssey. She is such a delightful woman whom I met in England earlier this month.

Hope you enjoy........ feed the imagination, love the lace,

Patty

Back in the US of A

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:56:05 GMT

Hi all,

Yes those fantasy lace adventures have come to an end! It was an amazing time. So much lace. and not enough time.

On the last day we went to the Cowper and Newton museum in Olney. It was a great place and beautiful lace. It was also interesting to read about the upper class ladies that did knotting - very fashionable to bring it with you to show off your talents.

Here are a few more pieces. A beautiful collar on the left, and Queen Victoria's wedding dress on the right. Quite a tiny waist

Jill's camera did better at the long shots and mine was great for the closeups.

This picture is part of the steel that holds up the London Eye. We took a night ride and it was one wow after another. Can you see the lace?

It was a lovely trip , I hadn't been called " hey love" so many times in a day, let alone a whole week. Thanks Jill & Bob. Maybe it was the break, or the cold, or just being in England - this trip has me seeing lace all around me.

Patty

Cecil Higgins Gallery re-opening

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:41:50 GMT

The Aragon Lacemakers in Bedford are creating a lace version of John Bunyan's cottage as part of the exhibition for the re-opening of the Cecil Higgins Gallery in Bedford in the Spring of 2013. Members of the lace group have been asked to make lace bricks to be used in the 'building'. Here is my completed brick.

For more information, be sure to read the next installment of my Lace Adventures in the February issue of the newsletter.

Jill

UK and it snowed!

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:25:32 GMT

Wow it snowed here. They don't get much snow in this part of England. It did close local airports, a couple of the schools. Mind you they don't have much in the way of snow removing equipment. The lorries - called gritters much be outfitted with the sand and grit (sand and salt) and it is only applied to the main highways.

Check out the sky - blue as ever and very cold!

Glad we had various plans - we had planned to go to Warwick , instead we went over to Olney or "Oney" as the locals say it and visited the Cowper & Newton Museum. A great museum on William Cowper and John Newton. Lots to learn about them from 1740's through 1800. Very interesting time.

Okay - that was lovely - it was the lace collection that they have - now that was a collection! here's a picture or two - enjoy

Honiton on the left and needle lace on the right

I'll post a few more pictures when I have better upload speed!

Hmmm the color of the sky and the color of the backing under the lace :)

Patty

UK and it's cold

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:09:23 GMT

Hi all,

It's been a great time so far. Though the weather has almost been perfect, couple of

showers here and there, it's been truly cold. The morning temps have been -2, 0, .6. Yes, that's a decimal!

We were off to Olney, small town and found this building related to the Bucks Lace industry. At the top of building was this lovely lady making or possibly redoing lace, hence her stern look at her pillow!

Yesterday, at Kensington Palace, we saw Queen Victoria's wedding dress. Most pieces of lace we see are under glass and often times in dark rooms.

Must be off - more lace to do!

Enjoy your Lace!

Patty

UK 2nd Day

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:23:52 GMT

Today - not a problem - up at the crack of dawn and the sun was shinning! It was really really cold, 1 degree Celsius - that's about 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here's the lace window dresigns from last night. These leaves are about as wide as a half-dollar. Made of nylon cording. It is truly amazing.

It sits on this house that was build back in the 1600s and has been modified many times. Right now it is vacant. It's a great location- center of town, hm.... such ideas ?

Here's the house - great at dusk - yes all those windows are covered with this lace covering.

And here you can see a nice braid, picot and half stitch center.

Anyway it was great to see this in person. The work and the size is remarkable.

It will be up through February 2013 - get to Bedford to see it yourself.

UK 1st day

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 23:38:51 GMT

The AA new 777 plane landed at Heathrow with me and without much fanfare; that's a good thing. Travel and logistics are part of any vacation - it is a lesson in people watching. JFK is an amazing place; so many people coming and going, each with their story. So here begins my story!

Once landed - I needed to find the Underground or Tube, get the correct line - Picadilly to Kings Crossing - backtrack to on the Victoria line to Euston. There I had to juggle the train schedule to determine which train company (privatized into several companies) and get to Milton Keynes to meet Jill. It is amazing - we are watching the board listing the trains waiting for the train to be assigned a track. LOL The train was already there but they didn't want the passengers to be around as the readied it for us. The all of a sudden, the board changes and we are sent to Platform #1 - mind you we are at platform #8 - so a mob of folks go off running. Most are pulling luggage - it seems everyone is going somewhere with luggage! I pulled my two items and got to the train. Now train luggage compartments are not the size of airline compartments. It was fine as long as I stashed them in the back of the 'car' - I was fine - and some very cute men helped me out :).

The only thing I was in trouble with was the lack of WiFi for my phone to work. So a little snafu to tell Jill I was on the train. Anyway - it worked out and I am here with Jill.

First order of business to go see the building she spoke about in her article in our last newsletter. I'll be loading the pictures in the next day or so. It is truly inspiring - both Jill's newsletter and seeing the building first hand.

It was a quite night at home - glad to get here and relax. Though it is freezing - literally 32 degrees! Burrrrrrrr

More tomorrow!

Patty

the UK chapter

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:11:41 GMT

Hi all,

The countdown begins, about eight hours till lift off, in a big jet flying across the pond. Then the various tube stations, to the train station, and then there will be Jill at the Milton Keyes stop! It will be fun to hear 'english' once again, quaint towns, the oldest iron bridge, Big Ben and of course the Queen. Oh did I mention pubs and great english ale!

What I find interesting is what local folks think Americans are? Of course there are the ugly ones, the ones with big hair and live on a ranch like in Dallas, I just find it amazing.

So time to shut down this laptop for now, yes, it's coming with me. How else could I upload lots of pictures from this adventure.

Cheerio to all,

Remember to Love your Lace,

Patty

Needle lace Bohemian

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:46:54 GMT

Thursday is done - yet the best part of Thanksgiving - left overs!

If you'd like a little more dessert? Non-fattening?

Check out this needle lace blog . It's in Italian - though it doesn't need much translation.

Lace and Art meet! Absolutely lovely!

Patty

Thanksgiving Eve

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 03:07:36 GMT

I take this time - this year very different from past years, to have time to reflect on those events and people who are with us and who now watch from afar of this year.

The last several years I've been cooking the dinner, not the turkey, at my place, packing it up in the wee hours of the a.m. to deliver them to our gathering place at my parents. There we would continue the cooking and welcome various family members for a great dinner, good wine, loud conversation, and kids running about.

Change is surely more a constant in our lives. Each of us has so much to be thankful for. If you are rushing around this holiday - I hope you take a few moments to reflect over this past year, remember those individuals who have been part of the lace of your life. Give them a call, remember them, give them a moment of your time.

May you be blessed with health and happiness all this season long.

Patty

Leaving for UK

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 05:42:44 GMT

Hi all,

It's about a week to go before I leave for the UK! I may even let myself get a bit excited already.

Those of you that made arrangements for a bobbin tree - I'll be bringing them back with me - see you at the NELG meeting in December.

If anyone wishes items for UK vendors - make arrangements now!! I'll carry them back with me.

Lastly - I'll be occupying Jill's time - so we may be a bit late in responding whilst (practice my English!) we get around the UK to view lots of lace. Watch here for pictures and updates! Wait till you see the pictures from the Palace - I'll tell you which one in another week!

Remember ----- love your lace,

Patty

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:04:29 GMT

Hi everyone,

Our November 1st newsletter is going to print today. Thanks to Storm Sandy for delaying the release. Thanks to Gail who was a good sport about it. '

Look for your link to see this great edition with many new columns and articles. We want to hear from you about the edition - how can we best serve you - our member! Contact me at nelgpresident@gmail.com or post your comments here.

Love your Lace,

Patty

Volunteering - Library

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:37:44 GMT

Hi all,

An organization is as strong as it's members. Each of us bring talents to the organization. Whether you can volunteer to serve on the Board, a committee, put on an event, or taking time to demo in public. Each of these tasks are essential to the well being of our organization. We recognized that our time we can contribute will ebb and flow with where we are on our life's journey.

I ask you now - what can you do for NELG? We are still in need of two assistant librarians and the head librarian. Both positions require coming to meetings. One benefit you receive is to have three boxes of NELG books with you. The 'paper work' is done by the head librarian who is to keep the library running, checking out books, and checking in books. There is a host of other duties including keeping some of the books too large to wheel around. The assistant librarians bring their books to monthly meetings and to local gatherings. The boxes assigned to the assistant librarians will be rotated during the year so that the local gatherings will have a fresh set to look at.

If you are interested in some aspect of helping out - please contact me directly at nelgpresident@gmail.com.

Thank you all, Love your Lace

Patty

Fiber Festival

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:19:52 GMT

What a great time we had and this year's Fiber Festival.

Much thanks to Linda, Linda, Carolyn W, and Kate for taking time to be in the booth with yours truly. We missed you Mary and Barbara who couldn't make it at the last minute. Thanks to Lynne who was demo'ing at the Storrow Town booth in full colonial dress.

We were met with lots of questions, we did some explaining and we made lace. I brought out my tatting shuttle and once I get it unpacked I'll show you my first 'free from' piece of tatting. We kept the attendees straight on the difference between the bobbins and tatting and other forms of lace. One young lady completed my christmas themed lace snake and one woman re-learned tatting. She's with a shop in New Hampshire and we expect to be corresponding in the near future.

All in all, thanks so much to everyone for taking this time out to show off your lace, your talents and to promote New England Lace Group!

Love you Lace,

Patty

Lace Event

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 02:22:27 GMT

Found this link to a lace event that was held earlier this month, I believe in Spain,

El Verger 2012 XI ENCONTRE DE BOIXETS

Not sure how it translates - though the pieces of lace are beautiful!

Love your Lace

Storm & Lace?

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:54:49 GMT

As the storm Sandy comes ashore later today, I hope that our 'friends' on the eastern seaboard are safe and prepared. This storm is being heralded as a 100 year storm with the rain and storm surges, especially on a lunar high tides, causing flooding anywhere from 4' to 18' depending on the surge. Living in New England all of my life, we have survived many storms. My mom said that she was ordered to leave her home. She said "we have never left our home except for the flood of '55 when I was pregnant with you - why should I now!"

This time last year, there was over four feet of snow at my home, freezing temperatures and no power for a week. From what I understand from friends, that was tough; I know of folks that went over ten days without power.

The electrical outages could be devastating which could make every day life quite uncomfortable. Hopefully each of you are ready for this storm and have made preparations. Extra water, batteries, cook the food and take stock of what you have in the freezer. Pack the freezer with bags of water, it will keep it colder and you'll have some ice. If you have the feature on your land line phone, forward it to your cell phone. Fill the car with gas and find that car charger for the phone. Remove the items from outside your home - plants, wreaths, and flags. It's all pretty common sense - so let's be safe so we can come out on the other side of this.

By the way - depending of your situation, get a lace pillow out, find a tatting shuttle. Might be a great time to wind bobbins for your next project. A little lace may be just what you'll need.

Be Safe.....

THANKS to Patty for organizing the luncheon!!!!!

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:41:11 GMT

Let's give a huge thanks to Patty for all of the planning and time that she put into our 30th Anniversary celebration. The location was pleasant, the food was great, she made an wonderful slide show, she arranged a beautiful display of our lace, and she even managed to make the weather turn out for a colorful fall drive to Sturbridge. Yea Patty!

Anniversary Luncheon

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 01:51:39 GMT

Hi all,

It was so lovely to see everyone that attended the luncheon. It's truly amazing - I was getting the heebie jeebies before the event. Then the guests began to arrive and the excitement of being with this amazing group of lace makers - and their art - it all subsided and we had a grand day.

Mother Nature was great - giving us warm and clear weather for everyone's travels. We snacked on pickies, had some libations and of course lunch. I thought it was very tasty and I saw many empty dishes.

I hope that all of you that attended had the opportunity to visit with Lauran. Her presentation about the exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum gave each of us an insight to some non-traditional lace. I feel so blessed to have had her attend. She will be a great friend of NELG!

I took the attendees on a small imagery trip - to the happy place - where you love your lace. After a brief presentation - I showed a movie I made from the many, many pictures I was able to scan and include. There were quite a few giggles and laughs as some of the pictures were over 20 years old! It ended with a video from our past president, Jill. That surprised everyone and they all raised their glasses and toasted her back.

Thank you to each and everyone of you that attended. It is because of YOU that we celebrated our 30th Anniversary, it is because of YOU that lace continues to flourish in New England, and it is because of YOU that we will go out and celebrate lace making.

Love your Lace, thank you for the opportunity to serve you,

Patty

Gems of European Lace - at the MET NYC

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:11:12 GMT

Passing along another great chance to see wonderful lace!

Check out the fantastic lace exhibit at the Met (NYC):

Gems of European Lace, ca. 1600–1920
July 24, 2012–January 13, 2013

http://www.metmuseum.org/en/ exhibitions/listings/2012/ european-lace

Thanks Carolyn for posting the link!

Anniversary Luncheon

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:42:28 GMT

It's just about four days till the Anniversary Luncheon. With more than a year of planning, it will be here. The members that will be present bring the most amazing talent in the New England area.

We will enjoy a great meal together, lots of sharing, our infamous speaker, Lauran Sundin, lots of lace, and our friendships, both new and old.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all there!

Patty

Middle of the Month Day

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:50:14 GMT

Happy Middle of the Month Day,

A thought passed through this morning, why is it we put off to next month? Isn't today a great day, full of potential, just waiting for you to join it and be in the present.

With that in mind, where is that lace project you started a while ago? Why not take a few minutes to dig it out, refresh yourself as to where you were, find the space in the pattern, and take a deep breath. Admire your handiwork, and then look at your day - just today, and be inspired of how the threads work. Be thankful for the moments you spent with your lace today.

Happy Middle of the Month Day.

Auction upcoming

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 22:34:26 GMT

It's amazing how the flood gates continue to open as lace information come across my desk.

At this auction house in England http://kerrytaylorauctions.com/ Kerry Taylor Auctions has one coming up on October 16th. She specializes in Textiles and Fashion. There is a sale going on now - interesting to scroll through it!

So if you have any pennies needing to be invested - here's an opportunity.

Love your Lace

Patty

Ithaca Lace Days

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 22:33:28 GMT

The Banquet was nice, food good for a crowd of some 100 people. You'll need to ask attendees about the Cat in the Hat! As it was the Hats off to Lace as a theme. This rookie didn't 'get it' about the theme. Hmmm there should be a rookie in's and out's for these types of events.

The after dinner program was by Nicky Howener-Townsend and she spoke on the Suffolk Lace and the Lacemakers of Eye. The passion she has for this lace was amazing. She has spent great efforts to track down the origins of the lace and finding the old bobbins that have been and are still being unearthed!

Of course they had a 'tea cup' type auction and lots and lots of items were donated. This time I didn't get a prize! Though that antique bolster pillow would go along with my Christina.

My class on Sunday was a continuation of what we did on Saturday afternoon. We went from using a #20 cotton to a 36/2 cotton on the second piece. What a great comparison - using the same stitches. A good item for the beginners. I must say, our teacher, Jean, did a wonderful job as the teacher. Hat's off to her. The students in this class were amazing; according to Jean - this was a remarkable group of students.

I stayed and took the optional Monday class. We made yet another item using only the half stitch and footsides. It was a circle and it allowed the students to see how to use a back stitch to keep the circle from collapsing. We also added beads all the way around.

Let's say it was an enjoyable weekend. Wish I could have taken a class to further my own lace skills, though widening my knowledge to begin the necessary work for teachers is truly rewarding in its own right.

It was a long drive back - thank goodness for audio books. Stay tuned - I'll have some more news on teach the teacher in the coming months.

Back from Ithaca - love your lace,

Patty

Ithaca Lace Days

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 21:34:51 GMT

Hi all,

I'm at Ithaca Lace Days. It is really interesting and to find out, quite a few NELG members are in attendance.

Friday night was a little get together, pick up your package of items needed for the weekend, there was a lovely table set with good pickies - cold and hot, practically a meal in of itself. Of course the rain came on Friday night! Though it did not put a damper on the evening. Great to put faces with names on individuals who are in our lace community and to meet new people.

Saturday a.m. is a race to see all the vendors and the show me tables. Definitely bring your checkbook! I did get some tatting thread and a couple of booklets. I'll

do the bobbin lace items later.

The mid-day speaker, Senora Marina Regueiro, was just delightful. Her lecture on Hinojasa Lace was facinating. It is a tape lace - unlike any other. The pictures and real pieces she was able to share with us - outstanding. It is truly amazing what you can do with about 11-18 pairs of bobbins! I found the stories of how the lace came to be - relatively a new lace, and of course the folk tales that come with it.

My class was the beginners class. Why beginners you may ask? Well back to an earlier entry here - we need teachers, we need a schedule, to offer beginning classes. Ms. Jean Jagendorf is the teacher. Many of you know her. Her class is so far just right. Everyone in the class is keeping up - there are seven of us. We started with the tape lace strip with sections in English whole stitch, whole stitch twist, and half stitch.

It's time to get ready for the banquet! By the way - the sun came out and it is beautiful outside!

Love you lace from Ithaca,

Patty

Big E

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:43:11 GMT

Once again the fair comes to an end. Yesterday we dismantled the lace exhibition and received our critiques and prizes. Thank you to all of you. To our lace makers for making wonderful lace and your willingness to share your art with all of us, to the volunteers that demonstrated during the fair and explained the difference between pillow lace and tatting, to volunteers that coordinated delivery of your art to and fro the fairgrounds and to Rosalie and to Winann for arranging the display and to Jill for getting the pictures up on the website.

Let us not forget the fair goers - we thank them for stopping by and seeing our lace and sharing stories of the lace makers in their families.

It is truly an effort by everyone! Thank You. Mark your calendar - the fair opens September 13th and runs through September 29th, 2013!

Speak Up!

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 14:54:34 GMT

As I opened the September meeting I was reflective as this year is about NELG going forward. As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary, we celebrate the dedication of time and effort by those wonderful lace makers before us. They have brought us to our present. We honor them.

It is now, as the stewards of the present and the leaders for tomorrow, that we must set out sites about lace making. How do we feel about this legacy? Where will NELG be in five and ten years from now. I ask each of you to look ahead in your life, what events can transpired in that time frame? Now, was any of it about lace?

We are at a time, where some of our teachers have passed, retired, or find it too difficult in their life situation to continue to teach. It's the white elephant in the room, we all 'see' it, though it's a mammoth problem and question of what to do.

Some of our members are very generous with their time. Today, I'm speaking of those individuals that demonstrate lace making throughout New England. That is where our disconnect is widening. Where does someone from the public get to take lessons after trying out lace making at a demo?

There are lots of questions posed here. It's time for some thoughtful conversation and reflection. I will continue this topic over the coming months. I'll post more and look for your comments. So Speak Up!

Love your Lace,

Patty
NELG President

Watch Out

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 22:13:52 GMT

I know this is not about Lace - though each of us is on a computer if you are reading this. I'm not one to pass along forward emails, Yet some 15 minutes ago, I had this call. I was intrigued, but it did not add up. I've reported this to the Attorney General here in CT. This ploy has been around for awhile. Here's some research - Just Hang UP!

Does microsoft or a microsoft call center ever contact people via telephone to warn of impending crashes to their system?

I was recently contacted by someone claiming to be from a microsoft call center informing me that my computer had downloaded a malicious file and was asked to press the windows key and type refetch in the run box and he was going to show me which file was infected and how to remove and or fix it was this a legitimate call?

Vincenzo Di Russo replied on April 28, 2011
MVP Community Moderator Community Star

Here’s another form of Internet fraud that combines a variety of other common scams undefined social engineering, fake security software, and phishing.

Cybercriminals have started calling people on the telephone, claiming to be from Microsoft, and offering to help solve their computer problems. Once cybercriminals have gained a victim’s trust, they can do one or more of the following:
- Trick people into installing malicious software on their computer.
- Take control of a victim’s computer remotely and adjust settings in order to leave the computer vulnerable.
- Request credit card information so that cybercriminals can bill for the phony services.

Microsoft will not make unsolicited phone calls to help you with your computer. If you receive a phone call like this, hang up.

Anniversary Luncheon

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:15:13 GMT

Hi all,

Just about all the arrangements are done. Glad so many of you will be joining us on October 20th at NELG 30th Anniversary Luncheon. There are three seats left!

If you haven't signed up, please do so. We will maintain a waiting list for any cancellations.

We have Lauran Sundin to speak about her lace journey, the winners from the Big E will be displayed with their ribbons, and a special surprise for our members.

Looking forward to seeing you all very soon,

love your lace

Patty

IOLI Videos for Sale

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:38:36 GMT

In my correspondence this week, I received a list of IOLI Video Tapes that are for sale. I did say video tapes!. IOLI has each of these titles in DVD and therefore wishes to clear out the old format.

See this attached list - If YOU think NELG should get any of them, please let me know so that I may correspond back to IOLI. These video tapes are being offered to Charter Chapters on a first come, first serve basis - then they will be offered to IOLI members after December 31, 2012.

Cost is $10 per video. NELG will be glad to purchase them, if available. Note we would then have to have them converted into DVD so everyone could use them.

IOLI Video Tapes.pdf

IOLI NEWS

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:58:56 GMT

From my understanding - the convention was a success! Glad so many members took part in the event and classes.

Next year's convention is the 60th Anniversary and will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah - on August 4 - 10, at the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel. It will be hosted by Beehive Lacers - Teachers are already listed - follow the link.

There are two items that they are in need of:

1st - Ideas for the new logo to go with the new name - International Organization of Lace. Inc. Submit them to Shemene Peckman email her vicepresident.ioli@gmail.com

2nd - Submissions are requested such as patterns, hints and tips from each chapter to be included in the 60th anniversary CD that is given out at the convention. Submit them to Marion Jones email mjones9@aol.com

IOLI - Certificate of Achievement

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:34:46 GMT

Congratulations to all our Volunteers!

This is our Certificate of Achievement from IOLI for the volunteer hours that were collected by NELG during 2011. We contributed over 1,000 hours during that time.

We appreciate your efforts to continue to meet our mission of "promoting the making, study and collecting of handmade lace".

PS this will be our last certificate with the old name!

Demonstrating

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 14:04:26 GMT

Dear Friends:

I will be demonstrating @ the following venues from present - November:

the Garrison House in Chelmsford, MA 2-5 on 9-30-12
Stow MM First Patriots reenactment (Medford/Malden, MA) on 10-13
Samuel Fitch House in Westford, MA 10-14, 10-21, 10-28, 11-11, 11-18, 11-25
Fiber Arts Festival on 11-03 & 11-04 (Big E/Springfield)

I know that Linda Lane will be joining me for some of it; any lacemakers that wish to join me would be very welcome.

Linda Sheff

Volunteering at the Big E

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:55:02 GMT

Big E opened last Friday - Our Jeanne G. (in pink) was there to welcome fair goers to the New England Building aka Creams Puffs.

She said the first day was so much fun. She met lots of interested individuals and passed out over 25 of our brochures.

If you have volunteered with Jeanne, then you've had the pleasure of meeting her husband, Cressy who has taken this and other pictures for NELG. Thank you Cressy! Thank you Jeanne for being at the fair and promoting lace and NELG.

Under 40 International Symposium of Young Lace Makers

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:13:18 GMT

Need a little trip? Need to get some lace? Check out this event! April 2013 - in Pavia, Italy (just south of Milan) there is going to be this gathering.

Their purpose..... "The symposium aims to encourage communication amongst young lace makers and to safeguard and promote this rich textile tradition as a form of creative expression."

It looks exciting and I wish I could attend. Click here for more info.

Image from http://data.un.org

How's Your Thread Stash?

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 15:19:11 GMT

Have you looked at your thread stash lately? How is it being stored? Do you remember what the heck that spool was for?

How about a Purge the Stash event at an NELG meeting?

Several of my knitting and crochet groups do a "purge the stash" at meetings. It allows other members to try out a type of thread without having to buy an entire skein, trade threads, and it get's those small ones out of your place. Whatever is left is donated to a Senior Center and preschools for craft projects. Great part now - you have room for something new!

Image courtsey -FreeDigitalPhoto.net- Wool by Dino DeLuca

Monthly Meeting

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 02:54:36 GMT

Everyone should have received the notice for this month's meeting to be held Saturday. It is the first meeting of our new year. We open with a business meeting. and then the day's program.

We will be having Henrietta Curtis speak with us about lace. She has attended a couple of CT Lace Days and is such a lovely person. She has a wide knowledge in fiber arts and is a joy to be with. She is bringing some old pieces - so bring your white gloves. If you don't have any, NELG will have a small supply of them. The cotton white gloves are on sale at Walgreen's this week!

See you on Saturday!

Creative Arts - Big E

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:38:19 GMT

The results are in! You can find the Best in Division winners and Sponsor winners by clicking HERE.

Congratulations to all the winners! Each of your entries are just amazing. We have quite a wide variety of lace, from traditional to modern. Thank you so much. The Division winners are Gail for Adult and Maira for Youth. Click Here to see their entries.

All the entries have been photographed and will appear by Wednesday. Here are some preliminary stats - we had a total of 38 entries this year. Here's where the entries were - Preliminary - check the Big E site for the Final Results:

6		Bobbin Lace, Original
24		Bobbin Lace Adaptation / published pattern
1		Needle Lace, Original
4		Needle Lace Adaptation / published pattern
-		Combined Lace , Original
1		Combined Lace , Adaptation / published pattern
-		Tatting, Original
1		Tatting, Adaptation / published pattern
2		Beginners, any Lace

Great Link

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 04:30:51 GMT

Lace is everywhere. I was reading along on the Ning site and found this album on Flickr that has hundreds of pictures.

Need some inspiration - click and enjoy!

Creative Arts - Big E

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 22:52:08 GMT

Yesterday was the final day to submit entries to Division 4 - Lace for Creative Arts at the Big E. I spoke with Jane, at the fair grounds, she said we rounded up the lace entries to 45!. Great Job Everyone. I appreciate the hundreds of hours of your creative work to produce these entries. I'm sure there will be plenty of ohhs and ahhs by the patrons of the fair.

Check back to the website late Tuesday night or Wednesday to see the pictures of all the entries. I plan on being at the fair to photograph them 1st thing Tuesday before Winann gets there to organize and stage our exhibit. (She does such a great job!)

As we await the judging (on Monday), thank you once again for entering in the Fair this year.

Anniversary Luncheon

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:26:11 GMT

The Guest list for our event is growing! Thank you all for signing up. We are about one half sold out!

Please remember- Unpaid Reservations - are not completed reservations - So either use the on-line system or get your check in the mail as soon as possible.

It is great to see our lace friends names on the list. Looking forward to see you!

Anniversary Luncheon Reservations Opens

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:47:59 GMT

We are so glad to announce the opening of reservations for our 30th Anniversary Luncheon.

It will be a time we can come together to celebrate our lace, our friendships, and individual journeys in lace.

We have been so fortunate to have Lauran Sundin be our speaker for the day. She and I have had the opportunity to talk about lace, about the future and especially her journey.

This looks to be a lovely time, a great afternoon in the heart of Sturbridge, a chance to visit with your lace friends. We look forward to having you attend - Seating is Limited - so reserve your place now. To get to the events page, more information, and the particulars, click here NELG 30th Anniversary Luncheon.

Entries ready for Big E

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:14:14 GMT

This past weekend and throughout this week, lace makers are putting on the final touches to their entries to Creative Arts - Big E.

Big thanks to Rosalie and Bryce for gathering up the entries and making the trek to the fair grounds to place the entries this coming week.

Judging will be September 10th! Set up of our display will be the following day - I will make the trek to take pictures of everyone's entry and hope that by the end of the day - you will be first to see the lace entries and price winners right here at NELG.us.

For now, enjoy the pictures on the home page of last year's entries. You can see last year's winners at our page Creative Arts 2011.

Everyone that has entered is a winner in by book! Congratulations and Thank you to all that have contributed to making, promoting and displaying their lace.

PS - Volunteers - you should have received your volunteer tickets and parking passes. If you didn't, email me at nelgpresident@gmail.com and we will get you the tickets!

Mary Processions

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:38:36 GMT

Hello again

You have to remember that one reason for lace making was so widows and single women could make a living and it was sisters who in many countries helped these widows find useful and profitable work.... hence much lace that was make was for liturgical use. Now maybe there are lots of other reasons for lace making but this reason will explain the next post. In a church, St Wallaburga ( a Saint I had never heard of ) tucked away again in a residential academic sector of Brugge, there are at least 12 Marys which were used in religious processions over the last 500-600 years in Brugge. It is sort of like a big doll collection framing the side aisles of this beautiful white interior church. The dolls/Marys were called stick dolls as only the head and feet were sculpted. The stick inside was never seen as it was dressed/covered with brocades and embroidered fabrics and then of course the trim and the veils were all of handmade lace! I took many pictures of the Marys as each veil was an entirely different lace. I had to have closeups so you all could see the lace and then distance pictures so you could get the effect. I think the guide wondered who I ever was crouching and contorting to get the best angle and avoiding the sun glare from the clerestory windows! Maybe I made his day not too many tourists ventured to this hidden 'place' to so closely examine the Marys.

Now I saw lace everywhere. In my own little church in the Beguinage there were three altar cloths, one main altar and two side altars. They each had a different Torchon lace trim... just like what Sr Clare is doing for Sacred Hearts! I have to tell her. Anyway I assumed that Sr Mary Anne the lace making sister had done these and I again contorted for pictures and then asked her at dinner. NO... these were done by the Beguines in the 1500s. She casually followed that statement up with 'Oh if you are careful the lace lasts a long time.' Well I would say so 500 years is a long time!

Last post I do hope to do a presentation for NELG with pictures. I think I have given you all at least a sneak preview of what I saw and experienced lace wise. If you have any particular questions feel free to email me or post and I will answer. I definitely am a novice in the lace making world but it was such fun! I loved it!

Sr Madeleine

Trip to Lace Art Exhibition

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:44:59 GMT

Morning again

I guess I am on a roll. With the time change I am up at 4 and 5 am so the convent is quiet and the computers not being vied for! With my coffee to sustain me another adventure.I had wanted to visit the lace exhibition in a nearby village as it was of FLanders Lace the lace I was learning at Kantcentrum. For varying reasons I had not been able to get out there until the last two days. I had had a fall before I came so had a nasty gash on my leg that was healing and early in my month could not make a bike trip to this town plus the day I was planning to go 4 sisters in a nearby convent ate poisonous mushrooms and were near death, a serious concern when there are only 12 sisters in this convent! I felt my priority was prayer ( the work of nuns )and not lace at this moment. So the last days my leg was healed and on a beautiful day I set off to rent a bicycle and ride the 5 KM to Damme. Now mind you bicyle riding is an art in Brugge maybe in all belgium and the Low countries I do not know. But NO helmets .... riding in high heels, and fancy dresses, in jeans and top or in full habit with veil flying with baguettes and books all trailing out of pouches on the rear.. all these were quite common sights. So when in Rome...... now dodging the ubiquitous tourists and the speeding BMWs was another mountain to be scaled. There are bicyle lanes but at the intersection of the highways I couldn't tell which from which and just rode across and hoped for the best... Figuring hitting a nun is not a good idea and most people even unbelievers would abstain! So I trundled along by the canal watching the cows and horses as countryside comes quickly outside of Brugge. I loved it. THe quaint little village was quickly appeared and the exhibition was in the TOwn Hall. Now I have no pictures as they were prohibited as these were original designs. Tradition is you do NOT share your patterns although some lacemakers say this is beginning to change. THese were however original designs and commissions of Flanders Lace. Now only movie stars and baseball players could afford these I was told as they are originals to fit a certain desire of the purchaser! However they were quite stunning and the gal there didi give me a complete explanation of how it was done from the design to the tracing to the choice of stitches each piece being a one of a kind original. They spin the thread themselves examples there and the little wheel etc. It was quite upper crust lace shall we say. I guess if you are Sandra Bullock and want lace for your yacht table you would know how to find such places and people. I felt sort of privileged to have even seen this kind of lace.
After a visit to tearoom for sustennce of pannekokken which we call crepes with ice cream and caramel sauce ( many people gave me $$ for extra treats so kind ) I unlocked my bike from the bicycle parking lot and retraced my ride on the other side of the canal. THe return trip took me 20 minutes longer as I was bushed as I stopped on the benches a number of times but it was all worth it and bed looked good at the convent.

Another lace adventure or two to tell about.. I hope I am not boring you all.
Sr Madeleine

Old Thread Search

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:23:10 GMT

One of the NELG members emailed me about looking for some old thread i.e. out of production. I read the email at the local fast food joint one day and thought 'I don't know what she is talking about in English' letting alone finding a shop or explaining in French what I am looking for "Fat chance of this I thought"....... Nevertheless a challenge is always good so off I trekked armed with the notes from the email. As luck/ God would have it, the first shop a big one on Wollenstraat for those of you who know Brugge sort of an old factory type shop wooden floors and pictures of lacemakers from the last centuries in the window was the one I tried. It looked promising as it was big. I faithfully cornered a saleslady about my age and repeated as close a translation as I could get. She said 'ah yes' in French of course rushed to a hidden drawer underneath a big display of lace and presented a drawer full of little bags filled with skeins of thread. Hmmm I thought now what??? which little bag????
She asked me some technical questions like how thick? what was I going to use it for? all of course which I had no idea of not being the eventual user of this item! SO then she said she really had no idea either it was her daughter who knew about all of this and we peered together at an equally Greek like chart with numbers and presumably sizes on. So we agreed we knew nothing and I would write back describing what I saw in the little bags to the lacemaker searching for this item and she would ask her daughter and I would return the next day. THe whole interchange was quite comical!
In a few days I returned with the decision, the finest and the whitest now that was reasonably simple or so I thought, the finest was not available as some other lacemaker a few months ago had bought every skein of the finest they had had! You have to remember that this thread is no longer made so it is not exactly like a reorder is possible! Then of course white is relative ( it all looked off white to me... ) But what they had they had and this was it so I bought the whitest and the finest of what they had. Now mind you this is not the cheapest stuff so how much to spend when you are spending someone else's money.... even as a nun one does want to be responsible but again it is not like I can come back next week and get my friend the lacemaker more. So I decided on two skeins oh yes she had said skeins so again the mother and I mused over what exactly constituted a skein since this thread comes in packages and is sort of tied together with little read threads. and again the decision amounts to spending $3.00 or $33.00 dollars depending on one's definition of skein. So the mother and I had quite a time analyzing this problem and at last I decided on what seemed to us at least a reasonable amount not knowing what she was making or how much she wanted to spend!
Suffice it to say the skeins were safely tucked into my suitcase ( thread is light Thank God ) and are actually sitting beside me ready for mail. I must admit I have a desire to see these threads in the finished lace product! I think I will ask..

More adventures tomorrow
SrMadeleine

Kantcentrum

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:02:42 GMT

Hello All

I am home but for whatever reason my Kindle would not allow me to post even here so I am now at my trusty convent computer and there is so much more to tell about my trip to Brugge and Laceland! God Bless Patty for her yeoman's duty in posting as much as I could send her. All my posts and emailing were from the trusty 'Fast Food Joint' run by a busy, energetic and I might add quite gorgeous Scandanavian. Nuns had not been in her scope but she came to be quite friendly and fascinatedas I frequented her cafe.
So on to Kantcentrum..... I have pictures snuggled in a residential sector of Brugge beside a Crusades era church it held two classes each morning and then demonstrations meaning anyone nearby could come and work on their lace and there was a monitor who would help you. I think you had to pay for this but I do not know. Tourists then or at least a few who wandered far enough from the center of Brugge to visit the Lace Museum attached to Kancentrum could then see the real thing happening Hee Hee we were the real thing! I loved it! There were 15 in my class 6 Belgians, 2 Dutch, 2 French, 1 Chinese from Hong Kong and 1 Japanese who lived in Germany and 1 American nun.The reference was always 'oh you are from America' no separation of Canada Mexico or Brazil! So as you can see I was the only native English speaker. Chantal the teacher spoke several languages which buzzed around me no chance to learn by listening to others.... I could not understand anything!
I was almost in tears the second day as I had the least experience of the group with 4 years in at lacemaking.But I persevered valiantly trying to figure out what she was talking about with the word junction. Sometimes the words she used I did not even get in English! Oh well miraculously after 2 or 3 nights of carting my pillow home to my cell at the convent guesthouse and working diligently I had a basic Flanders and felt again a part of the group which was much like us at Sacred Hearts laughing, struggling eating lunch together and at last day pictures and ice cream crepes at the local cafe by the canal and a nostalgic good bye until next year as of course one does not really learn enough in one year! Hmmm we shall see.

The museum with old laces was exquisite there are no other words and a little shop around the alleyway that claimed you could purchase old laces and receive a certificate of authenticity needless to say I did not go in but... it looked interesting. There was also a Folk museum nearby which I did go to having a display of the lace making diorama like from the 17th and 18th century. These were fairly common in different place as Lace making was such a part of the women's and sisters' history of this area.

Another post tomorrow. Happy Labor Day
Sr Madeleine

Thank You

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:22:09 GMT

As in all organizations, we have change. Today, our last day of the fiscal year, it is also the changing of the guard in your officers. We are all intertwined and we make the fabric of NELG.

Tomorrow we will welcome Bryce as Vice President and Karen as Treasurer.

Today - I wish to send a personal and organizational THANK YOU to our Vice President Carolyn and Treasurer Winann. My involvement with our organization has been about four years, which does not come close to the experience and efforts that both Carolyn and Winann have brought to NELG over these past years. Their individual legacies are part of our foundation of NELG. They are two of the individuals that have given of the time and talents to our organization - they have made a difference. Both these ladies have worked this past summer with their successors to make the smooth transition so that NELG doesn't miss a beat!

Carolyn - Thank you for the programs of the past three years. We have had the chance for road trips, interesting guest speakers and a host of 'how-to's types of lace. All of us have been enriched. Your continued involvement with NELG is anticipated as we continue to expand our programs to our members. Thank you once again!

Winann - What can I say - Thank you, doesn't even begin to say what this lady has done for NELG over the last nine years as our Treasurer and Membership duties that were added to her plate four years ago. With an organization that is spread out over a large geographic area, it takes effort to bring it all together. Keeping up our finances is definitely a back room job and then keeping up with the changes in membership - both jobs take an organized individual. It is Winann who was served not only the executive team, but the membership at large. During the last two years we instituted new technology to assist in running NELG. Not to worry as Winann stepped up to embrace them so our organization continues to grow. Thank you so much, we would not be here without all your efforts!

Thank you to the both of you - you have added the the fabric of NELG!

National Christmas Lacemaker's Fair

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 20:27:24 GMT

I'm finishing making my arrangements to be in England to attend the National Christmas Lacemaker's Fair this December 1st. I have heard of it, saw some pictures from the past event that piqued my interest. So across the pond I shall go.

I'll have the opportunity to visit with our very own Jill - she and her husband, Bob are getting settled in to their new digs.

At this event, there will be an exhibition presented by The National Needlework Archive called 'Archives and ArteFacts'. It should prove to be interesting as they cover all types of fiber arts.

If you are going to be in England - let me know and we can have a spot of tea!

Great Links to Some Lace!

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 23:46:35 GMT

I thought I would post along some amazing links that I just saw in the Lace Digest I got from Arachne. All links are current, so much lace to see. Most of the sites linked below are in French or Dutch. Be wild and click on the links, great surprises exist all over these sites. You may have the translate widget installed on your browser so these sites do translate to English quite well. If not, the picutres are really fun, great ideas, inspiring, viva la lace! ......... so here they are.

World Congress of Lace - 2-13 July 2012 - Caen France

World Congress of Lace - continues

Passion-dentelle.over-blog.com

Les Dentelles de Sophie

Lace-attidude.over-blog.com

The Passions of Josidentelle

Lace and Cats .... les chats

Kantklossen

Posts from Sister

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:55:02 GMT

Here's more...

One of the ladies here knows Holly {van sciver}. The lace lady next to me has shared 5 patterns with me which I intend to share when I return home. She was delighted to think a pattern of hers would be done in the USA. She's using her grandmothers bobbins.

The lace makers and visitors seemed to be genuinely happy and surprised over the interest in the USA of something to do with Belgian lace, interesting!

One day I went to a small lace art exhibition. Again have pictures of lace done in rope, telephone wires, and ribbon. These are Kantcentrum teachers who turn lace into art, very creative and original - quite cool. Some have paintings behind them, like the ocean an then two are done in LCD with copper line, like gimp.

I started lace class yesterday. It is a 1/2 hour walk each way. Jammed on my way home, no one at the fast food wifi cafe in the morning. The walk is formidable as the french say meaning wonderful. The walk home is like the indy500 avoiding or not the tourists. Perhaps the best pictures I took were the ones of the empty streets in the morning and same street at 5pm!

The lace class is in Flanders and there are 15 people. There are 5 Dutch, 1 Chinese German, 1 HongKong Chinese, 2 French, 5 Flemish and 1 American sister hmmmmm{sitting with her lace pillow in a pear tree. - I couldn't resist}. Only the teacher speaks English and the French ladies are not too friendly. I nearly cried today but one of the teachers that I had met at the exposition came by and smiled and said "...courage it will come". Well I was not so sure. Fighting both the language and the lace barrier was a little serious. I'm happier now at the end of the day. I'm definitely the slowest but I am getting there! Tomorrow, spittle and brutes and my search for ancient thread.

Ciao & doors close at 6:30 pm!
Love and lace blessings to all,
Sr M.

Big E Entries

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:09:37 GMT

Thank you to all that have entered into the Craft Adventure / BIG E this year so far. Yesterday I recieved an email from Jane, at the fair grounds, and she reports that we have 44 entries of Lace! Yahoo! While it is a few short of last year's record of 52 entries, it is still a great showing for members of NELG and lacemakers.

You can still enter by faxing the entry to fax number 413-205-5104 or sending the form via email to cadventure@thebige.com. You then need to mail your entry fee in ASAP.

This is the only way to enter. The On-Line entry form method is now DISabled.

Thank you all! Any questions - please email us at nelginfo@gmail.com

IOLI NEWS

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 01:21:16 GMT

From Carolyn Wetzel:

AT CONVENTION - The annual meeting of IOLI members voted:

The membership voted (by absentee proxy and in person) by a large margin to,

1) change the name of International Old Lacers, Inc. to one of the two names listed on the ballot, and

2) to take the new name of International Organization of Lace, Inc. The complete change will be implemented over a few years as existing financial contracts are completed.

Watch for an article in the next Bulletin explaining the details and announcing a contest for a new logo!

Regards,

Carolyn Wetzel

Eastern Region Director

Bolton Fair lacemaking demo

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 17:44:29 GMT

Dear Friends:

I demonstrated lacemaking at the Bolton Fair one week ago (Saturday only) with the Stow MM. We had quite a bit of foot traffic, including some people who recognized us from Sturbridge OSV and another couple who would recognize us again in VT at Deerfield.

I have been passing out the NELG "cards" with the website on them and drumming up interest. We've had a couple of truly interested lace-followers who have really sat down and tried lacemaking for a couple of hours. I hope they will contact NELG.

Linda Sheff

Deerfield Valley Farmers' Day Fair (Wilmington, VT) demo

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 17:37:16 GMT

Dear lacing friends:

I took part in this again this year, both Sat & Sun, this past weekend. We had a lot of interest and I passed out lots of NELG "cards" with our website information. We really didn't have a lot of child interest, but had quite a bit of adult interest. So I gave some lessons to someone who had brought in her "lacis bobbin lace kit". So I parted with one of my Piet pillows and a spool of lace thread to get her started. Cherry is a spinner, knitter, felter and cook. Again, we had a lot of interest. The only thing that would have made it nicer would have been some other lacers. I recommended Evelyn Gant & Fletcher Farms as well but honestly don't know if she is still teaching there. I also met a couple of crafters who were really interested and are from MA and could go to the Sturbridge meeting without any problem. I came back with some ideas for Sat programs as well.

Linda Sheff

Looking for an old pattern?

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:46:53 GMT

Thanks to Clare Settle for sending me this link.

It is the Antique Pattern Library. Click on the name and it will take you there. This is one project by New Media Arts, Inc. of San Diego, CA. "This ongoing project is an effort to scan needlework pattern books that are in the public domain, to preserve them, so we can keep our needlework heritage in our hands. These scans have been photo edited to make them more useful for needle workers, and to reduce file sizes. They are available, for free, to anyone who wants them, for educational, personal, artistic and other creative uses."

Once you are there, you can roam around the site, search the site and see great books. At the top menu, choosing 'Catalog' allows you to scroll through the books (alpha sort). I like the 'technique' sort from that page which organizes the information.

I know I'll be looking at some of the 'old' crochet patterns :)

Thanks again Clare - best to you - Patty

Posts from Sister

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:10:00 GMT

Now on Saturday, there are losts of vendors in the street and lacemakers demonstrating. It is very festive and lots of beer.

There are not a lot of places for supplies or books and I think Holly's selection is very complete; truly holly does well by us. Now the lace makers traditionally guard their patterns closely like family secrets although none are sharing now.

This group from Antwerp at my beguinsge were very fun and friendly and I did lace with them in the garden. Could not speak a word of flemish but we laughed a lot. The teacher with them invited me to demonstrate with her. Patty, will have to log my hour demo time! The teacher does creative lace harlequin's dancers etc. Her theme was musicians and music wow! !

I as there two days doing lace and many people stopped and I talked some language French, English, or pigeon Flemish. As I was doing my tonder from Sweet Briar. they would say "ahh ahh fine tone" pronounced 'feen feen'! !

There were several lacegroups from around demonstrating from places I could not pronounce. I even met two teachers from Kantcentrum, they were demonstrating. It is a small lace culture like the USA.

Must go home to dinner, our big meal is in the middle of day. A guest there invited me for mussels today, a Belgian specialty and of course beer.

Ciao, until tomorrow,

Sr. Madeleine

Posts from Sister

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:01:44 GMT

The lace shop lady told me of two lace Expositions. Now armed with this info I knew my timing was perfect. I took tons of pictures. The exposition was on the second floor of a famous brewery just around the corner from me! Beer with every meal, even in convent is cheaper and better than water!!!!

Back to exposition I went once and took all pictures and then went back to see it with my eyes!!! All on block pillows and BIG patterns with hundred of bobbins. The pieces were all advanced torchon that seems to be the bruges specialty. I saw NO bruges flower lace and no spangles on bobiins. For practical and working holders, they used knitting or corcheted primarily.

Now the best part of the day is that night, our dinner in my beguinage, hosted a group of lace makers from Antwerp!

Good Day, Sr. Madeleine

Reaching out in the Name of Lace

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 17:16:05 GMT

Earlier this week, a question occurred to me wondering how far our website has reached. Low and behold - it is now over 3,000 unique hits in just a little over 18 months. Our overall visits are almost 9,000 and looks like we will top 10K in a couple of months.

We have reached out to to countries so far, with just adding Egypt and countries in South America. Here in the USA, it is truly astounding. We have reached 45 states and the District of Columbia. Ok reader participation time - Guess what states we have not reached yet?

Thank you to Jill who is our webmistress! She is settling in at the new home in England. Yet with the age of technology, it is like she is right with us. Cheerio!

Posts from Sister

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 17:13:53 GMT

Hi everyone,

Sister is taking lots of picutres - if you post comments to the blog, they will be sent to her. It seems the posting from Bruges is trickly.

Maybe we can convince her to do a travel log about her trip for a meeting?

Happy Lacing,

Patty

Posts from Sister

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:42:44 GMT

I brought my tonder pattern on my travel pillow and at night I do this. The doors to the outside close at 6:30pm!

In the day, I wander the network of streets and discovered that everywhere is a lace shop. Then passing by a window with bobbins, a brugges holly shop! I knocked on the window as she was closed. I must have been a sight akin banging on the window and making lace motions but she let me in and opened little shop. Imagine, small everything; small is Europe. Knave to go to service and lunch - more tomorrow.

Love to all NELG

Sr Madeleine

Posts from Sister

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:32:29 GMT

Upon arriving and armed with my mapquest walking directions, I headed for the beguinage. If you do not know what that is, it is worth a click on the link. Lace to suffice to say it is an 800 yearold quasi monastery. Protected by a group of Benedictine nuns living there. The 12
Nuns run a small guest house for any who wants solitude and peace.

I pushed and pulled The Monster Suitcase. We arrived at the quiet and securely locked green door hoping someone would a) answer and b) would know who I was. The door opened and I was gloriously greeted by Belgian Sr. Clare welcoming me warmly and drawing me in to their community and guesthouse.

Now all the windows have curtains with a stripe of lace done by Sr. Marie Anne. the lace sister. We talked lace over the next three days. I slept, missed masses and generally am getting adjusted. She showed me her pillow block; seems to be the most common here with a lovely large torchon pattern. She uses a stand but many use folding tables like us. I haven't seen much lace now.

Posts from Sister

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:22:20 GMT

I arrived safely in Belgium airport, now 10 days ago. I remembered that my suitcase was way too big by European standards. Though the size was chosen by the size of my block pillow and wonderful accouterments. After, struggling valiantly down two flights of stairs to the Quay, I stumbled, suitcase and al. With the help of the platform guard onto the train, others stepped more conveniently by with their smaller bags! The scene was repeated in Brussels, North Station. Where again I managed to just catch the Brugges train. This time setting my suitcase in the spot between the cars. The suitcase would not go above. The train was filled with day trippers to brugges

I was on and the brugges stop arrived 1 hour after passing, many meadows, many cows and many small tidy brick homes. Yahoo!

Exhibit at the Met

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 21:55:04 GMT

There is a fantastic exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, Gems of European Lace, ca. 1600–1920, July 24, 2012–January 13, 2013. Check out the details at

http://www.metmuseum.org/en/exhibitions/listings/2012/european-lace

This is the first time the Met has had an exhibit dedicated solely to lace, as far as I know. Let's show our interest by visiting it and blogging about it! Like it, Pin it, Tweet it!

IOLI now has new name

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 21:52:12 GMT

At the 59th Annual General Meeting of the IOLI, voting led to a name change. IOLI now stands for "International Organization of Lace, Inc". Out with the Old, in with the new, so to speak. Whatever the name, the IOLI is a wonderful group of lace enthusiasts.

Posts from Sister

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 16:13:39 GMT

Hi Everyone,

Ok I am here! There is a lace exposition and jam demonstrating they invited me to. Wow...

love,
Sister

PS - Since Sister is having techy difficulty - she will be sending me her posts and I will post them for her. Let's hope the glitch gets fixed.

Our Sister has landed

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:53:56 GMT

For everyone following, Sr. Madeleine has landed in Bruges! I just received an email from her and she arrived just fine. She is working on the internet connection - though there is some techy difficulty.

Stay tunned - we will have plenty to hear about!

Old Sturbridge Village "Redcoats & Rebels" reenactment

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:53:48 GMT

Dear Lacers:

I took part in the OSV 'Redcoats and Rebels' reenactment this past weekend and camped the weekend with the Stow Minute Men. I set up as a lacemaker on both Saturday & Sunday and passed out approx. 50 NELG brochures and even more Stow MM brochures. I had an "apprentice" sit with me for an entire day and she started learning to make lace: whole stitch, half stitch, variations by twisting the passives and weavers, and a few inches of Torchon ground. She was really thrilled. I'm hoping that this might also grow our membership as well.

Additionally, I think you should know that over the weekend, we had 6500 visitors to OSV and that we had such a visible location, that it seemed as though everyone visited our site. We were, in spite of the horrible heat/humidity, straight out with questions, pictures, trying to make lace, examining lace that I brought. And now, there is a budding lacemaker who will be moving back to MI in a couple of days. So I'm going to get some contacts for her.

Pictures that were taken by a more professional photographer 2 weeks ago at the OLD MANSE in Concord are going to be made available. Linda Lane and I were the 2 lacers. I strong encourage the lacemakers to even just day-trip it to demo lace.

We also were visited by an older man who has his Eastern-block lace collection handed down to him by parents & grandparents, all the more dear to him because he lost relatives to the concentration camps.

This upcoming weekend is the Bolton Fair in MA and the following weekend is the Deerfield Valley Fair in Wilmington, VT. I'm going to each. I hope someone joins me.

Linda Sheff

Bruges Bobbin Lacing Begins

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 20:34:30 GMT

Tomorrow is the big day! A couple has generously offered to drive me to Logan for my 6:30 pm flight. I have all my lace supplies because of the generosity of so many. I have little gifts of $$ tucked into my suitcase for special reats and a whirl of thoughts going through my mind. What will the class be like? What about the shops? How much lace will Sr Marie Anne know? How much time can she give me? Will I be able to keep up? Will there be lots of Cafe lattes?

My first reality check and adventure involved a bank transfer. Sisters being without the ease of credit cards, I delved into wiring money to the Bruges convent checking acct. The first challenge was locating the Bank closest to the Convent with the correct acct and then completing the paperwork in the small burg of Orleans where wiring money maybe happens once a year indicated by the slips and snags along the way. One snag required my calling the bank which only spoke Flemish on an auto responder........ I could tell you were supposed to press a number but my Flemish is pretty rusty in fact non existent but after simply pressing all the numbers on the keypad the call rang through. Relieved, I requested a person who could speak French and the matter was cleared up instantly but that reminded me that I am going to another country and will be be speaking and living in French in now just another 48 hours!

So armed with my pink block pillow, bobbins, and thread I am off!
Lace Blessings to All
Sr Madeleine

Newsletter is published

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 21:28:40 GMT

For our members, the August 1st newsletter, our 78th issue is now available. Members need to log into the MEMBERS ONLY area and get their copy.

It's packed with 16 pages of what is happening in lace, great photo's from retreat, meet our new Vice President, Bryce and new Treasurer, Karen. There is a special report from Sr. Madeline of her time at Sweet Briar. She will be blogging in another week or so from Bruges - keep in tune!

What is truly important is that this newsletter is by the great efforts of many folks. One in particular, in the background is our Editor,Gail.

So in in as many languages I could find - THANK YOU for your time, your creativity and for your love to NELG - We truly appreciate the efforts!

Patty

IOLI Convention Time

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:13:44 GMT

Beginning in the next couple of days, will be the 59th IOLI Convention hosted by the Minnesota Lace Society. I'm aware that several of our members will be represented there - wishing you lots of fun and lots of lace. We will be looking forward to hearing all about it. Take some pictures!

If you are not going, yet a member of IOLI - this annual meeting is a turning point. On the Ballot is the vote to change the name of the organization from International Old Lacers, Inc. to either of these two choices - International Organization of Lace, Inc. (IOLI) or Lace Alliance (LA) ? If you have followed the members' forum on the IOLI website earlier this year, there was plenty of talk and discussion - including yours truly.

If you haven't voted yet - http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/D5UCaSn1imEuFqAcV87k0N4 here's the link to their site - you will need your membership number to post your ballot.

The Annual meeting and vote is slated for August 9th!

Big E Entries

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 20:05:28 GMT

It's that time! If you haven't already, please send in your entries - we have an extension on the cost of the entry of $5 until Monday August 6th. You must mail in your entry form with the entry fee and have it postmarked by August 6th. Mark it "Sarah says $5".

Otherwise - please still enter - the entry fee will be $10. Last year we had 51 entries - everyone of them was a winner! I'm looking forward to the fair.

Thanks to everyone that has sent in their entries so far!!!

Bruge, Belgium

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 00:01:56 GMT

Most of you know I am going to Bruge Aug 5th to Aug 31st. Patty asked me to blog about my trip as I go so you can keep abreast of my travels and share in my lace adventures. So today is my first attempt... I need to practice a bit. I will have a little Kindle Fire and as long as I can keep it charged and find WiFi I guess this Sister reporter is good!
I was at Sweet Briar which was most excellent, a piece coming in the newsletter. Several gals had been to Bruge and without collaborating they each told me to be sure and bring BUG Spray that was the most important as there were no screens! Never mind the bobbins and pillow etc. First things first no bug bites! Chuckle Chuckle!
Several lacers are sharing in my adventure purchasing supplies for me, pencils vellum and books and bobbins. I feel very grateful,cared about not to mention prepared.... So.. until 'the packing juggle' begins... lucky I only need a habit or two!!

Sentiments from Sister

Thank you to the Retreat Committee

Tue, 22 May 2012 03:04:13 GMT

Much thanks to Jill and the entire Retreat Committee for making 2012's retreat the best we have had. All the arrangements and with the help of Sr. Clare and staff, it was great. Room assignments (Winann), meals(staff), classes(Sally & Holly), bobbins(Judy) our own Board and NELG members truly enjoyed the weekend.

From my survey of attendees, it seems we all had a chance to enjoy old friends, make new friends, and make some beautiful lace.

Thank you never seems enough - Each of you have added to the value of our organization!

Happy Lacing,

Patty

Silk bobbin lace vest

Sun, 13 May 2012 20:08:05 GMT

The bobbin lace vest is finally finished and free of the pillow! A momentous day! Although the work is not finished yet - I still have lots of threads to weave in and then it has to be blocked and pressed. I plan on weaving in the threads at the NELG retreat next weekend, but will leave the blocking until after the move.

Volunteer Hours Needed Now!

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:43:21 GMT

It's that time - spring has sprung! Time to get your hours in for last year.

In the next week or two our Member at large - Mary - will be contacting you to submitt possible missing hours. Last fall was a bit more quiet as the hurricane and freak snow storm canceled some events for that season.

Nevertheless - Do we have some record hours to report? Did we surpass the goal set of 750 hours? Watch in the next couple weeks for the grand total for 2011!

Whether it was for Demonstrating lace, gratis teaching, programs presented, Board member hours, making lace for the wreath, etc and so much more, please send in your hours. You can enter them on the website, undter the Members Only section or contact Mary at NELGmemberatlarge@gmail.com.

Thank you all in advance! Happy Lacing,

Patty

contemporary lace art

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:27:21 GMT

Check out this website for the "98 Lace Group" in the UK.

Amazing modern art with lace!

http://www.98lacegroup.org.uk/

Lace sculpture at London's Kensington Palace - article in the Daily Mail

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:20:31 GMT

Many thanks to NELG member, Barb McGuire, for bringing this article to my attention. London's Kensington Palace has just undergone a multi-million dollar restoration and now features (among other things) a gigantic luminous lace sculpture in the entrance hall.

You can read more about the creators of this amazing work of art at De Zeen's website.

Enjoy!
Jill

Sweet Briar 2012

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:29:01 GMT

I will be attending the Sweet Briar lace workshop again this year. Although I do not have my exact travel plans made, I do plan to be driving down. If there is anyone who would like to join me, I would be delighted to share. Although I warn you, I have tended to take some some time to sight-see along the way. I will also have room in my car to take some items down if you are planning to attend but are taking the train or flying down. Lace pillows, etc. don't make for convenient travel luggage.
Call me or email if you'd like to discuss possible arrangements. Think summer!

2012 Lace Challenge information available

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:19:09 GMT

You will have seen in the February issue of the NELG newsletter that the 2012 Lace Challenge has been announced. While details were included in the newsletter, for your convenience I have also posted the information on our Lace Challenge webpage.

We had some very creative entries last year for the first Challenge, and I encourage everyone to give it a try this year. The deadline for entries is retreat weekend.

Jill (aka Webmistress)

Sandi Woods website

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:16:36 GMT

A link has just been added to our Links page that will take you to Sandi Woods' website, where you will be able to feast your eyes on a spectacular gallery of some of her designs. She also has photos of work in progress, and a great technical information page. I encourage you to check it out when you have a few minutes......

Jill (aka Webmistress)

Tatting class in February at The World in Stitches (Littleton, MA)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:02:56 GMT

Dear Lacing Friends:

A tatting class will be held in Littleton, MA (right off 495) at The World In Stitches. The cost of the class is $60 and students may purchase their supplies from the shoppe or bring their own. The hours of the class are 10-12:00 noon and the class room has plenty of light, is large, and even has a resident DAZOR light as well. Additionally, the shoppe has a large stitching, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and hardanger inventory.

There are four (4) dates over which the class runs. The dates of class are:

2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/03

The class is for beginners and intermediate level. I can highly recommend Randi's classes, having taken several myself in other areas. For contact, please call:

TWIS, 256 Great Road, Littleton, MA 01460

978-486-8330

twisinc@comcast.net

Lacing in Lowell . . . . Linda Sheff

Retreat News

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:13:54 GMT

It's about ready - watch the website for details about this year's retreat. Besides the new paperless (almost) registration process, great teachers, great place to stay, amazing lace friends, there will be a discount on the accomodations and classes - only if you register early! Don't let the opportunity slip by - leaves a few more coins for shopping!

Hope to see you at Retreat!

Patty

January 2012

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:44:39 GMT

Can you believe it! Those of us living in New England have been so fortunate this month (so far) without any major storms and inconveniences.

While we did cancell our January meeting, I was wondering what projects is everyone working on?

My attention has been on the Shelby work - it is going .... slowly.... and I've been looking at lots of Lace Books. I've been "picking up" my lace pillows, though it seems I only move them from place to place. I'm getting ready for a week long guest in several weeks so the studio needs to be turned back into a bedroom!

So how about you? What can you say for your Month of January?

Enjoy your lace,

Patty

Winter arrived

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:07:20 GMT

Just in time for NELG's first meeting in 2012, Mother Nature decided it was time once again to see some measurable snow!

Unfortunately our day together needed to be cancelled. Everyone should have received the email last evening. I was off to the post office this morning and glad we were not on the road today. It was quite slippery and we had only about an inch.

Since many of you will have this New England storm, I hope that you will use the day to enjoy your lace as if we were together in Sturbridge.

Soup is on at my place, enjoy your day!

Patty

Lace Challenge

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:42:54 GMT

The 2012 NELG Lace Challenge is on its way! Look for details in the upcoming Newsletter and on the website after the January meeting!

two great losses

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:03:59 GMT

For those who didn't catch it on Arachne - both Doris Southard and Irma Osterman died last week. They were essential to the promotion of bobbin and needle lace, respectively, in the USA, when few others even knew what it was here.

-Carolyn

NELG Meeting Tomorrow

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:40:15 GMT

Hi all,

We have our meeting tomorrow. I hope to see you there! We will have a quick meeting and then begin the holiday celebration! For those of you that are last minute folks, we are having a grab bag - you may partake by bringing a wrapped lace related gift.

See the calendar for the handouts you will need. The Library page has been updated to include a link the to Library Policies and Procedures. It has also been updated for ..... you'll have to click NELG Library to find out what has been left under our tree! Let me know your thoughts,

Enjoy your lace,
Patty

Library Update

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:08:35 GMT

Hi Members,

Over the last nine months, I have been working on getting our Library Policy written down as part of an overall Library Project. It seems some of us knew the procedures and some of us didn't. Therefore, since I need to write things down, or forget them for sure, we now have our Policy. You may access our Policy from the NELG Library page.

Thank you to all that participated in getting the Policy operational. It is our first attempt with such a comprehensive Policy, so we understand that we will be tweaking as time goes on. It will enable our Library to truly become a membership benefit.

At the NELG Library page you can see a glimpse of the next phase of the Library project which is to get our Library on-line. We have added software so you can see the cover of the book and in some instances, a description and additional information. You can sort the list based on "Subject" matters. We will supply more information on this as it is developed over the next few months. Please go over and click around. Tell us what you think - it is your Library.

The next part of the project and will be in conjunction with the on-line Library is to cull our collection - that's Library speak to eliminate items that just don't do it any longer. Our collection must remain relevant to our members. We need to retire items that are not being borrowed or needed and make room for new books and materials.

Thank you all once again for assisting with this project. I need plenty of help. Please let us know - you can email me at NELGPresident@gmail.com or Elisabeth at NELGLibrian@gmail.com or our general mailbox at NELGinfo@gmail.com. We want to hear from you!

Enjoy you Lace!

Patty Foley

Holiday pictures

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:34:47 GMT

Hi all,

I am hoping you are enjoying the picitures of the beautiful wreath we donated to the Festival of Trees at the Wadsworth Antheneum this year. I went to the opening night and as always, it is such a treat to see all the creativity of the donors in their festive decorations. It is a lovely fundraiser for a great museum and a great opportunity for the NELG to be present in the community. Hmm.... the tree I purchased last year was absolutely stunning.

If you hear of other events throughout the year, please make sure to pass along the information to our Board.

New England Lace Group enjoys donating their time and expertise to educate the public about lace. Enjoy
......Patty

CT Lace Day

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:35:21 GMT

This Saturday we will be gathering at Barbara D in Hamden for our CT Lace Day. It is a tradition that Barbara opens her home, fully decorated for the season to us and we enjoy making lace and a lovely lunch.

This year we will have a cookie exchange along with a gift exchange. Hope to see you there. Calendar has additional information for contacting her.

Festival of Trees - a Holiday Tradition

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:02:47 GMT

Many thanks to Mary L for decorating the wreath and thanks to all the members that contributed the lace for the fans. The wreath was delivered this morning to the museum - it is absolutely stunning! It received lots of interest already.

This is our second year at the Festival of Trees . Last year we entered a small tree with lace fans. This year, it is this elegant, romantic wreath. Sneak Peak of one of the Fans! The background of the wreath is the silver dollar plant grown in Mary's backyard.

I'll be attending the opening night to take more picutres. Come on over and see all the Christmas Decorations. It's a grand evening!

Lacing up the Turkey

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:45:34 GMT

To all our members and to lace enthusiats all over the United States, NELG takes this moment to wish to you a most Happy Thanksgiving Holiday coming up.

It is a time we spend with family and friends, maybe some football games, naps on the couch, the parade, lots of great turkey, dressing and the works, and let's not forget the great desserts. At my gathering, we begin our celebration with everyone giving a few words about what they are thankful for. For NELG - I'm thankful for all our members; I'm thankful to hear that those with medical issues are working through and improving- you are all in our thoughts and prayers; I'm thankful that we have our art, our lace and time to enjoy it; and I'm thankful for all the amazing individuals that make up our lace community.

May you all enjoy this holiday season - Best Wishes to you and yours - Patty Foley

Discussion Forums Open

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:08:49 GMT

Hi all,

If you haven't noticed, there is a new menu item called Discussion Forms. We have set up a place, thanks to a few member requests, in order to have an organized discussion about different types of lace.

You will notice a General area - this is for all that is the 'stuff' we can discuss; we then have a separate forums about Bobbin Lace, Needle Lace and Tatting. I welcome you to make a comment; pose a question; or offer your advance to someone else.

It's an easy to post a new topic, and it is easy to respond.

Thanks to everyone - Thanks to Jill for setting it up.

Patty

Sunday Lace - Eastern Massachusetts

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:09:26 GMT

If you are interested in attending a casual lace get together, this Sunday is the Eastern Masschusettes Group. You can sign in at our Calendar where you will get additional information for contact, time, and location.

I've been a fan our our get together in Connecticut and I'm looking foward to the Massachusetts group. I just heard that we had a local meeting in Vermont and asked them to forward their information about their future meetings.

Many times a member may be just a bit too far out to get to the NELG meeting in Sturbridge. Local get togethers are a great way to share your lace, create our community and extend the geographical reaches of NELG.

I'm looking forward to meeting new members of NELG and listening to a great book on the trip up and back.

Enjoy some lace this weekend!

Patty

.Old is not fashionable ?

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:17:38 GMT

If you have been watching the IOLI website, a discussion is mounting regarding changing the name. It is so interesting to watch the various reasons why and why not there should be a name change. Seems to me - it is a generational issue.

As I wrote on their site - the name change is only the tip of the iceberg of what our IOLI needs to do. You can read it there.

What's interesting is that you can not set up your own name to make a post - instead use a generic login. While this isn't so terrible, it is difficult to respond to the individual posting a great comment.

I do want to thank Devon for writting the article in the Bulletin and taking all the correspondence that has come in so far. If you haven't rung in - visit the site and let them know your thoughts,

Patty

Fiber Festival - Sunday

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:41:15 GMT

Another great day at the ESE and the Fiber Festival. Much thanks to Linda, Mary & Bryce for manning the booth and handing out even more brochures for NELG.

We meet many people with all kinds of interest in lace. It was nice to field their questions and invite them to join us at a NELG meeting in the future. We even had someone go home from the day before to find their beginners kit. She came back on Sunday and we got her started on her snake bookmark.

It's a good day for making lace,

Patty

Fiber Festival

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:59:46 GMT

What a great day NELG had yesterday at the Fiber Festival. The attendees moved around and gathered at our booth.

Many thanks to Linda, Catherine, Linda, Martine, and Jeanne for visiting. Thanks to
Cressy, Jeanne's husband, who took lots of pictures and as soon as he has electric, we will be enjoying some pictures. Yes I was there, but our booth was full, so I decided to work on my little crochet project and stand in the aisle and attract individuals into the booth. It worked well, even did a show-me pillow. (note to self - can we get two booths with electric next year?)

All is all, it was a great day. We handed out so many brochures - over 80 so I'm going up there in a few to bring more brochures and to help out our volunteers today.

By the way - we will be back at the Fair Grounds in two weeks for the Deerfield Christmas show.

Hope to see you!

Patty

IOLI Lace Round Table

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:31:51 GMT

About two weeks ago, I wrote a letter to the Board of IOLI about the article included in the Bulletin regarding the change of the name. This was a personal letter and voiced my observations about the points brought up in the article.

Today - I am pleased to tell you I recieved a request to post my letter on the Lace Round Table at the IOLI site. There are five posts already since 10am today. While I await approval of my registration, I do want to let you know the discussion has begun. Please take a moment or two to reread your copy of the Bulletin and then read the site. It's time to make your voice heard about the name change.

Enjoy lacing, Patty

Time for the Fiber Festival!

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:31:48 GMT

Hi all,

It's been a brrrrrr several days as Winter Storm Alfred swept over the Northeast USA last weekend. Some of us were spared and then some of us enjoyed a winter wonderland in October with no power or heat! That's the tree that came down next door to me last Sunday morning. Now that power has been restored, to some of us, it's time to think about the Fiber Festival.

This weekend we will be at the Big E / Eastern States Fair Grounds to demonstrate making lace at the 2nd Annual Fiber Festival. Big thanks in advance to those of you who have signed up to demonstrate.

If you need additional information - please check with Mary at NELGMemberatLarge@gmail.com

Enjoy lacing!

Patty

Stitches East

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:11:53 GMT

Yesterday I donned by NELG name badge and headed to the Convention Center in downtown Hartford, CT. It was the final day of Stitches East. I had three goals - First meet Kristi Miller of Knitting Universe - she is the organizer I spoke with in getting an educational non-profit two booth space. Unfortunately our group decided not to attend - we truly missed out. As I spoke to vendors - they said the show was bustling with business and overall a great show. I learned some of the in's and out's about the set up of a show and great ideas that will benefit NELG in its future.

Second goal was to meet yarn shops from the New England area. It's nice on Sunday morning, a little be slower, as I was able to meet with the shop owners. They were interested in having us demonstrate or put on an event. I also had time to renew my acquaintance with the Exec Director, of the Crochet Guild of America - their conference, The Knit & Crochet Show is back to New Hampshire this summer beginning June 27th. Hmmm, maybe we could attend?

Third, spread the word of NELG. I had people stop me in the aisles and ask about NELG - I may have two more individuals interested in our group.

All in all - what a great show. Bonus - purchased two skeins of recycled saria silk 'yarn'.

Having fun.... Patty

program for hand weavers

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:24:12 GMT

On Friday, I attended a quilt event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The person conducting the program and I began to discuss lace. She is a member of the Handweavers Guild of Connecticut. She thinks that a lacemaking workshop or program would be or interest to the group. Is there anyone on the list who would like to pursue this? Her name is Rebecca Arkenberg. Her email is RJNA@aol.com .

Devon

Pocket book/travel lace pillow

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:39:06 GMT

"Happy lacer" asked to see pictures of the pocket book/travel lace pillow that Martine had at a recent CT lace day. Here are a couple of photos that Patty took.....

As far as I know, there are no formal plans yet for when this might be a program, but I hear there was plenty of interest from the CT group!

Easy Heart Pattern for Demos

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:42:33 GMT

For those who asked:

The pattern I have been using for try-it demonstrations can be found in Lene Bjorn's "62 Small Hearts in Bobbin Lace." It's #3. Heart in Cloth Stitch. It only requires 5 pairs, works up well in tatting cotton or similar (ignore the linen 28/2 the pattern calls for), requires only a small amount of thread, and the path of the worker pair is very clearly shown. All the demonstrator has to do is the start, the end, and maybe the point in the middle. Goes fast.

The NELG library does not seem to have this book, but it is inexpensive and in print. No scanner, so I can't send you a copy of the pricking, but I'll try to bring a copy or two when next I get to a NELG meeting.

I, too, tired of the snake....

The Lacemaker - Tracy

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:49:55 GMT

I regret that I have very, very sad news to report. It appears that Tracy, "The Lacemaker" in Ohio is closing up shop. According to her webside lacemakerusa.com, except for remaining internet sales, her doors will close Dec. 7. Whatever are we going to do for vendors?!!!!

LaceNews on YouTube

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:28:34 GMT

Some of you may read Laurie's Blog, LaceNews. Several months ago, she took it upon herself to organize the lace video's found out on YouTube. You can click here for The LaceNews Channel on YouTube .

What a great job! There are a couple dozen playlists. Each playlist is organized by either type of lace, region when lace is made, etc. These are videos by tourists and by the lace makers themselves. Some are a picture albums, some are streaming video with how to's.

Need to get inspired? Then get yourself a refreshment, click above, and sit back and enjoy the creativity that is all about us!

Patty

Berlin Display Completed

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:51:27 GMT

It was a late night on Monday as I attempted to finish up the Display at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library.

Tuesday morning - back to the Library to work on the display - had to get some supplies so that the various items could be placed so everyone could enjoy the amazing work by our members. Thank you to all the members!

It was also making up some posters to distinguish Bobbin Vs. Tatting Vs. Needle lace. Finding the right pictures to help tell the story. Thank you to the Staff at the Library and to the Library Director, Helen Aveline.

I heard from her today and she has sent off some of our pictures to two of the local papers!

This display will be up for eleven days! Come by the Library or see us on October 15th from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Library.

See you there!!!

Christina Pillow

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:22:08 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am interested in purchasing a Christina pillow. I have the address of a place in Sweden but the cost is hefty. I am making inquiries with the local vendors. But just in case someone out there knows of a pillow I can purchase, please let me know.

thank you,

Linda

A New Showing

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:08:12 GMT

Another year of cream puffs, fried dough, and all sorts of agriculture is now a faint memory. Today we dismantled our lace display at the Big E - a bit solemn as I assisted Winann with packing everyone's work, along with ribbons and prizes. It was a wonderful year for NELG. So many entries - each one uniquely special. Staff at the New England Center were once again happy with plenty of comments from fair goers about the lace display.

If you didn't attend the Big E this year, we have a treat for you. Beginning on Tuesday, Oct 4th, some of our lace entries will be on display at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library in Berlin, Connecticut. The showing will be through Saturday, Oct 15th. We will be demonstrating lace making at the library from 10am to Noon on that day. We hope to see you there.

PS a look at the display just before completion!

CT Lace Day

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:51:23 GMT

The CT Lace Day was held this past saturday at Rosalie's. The day began with a sad moment when a couple of members shared some sad news. It was wonderful to see the outpouring of love and support from the group for these members and their families.

A new member, Martine, joined us saturday for the meeting. She shared with us lots of items and a few good stories too. One item in particular caught the group's attention. It looked like a beautiful handbag, but when opened revealed a bobbin lace pillow. It was the consensus of the group that we all HAD to have one. We are thinking about a monthly activity in the future.

Actually, there were quite a few good ideas floating around and Patty was working feverishly getting them down into her phone.

Thanks Rosie for a great day.

Sunday at the Big E

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 01:12:41 GMT

A great day to be at the fair! No rain!

Mary Linden, Clare Settle and I demonstrated at the Big E today to a never-ending stream of people. (There is a big difference between a weekday and a weekend.) I brought a try-it pillow that was tried out by all kinds -- kids, moms, even men. (If anyone is interested, I know a pattern for a heart that uses only 5 pairs. Even easier than the snake and clearly shows the worker path.) I didn't get a stitch done on my own lace. Mary and Clare kept up the patter until Clare left to demo spinning and Mary departed with the grandkids. I stayed a bit longer, then wandered off to check out the cows, and bought beignets. (I do like cows -- and beignets.)

The folks who work the building were very solicitous -- brought water, offered lunch tickets, and let me leave my stuff behind their desk when I went to look at cows.

If you haven't demo'd at Big E, I highly recommend it. It's just plain fun. (Did I mention the beignets?)

Big E Entries

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:48:22 GMT

Yesterday was my day to volunteer at the Big E and demonstrate making lace in the New England Building - or known to the fairgoers - the cream puff building!

It was a grand day - it was Connecticut Day - it's become a tradition for me.

Jeanne and I sat side-by-side for the morning. Joined by her husband, he shepparded lots of folks over to our pillows. We talked about cross and twist and 'you too can make lace'. Jeanne brought a beautiful piece and I had my demo roller and snake pillow for kids. We handed out lots of NELG broshures and told folks to come to our website to read more about us.

Keep an eye out as we will post some great picutures for you!

Patty

Creative Arts pictures on the home page

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:31:13 GMT

I find myself just studying each picture as the go by. There is an absolute wonderment in looking at the picots, the cross and twists, the braids and gimps. With a few simple threads we mark out the tiny spaces that make the lace come alive

Make time for the Big E - I'll be there for Connecticut Day - you'll have a chance to get up close and personal. If you can't come to the fair, you can look at the entries right here. Thanks so much for all the artists that entered their lace creations for all of us to enjoy.

Hmmm Is it too early to think about next year's lace entry???

Patty

Need help with stitch

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:54:19 GMT

Hi,

Here is my question. When you are working a piece where the worker pair is whole stitched through several pairs of passives, how do you keep the worker pair in the place that it should be? When the worker only has to cross a few pairs of passives, I just pin the worker pair and then tug a little while gently holding down the passives. But when there are 10 or more pairs, I find that I have to tug tight and then it distorts the piece. What I end up doing, is putting in pins every 3 or 4 passive pairs to keep it in place.

Any advice? If you want more of a hint of what I am talking about, please see my trio of houses piece.

thank you for any suggestions,

Linda

Where are the older than 2007 newsletters?

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:03:44 GMT

Hi all,

where can I find the older newsletters?

thanks, Linda

Pictures are posted for Creative Arts 2011

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:05:41 GMT

Hi all,

It was amazing driving into the fairgrounds this morning. There was activity all over the place as all the vendors and volunteers were scurry about to get ready for opening day - this Friday.

Thanks to Winann and Barbara who set up the display cases at the Big E - NELG is ready for opening day. This year we filled TWO cases of lace! It is truly exciting to have as many entries as we did. While still in the New England Building - we have a better space with some room near the cases to be able to demonstrate. Additional thanks to Sarah and staff for their help.

On the home page you can see the carousel of pictures of most of the entries. Click here for the Sponsor Awardees . Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Patty

Big E Judging is complete!

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:35:57 GMT

I haven't heard yet .... Tomorrow when we go to the fairgrounds to set up the display we will find out who took this year's prizes.

The picutre to the right is a sample of what treats we are in for! With a new camera, some patience, and practice, hopefully we will have all pictures of all the entries for you to see.

As of my posting tonight - there are no updates are on the Big E-Creative Arts. Watch here for updates!

Thank you Nancy for allowing me to photograph your tatting!

September meeting

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:32:52 GMT

Saturday was our first meeting of the new year for NELG. I want to thank the members that attended; Linda D, Winann, Rosalie, Julie, Linda L, Susan, Bryce and Karen D, and to Lisa (guest of Linda L). It was a long meeting, we had so much to get covered.

Special thank you to Winann for representing Jill in the passing of the gavel and IOLI president's pin.

I am so happy to be working with such an amazing group of lace makers. We came up with new information, suggestions, and overall planned out some of the up-coming events. 30th Anniversary event is about planned out for next October. We spoke and discussed quite a bit about our budget and financial future. It is looking like we need to raise the membership fee about $10 to $20 per year. Sign in and let us know YOUR thoughts.

Minutes will be ready soon so that everyone that couldn't attend could read them. Thanks to the Officers/ Committee chairs that submitted their reports in advance. We were able to have just about all aspects of the organization represented.

Keep on Lacing,

Patty

Creative Arts

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:45:55 GMT

Today is the day that Winann is bring the many of the CT entries and Bryce is bringing some of the MA entries to the Creative Arts at the Big E. It is truly exciting. The entries that I was able to see and photograph last weekend are truly amazing. Judging day is Monday and on Tuesday we will know the results. Good Luck to the judges - they will have some amazing pieces to look at. Good Luck to all that have entered - in my book you are all winners.

I hope to photograph the balance of the entries and we should be able to post them here at the website.

A BIG THANK YOU to Winann and Bryce to help coordinate the entering of our work.

Patty

Big E Sign-ups!

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:13:16 GMT

Thanks so far to those of you that have signed up! We truly appreicate you taking the time out of your schedule to demonstrate at the Big E.

If you haven't singed up yet, please do. We need your information and date you wish to demonstrate on so that you can get your entrance and parking pass.

Thanks again - I've signed up for Connecticut Day :)! To sign up go to our Calendar of Events page - scroll down to the Big E Events and register for your day. If you rather email - send it to NELGmemberatlarge@gmail.com.

Thanks! ~~ Patty

CT Lace Day

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:16:05 GMT

We had a great day at Winann's this past Saturday.

I'm experimenting with a new camera, and spentsome time trying out some of it's features. It was fun and I expect that we should have some great picutes from the Big E.

This is a picture of a piece of lace in progress from one of the attendees on Saturday. Can you guess who?

Eastern MA Sunday Lace & Big E

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:17:29 GMT

The Eastern MA Sunday Lace group will meet on Sunday, Sept. 18th (NOT Sept. 11) at Sharon's. Please let her know if you plan to attend.

I will be taking entries out to the Big E. If you have something you would like transported, please get them to me by Friday, Sept. 9th.

No real storm damage here. Only a short power blip!

Bryce

CT Lace Day & NELG

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:12:59 GMT

We are on the other side of the storm - phew! As many of us are getting back utilities, picking up lots of limbs and tree removal courtsey of Irene, we are getting ready for CT Lace Day - this Saturday the 3rd at Winann's in Milford.

Anyone that would like their BIG E entry brought up to the fair grounds, please deliver your prize winning piece of lace to Winann's this Saturday.

Remember that NELG's first meeting of the year will be on Saturday September 10th.

Thanks everyone!

Patty

Hurrican Irene

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:47:02 GMT

For those of you in New England and on the eastern seaboard of the US, I hope the storm doesn't get the the best of you. May it pass by and without harm to you and yours.

Hmmm.. sounds like a great time to work on your lace ... even by candle light.

Stay Safe and Dry Everyone

Patty

IOLI 2012

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 22:34:43 GMT

For those you of you that enjoyed IOLI 2011 in Bethesda this year, next year's convention will take place in Minnesota. You can click here to see the proposed class schedule that just came out today.

Hmm lots to think about! Additional information can be found at the Minnesota Lace Society. The host chapter is asking for hand made lace stars. I have sent a request for patterns to them and they hope to get back to us really soon.

Class schedule looks to be promising!

Patty

Over 1,000 unique visitors to NELG

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:36:25 GMT

We have been watching the map and bingo - we exceeded 1,000 unique visitors since February when we launched the new website.

Thank you to all! It is a tremendous accomplishment, because of you! This is your organization and we want to know what you think, what you would like, and how to make your experience with NELG the best. Not only as a lace making group, but a group a great individuals that are some of the best and brightest artists around. Yes, that's you.

Again, thanks for making it happen! We look forward to breaking 5,000!

Be Happy and Keep Lacing,

Patty, President Elect

Big E

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:06:39 GMT

Hi all,

Earlier this morning a blast email has gone out about the Big E Signup. Can you believe it? I'm already looking forward to the fair. It's not just about the demonstrating making lace , I love that part, it is the whole event. Hanging out in the barns, watching the horse shows and possibly seeing a calf born is always a treat.

This is a great opportunity to show case your skills and talk up NELG. On the website there is the NELG Broshure. I will be bringing up a large supply of broshures, but I remind all of you to bring some more. You can check out FAQ's on demonstrating especially if you haven't demonstrated or need a refresher.

For those of you that have made an entry - Thank You! Judging will take place on Monday Sept 12th. As soon as we have the results, we will post them on our site.

I encourage you to sign up to demonstrate! It's a great time, we are very popular, and you get to enjoy the fair as well. I especially like the ability to park at the back gate!

Hope to see you there!

Patty

Survey is Active!

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 15:24:07 GMT

Hi everyone -

It's a glorious day here and I hope all of you are out enjoying the late days of August.

If you haven't seen your email in the last two days - the member program survey is active. In the last couple of days - we have had a great response and you, our members, are sending in great ideas and advice. We so appreicate the information.

To get to the survey - click on Members Only on the menu to the left (you'll need to be logged in) and the first item is the survey. It will take you less than 2 minutes to answer!

Thanks again - looking forward to your responses,

Patty

Membership Renewals

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:11:13 GMT

Thanks to Jill when I found in my inbox was an email reminder that my membership to NELG is due in two weeks.

Yes she and I have worked long to get all the members signed up at the website. Now we are seeing the benefits. Over 40 reminders were automatically generated saving us time, paper, and postage. Much thanks for those members that used the PayPal feature this morning as it saves time and energy for our Treasurer Winann. Of course, you may mail in a check to renew your membership.

While automation is fine, please be assured that there still will be the personal touch in taking care of anything you may need. Mark your calendar for September 10th - it will be our first meeting of the year. You will be receiving a reminder about two weeks in advance with links to information you should bring to the meeting.

Thanks again,

Patty

women and textile study

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:06:46 GMT

I was cruising the Fiberarts Magazine website and came across a study being done by a psychology professor at University of Wisconsin, "Exploring the Role of Textiles and Handcrafts in Women's Lives II" If you want to participate, go to the website and take her survey: http://www.uwec.edu/psyc/Who/collier.htm

Note that this is NOT the NELG programs survey that Patty mentioned in a previous post!

Survey Says!

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:21:37 GMT

Do you all remember that program Family Feud? Contestants would try to guess the answers of a survey question. Well there is no feud here.

In a very short time you will be asked to respond to NELG's first electronic survey. This survey will tabulate your thoughts and comments about programing for this year and the future.

So in advance - thanks so much! You are our members and we wish to bring great programing to our gatherings. Please look for the email in the next several days.

Patty

Big E Entries & Volunteers

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:46:31 GMT

Everyone look around your completed projects to send one in. We need entries,

I have heard that we have 3 more entries already coming in! I think I have found an entry for myself.

Our presence at the Big E is important to our organization. First - a thank you for all those members that have volunteered in the past to demonstrate making lace. Without all of you, our organization would not have grown. Without you we would not be expanding the love of this art to new people.

I truly encourage you to find a completed project - fill out the application and mail in your $5 bucks - see Jill's blog entry before this one for details or email at NELGinfo@gmail.com. Parking & 2 entrance tickets for $5!, an opportunity for people to ohh and ahh at lace - priceless!

PS - maybe one of those UFO's could be completed between now and the beginning of September!

Thank you all,

Patty

Getting entries to The Big E

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:59:44 GMT

If you have any entry for The Big E and live in Eastern MA, Bryce will be collecting entries and taking them to West Springfield. If you live in CT, Winann will be collecting entries at our monthly lace day on September 3. Please contact either of them directly if you wish to coordinate the hand-off.

Jill

IOLI Convention

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:29:34 GMT

News is beginning to come back to us from those members that attended IOLI convention in Maryland last week.

It seems that everyone had a good time and lots of work on their pillows. Great time, great teachers! The awards ceremony was nice and NELG received their certificate for volunteer hours. I'm looking forward to seeing it and will post it on the site for all to admire.

Those of you that attended, please send our Newsletter Editor, Gail, a story about the convention, your work, the teacher you studied with so that we can all enjoy!

The date for next year's convention, 2012, is already on our calendar. It will be held in Minnesota for 2012, Utah for 2013, and 2014 is CA just about settled from my reading of the last issue of the Bulletin. Wouldn't it be nice to bring the convention to New England in 2015?? Anyone game?

YouTube Lacenews

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:45:35 GMT

I received this note from Laurie at the blog and new YouTube channel called LaceNews. Go on to the site and you can see lots of video about lace.

Re: LaceNews Channel - 8/2/2011
To:pjfcpa01

Hi Patty,
My apologies, I just found your email (I'm still getting used to all the features on YouTube). I really admire your organization, it seems very lively!
If your group has any suggestions on how to better organize all those videos, please let me know. I'm trying to enlist the aid of tatters to sort all those out.
I wish you best of luck on your upcoming term.
Laurie

Where is the Plimoth Jacket?

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 22:19:55 GMT

I was reading some of our old newsletters and came across the article about the Plimoth Jacket. Some of our members were instrumental in the lace that is on the jacket.

Back in December 2009 the jacket was revealed and then was loaned to the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. It is currently displayed in their Textiles Gallery and beginning September 2011, it will be in their fall needlework exhibition.

If you'd like to know more about this amazing piece of work, you can see the book on The Plimoth Jacket. The book is filled with many pictures that show how this jacket came to life. At the end there is a wonderful thankyou to the Lace Makers that made this possible.

Patty

Enjoying Summer

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:00:22 GMT

Summer is a great time to just enjoy. Before long we will be in the throws of the Fall. Can you believe it? I was feeling a bit of pressure to complete some tasks around my place, some of those UFP's (I've a list of them) and just looking ahead.

In some reading, I came across this little ditty and I hope when the life's push gets to you, you too will remember that....

Life is not a trip - it's a journey.

A journey is filled with awe.

A journey is filled with discovery.

A journey is filled with the joy, the
passion and the aliveness that you
always believed would be a part of
your life. Tony Robbins

Patty

Attention Knitters!

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:41:34 GMT

If you are wondering what to do with that left over skein of yarn, here's an ingenious little cable sweater for some lights.

Thanks to mom for sending me the clipping!

Patty

a quick laugh

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:35:16 GMT

We all need to take a moment and laught at ourselves. One of my friends sent me this one and I hope you can get a smile...

Shampoo Alert!

As I was conditioning my hair in the shower this morning, I took time to read my shampoo bottle. I am in shock! The shampoo I use in the shower that runs down my entire body says "for extra volume and body"! Seriously, why have I not noticed this before? Now I understand why I am so "full-figured!" Tomorrow I am going to start using Dawn dish soap. It says right on the label "dissolves fat that is otherwise difficult to remore." It pays to read the warning labels, my friends:)

We are over the 800 mark!

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:31:52 GMT

Thank you to all that have stopped by our corner of the world. In the last couple of days we have visitors near and far and have had more than 800 visitors.

While we are taking in some of the summer, please be assured that NELG is planning some great events. Mark your calendar now - The September NELG meeting, will be held on the 10th - we needed to changed the date. We are meeting, as usual, at the Joshua Hyde Public Library in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Thanks to Hartford, Connecticut, US; Bristol, GB; Mexico, MX; Manchester, New Hampshire, US; Somerville, Massachusetts, US; Salvador, BR; Tacoma, Washington, US; Wethersfield, Connecticut, US; Greenwich, Connecticut, US; and Orem, Utah, US just to name a few who have visited in the last couple of days.

Patty

Newsletter July 2011

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 03:39:36 GMT

Look at your email and come by the site - if you are a member, log in and go to the Members Only section to get your copy of the newsletter.

Gail did a fantastic job once again! Thank you Gail!

Hope you all enjoy it,

Patty

Burano

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:40:08 GMT

Here's a video I found - has some absolutely amazing needle lace. Enjoy! -> Click the Read More at the bottom of this post to see the video

Watching on YouTube

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:23:16 GMT

Hi all,

You may be reading LaceNews , a blog by Laurie Walters, for the international handmade lace community. I was checking it today and found that LaceNews has started a YouTube channel. It organizes the various YouTube lace videos in this one place. According to an email with Laurie this a.m., "I keep finding new videos every day" and she indicates that it will take some time to get them organized.

Hat's off to Laurie, I didn't realize that there were so many! When you get to the YouTube site, the individual videos are organized in Play Lists. Keep clicking around and you can see great ones - bobbin, needle, tatting, crochet.... etc.

To see the it on YouTube click here The LaceNews Channel

Enjoy the weekend and make some lace!

Patty

Today's Nod

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:16:15 GMT

New England Lace Group is comprised of amazing individuals! Besides all our members there are those of us that help pitch in to make the organization run. I hope to highlight different members in in a quick 'nod' here on the blog and in our Newsletter. Keep an eye out as the newsletter is in the works and you'll see this quarter's issue any day.

Of course with our new website, there will be some changed in the "way it was done". I encourage each of you to let us know how we fair in making adjustments and improvements. We encourage you to let us know - email at NELGinfo@gmail.com so we can hear your thoughts.

So here's today's Nod - Thanks to Gail, our Newsletter Editor and to Winann our Treasurer/Membership. This past week we have had to adjust our procedures for mailing / emailing / and etc for the newsletter and membership application for the upcoming year. I want to thank them for their thoughfullness in thinking through the changes we will be enjoying. With these changes, hopefully, they will allow Winann and Gail a little more time to make lace!

Thanks Ladies!

Patty

Looking for lace pattern of a bunny

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:31:02 GMT

MESSAGE FROM SUE VAN DYKE

Hi - I am a new member who, unfortunately up to now, has been unable to attend any meetings. But I do have a question - does anyone have a simple pattern for a bunny? My daughter-in-law, who is Chinese, is giving birth to my first grandchild soon, and as this is the Year of the Rabbit in their culture, I thought it would be fun to do a bunny in lace and then will attach it to gingham and embroider the birth information to make a unique birth announcement.

If anyone can help, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you.
Sue van Dyke

Gotta get rid of the stash yarn

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 02:05:47 GMT

Thinking about all that stash yarn you have in the back closet. Here's a way to color the world with your creativity! I'm thinking you would need a heck of a ladder to get this accomplished.

Anyone knowing where this happened - I want to meet the artist!

CT Lace Day

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:35:59 GMT

Hi all,

CT Lace Day Just spoke with Barbara M. and we are expecting a great day at her home this Saturday, 2nd of July.

Email Barbara to get further information. Hope to see you there!

Patty

Elections

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:26:23 GMT

This past Saturday was NELG's Annual Meeting. According to our bylaws, we have an annual meeting for the purpose of voting on any business and for the election of certain officers.

It was a tough election with lots of absentee ballots! Thanks to everyone that responded to the election and came to the meeting. When it can down to it.... Mary Linden was elected to be our Member at Large and yours truly was elected to be the President. While both of us take office offically on September 1st, we have already begun various projects for NELG. Mary will be orchestrating the Big E. Applications will be due first - even if you are not sure you'll be entering, send in an application! I would hope that we have lots of entries. I'll be working with our Librarian Elisabeth on a new way of seeing our book list and preparing a much needed list of policies. While that will be ongoing, we will begin to apply for our non-profit status.

Much thanks, let's hear it, to our outgoing President, Jill Hawkins and Member at Large, Barbara Morrow for a great job they have done over the last four years. Thank you Jill and Thank you Barbara.

Patty

Back in Town with dots on map

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:09:22 GMT

Hi all,

I'm back in town from my jaunt off to Singapore and Indonesia. It was a long trip, amazing cultural, facinating history, and majestic temples and I'd go back in a heartbeat. Everyone we met was really nice, though a bit curious as we did stand out in a crowd. Food was good, not much wine or beer to be had, though fruit was plentiful and very delicious. We had ten days of perfect weather - sunny, hot and humid with a light breeze. We saw lots of active volcanos, from the safety of our plane and walked a bit through the devastation from the Nov 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi - so humbling. <click read more>

I was able to log into our web site and added three dots on our map! Lace and lace making were almost non-existent. I did find some ladies that did crochet - lovely work and were willing to share even with a language difficulty. In Indonesia - it is weaving and of course batik. At the Batik Museum in Solo (on the island of Java) we saw an extraordinary private collection of fabrics and were escorted through the factory to see how handmade batik is made.

All in all, it was a great time. I'll have some more at a later date. In the mean time - It's Annual Meeting time - Hope to see you at the meeting in Sturbridge on the 18th of June.

Patty

Royal wedding dress on display

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:08:16 GMT

Anyone lucky enough to be visiting London this summer should add a visit to Buckingham Palace to their list. Kate's wedding dress, as well as her veil, shoes and the royal wedding cake will be on display from July thru October. Check out this link for The Royal Collection: http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=952.

If anyone visits the exhibit, please consider sharing your experiences with us!

Website improvements

Mon, 30 May 2011 03:11:17 GMT

Hi everyone,

Jill's been at work to continue with the many improvements we wish to add to the website.

Just this past week, she has begun the Member's Lace Gallery - take a look at the pieces. Now really - submit a picture of any of your pieces.

We have established the PayPal account for NELG. This convenience will allow you, if you choose, to pay your renewal dues on-line. With this improvement and the passage of the Bylaw admendment, your membership will renew when you pay your dues. You'll receive the usual reminders in the Newsletter and now you'll receive automatic notices. This will assist our Treasurer Winann in taking care of our funds.

Additional new features are scheduled to be added in the coming months. Keep an eye out!

Thanks so much,

Patty

Retreat - S U C C E S S F U L

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:29:13 GMT

It's now completed - Retreat 2011 is a fond memory for over 40 of us that attended. Much thanks to the Retreat Committee, Silent Auction Committee, Sacred Hearts, our members and our teachers Louise & Susie and vendor The Lacemaker Tracy & Bill.

Retreat for 2012 is all ready set - watch our Calendar of Events as we will be updating the information and we hope to see you next year.

Those in Susie's class worked in Withof and other styles of lace - it was truly impressive. Susie gave us a lecture on Withof and Sr. Judith. In Louise's class we worked in Millanese. I was in Louise's class and worked on the beginner cresent moon. I've some tying off to do and finishing the zig-zag filling. All it in all, personally I wish we had another half day of lacing!

Thank you to everyone in making this a great event!

Patty

Retreat Checklist

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:48:31 GMT

Ok Retreat attendees - it's time to double check that you have everything - It's going to be a great weekend - hopefully this cloudiness will blow over by Friday A.M.

Lace: table/stand, lace pillow(s), prickings, bobbins, thread, and other assorted items, personal light and extension cord, extra project to work on. If you forget, the LaceMaker is our vendor and can help you with whatever you forgot or need.

Library books: Bring them back!

Personal stuff: Extra pillow, flashlight! it gets dark, snacks & any beverages for evenings, cork screw,walking shoes for the great paths from the house to the beach.

Remember we have our Silent Auction ---- What goodies will you be bidding on?

See you there!

Phone number for the Retreat House, in case of emergency only after 8pm, is (508) 295-0100. Cell service is iffy.

Retreat - excitement

Mon, 16 May 2011 01:21:04 GMT

Hi all,

It's only four days away and we will be meeting at the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center to begin NELG's Retreat.

My bobbins are wound, my pricking is ready, and my lace bags are packed. I'm so looking forward to arriving in good shape and ready to take my class in Milanese.

For those of you who could not attend, we will miss you and you'll be in our thoughts.

Patty

Website visitors

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:39:30 GMT

Today we reached a total (since "go-live" in mid-February) of 400 visitors to the website from the US! And a grand total of 469 visitors worldwide, with "hits" from most continents. Our website is creating lots of attention!

Jill

Congratulations to Carolyn Wetzel

Tue, 10 May 2011 18:18:24 GMT

Yes - if you haven't seen the current issue of PieceWork magazine, then run out and get one. Our own Carolyn has published an article on the Alencon Bee that she remade from the Napoleon Bonaparte bedspread that we were able to view at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Back several months ago, Carolyn gave us a lecture and workshop on making this very special needle lace. I have my sample, though I must say, I need more practice!

This issue if PieceWork magazine is the Lace issue. Carolyn's article is great, with lots pictures showing the stages of how the sample was made.

Again, Congratulations to Carolyn!

Volunteer Hours

Mon, 09 May 2011 21:37:25 GMT

Hi All,

Beginning last week, Barbara Morrow forwarded the information we have collected on all our volunteer hours. Thank you to Barbara for retaining the volunteer hours.

I will be adding the PAST year 2010 and 2009 to our new database system to track the information.

With adding the PAST years information, if you submitted hours, you will receive an email detailing your submitted information.

If you find a error, please contact me directly at pattyjfoley@pattyjfoley.com

Thanks,

Patty

CT Lace Day

Mon, 09 May 2011 02:55:48 GMT

Thanks to Clare for hosting CT Lace Day yesterday.

It was a great day. We got some lace, knitting, crochet, etc made. We were all discussing the upcoming Retreat and IOLI convention.

Retreat looks like it is full! I'm really looking forward to a great weekend in Wareham MA.

Our own Gail M.

Mon, 02 May 2011 23:45:39 GMT

Lace work takes me many places on the web. I was at the IOLI website and looking at the Gallery of work made by members.

Our own Gail MacLean's handkerchief corner is on the site - you can see it at http://www.internationaloldlacers.org/GMacLeanFloralBucksCorner.html

Gail - it's beautiful - I'm inspired!

Patty

Smithsonian Collection

Mon, 02 May 2011 01:02:37 GMT

Has any of our members been on a tour of the Smithsonian Lace collection?

I was reading Piedmonth Lace Guild of Virginia and they have posted their pictures on Flicker of their visit - http://www.flickr.com/photos/orlacarey/4549105904/in/set-72157623912286524/

Some really great pictures here,

Patty

CT Sheep & Wool

Sun, 01 May 2011 12:21:03 GMT

Yesterday was so much fun! Clare, Jeanne and myself volunteered and demonstrated at the 102nd festival. Much thanks to the Connecticut Sheep Breaders Association for the invitation to demonstrate lace making all day.

Clare had set up a great table with Jeanne by the time I arrived. It was quite a cool day with the wind and clouds and trips over to the food barn for hot coffee was good. We met lots of folks and heard so many family stories about lace making.

Our booth was quite busy throughout the day. It's a great show with lots of sheep, shepards and their dogs, and then the fleeces. Whatever you could think of you could purchase in the way of assorted equipment and supplies. Great yarns, roving, spinng wheels, and buttons. I'll write about the button lady another day. Just a note, it was like being in a candy store.

All in all, it was a great day. We made a couple inches of lace with the festival attendees. We handed out lots and lots of NELG brochures and hope to introduce more people to the love of lace making.

PS there was lots of buzz about "The Dress"!

Patty

Royal Wedding gown lace

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:36:17 GMT

Check out the information about the royal wedding dress with needlework by the Royal School of Needlework: http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/blog/2011/April/29/The-Wedding-Dress--Bridesmaids--Dresses-and-Pages--Uniforms

They don't say if any of the lace is actually hand-made, just that it is hand-assembled. Anyone know?

Retreat - excitement

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:51:27 GMT

Just the other day I received my packet for the Milanese class. This is my first class in this type of lace. From the information I received, it is going to be a great class. I've sent in my choice for a project - it will be the Moon.

I have some homework to be done in advance, as that will make better use of class time. Get supplies organized, get thread, wind bobbins, make the pricking - this is going to be exciting!

Hmmmm.... What pillow to use or is this an opportunity to get a new pillow? Such decisions a lace maker is confronted with!

Hope you are coming to the Retreat. I'm not sure if there are any spaces left, but if you are interested - email us and we will let you know.

Get Well Wishes

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:20:53 GMT

On behalf of us, we wish Clare a speedy recovery from surgery. She's at home now and recouping. Please keeping sending her wishes to keep her spirits up during recovery.

Patty

Inspirational video

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 16:51:48 GMT

Barb McGuire shared this amazing YouTube video recently. While not related to lace-making, I believe it will touch and inspire anyone who watches it.

Jill

Caudry France - where lace lives on

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:07:57 GMT

Thanks to my girlfriend, Barbara for the link to this article found today on the WJS.

Click here New Life for the Historic Art of Lace-Making in the On Style page today. There is a video, article, slideshow. Ms. Christina Binkley wrote the article and it indicates that lace is coming back into style.

The machines weaving the lace are remarkable. Take a look!

Happy Lacing!

PS the designers are still complaining that it takes too long to get a piece of lace - guess not much has changed!

A little crochet ---- keeping the ground looking good

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:27:15 GMT

Hi all,

You may have seen this one already. Though it needs repeating the dark and dreary winter is shrinking away. Yarn meets potholes. It's really colorful.

http://www.lostateminor.com/2011/03/24/yarn-meets-potholes-a-different-kind-of-street-art/

Enjoy!

Patty

New link to Lace for Study website

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:53:34 GMT

I received the following email yesterday regarding a great new website that is a fantastic resource for all lace makers. Please take a moment to check out the link by either clicking below or by going to NELG's page with Links to Great Websites. Happy exploring!

Dear Fellow lace enthusiasts,

I am the webmaster of a new website which I think may be of great interest to your members. I would invite you to look at it, and if you approve, add it as a link on your own site. The site is for education purposes only not for profit.

It is http://www.laceforstudy.org.uk/

As you will see, one click on a picture will enlarge it, and a second click will enlarge it further so that in many cases it is possible to examine the actual structure well enough to replicate it, should one wish. You can click on a purpose, which will take you to others of that function, and a click on that posting will bring up the picture. You can search for some particular textile style, similarly.

It is an interactive site and comments are welcomed, especially if you have more specific information regarding any piece. The Introduction gives a general background, and it is worth looking at the site regularly since the aim is to add a further 10 items a week.

Thanks Judy

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:14:25 GMT

Over the weekend, I heard from Judy in New Jersey about missing newsletters. She gave me a call and we had the chance to discuss NELG.

While NELG has now a complete Newsletter listing, from the beginning of time, Once again - thanks to our members we were able to complete the set.

Judy - thanks for the call. I'll be looking forward to additional suggestions for NELG's future.

Patty

Our reach is spreading!

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:09:58 GMT

I just clicked on the map at the bottom of the home page to see where visitors to our website are located I was astounded to see that we had 8 hits from Taiwan, as well as 2 from Australia! If you haven't looked at the map, take a moment to check it out.

Jill

Romanian Point Lace

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 13:06:19 GMT

Sharon gave a GREAT program yesterday as a continuation of her program from last year on Romanian Point Lace. The lace is so satisfying because it combines the use of crochet and needlelace, the patterns are easy to work, you can design your own with little effort and the work grows quickly! What more could you want?

There are several videos on the web that show how to make the cord, but there is one (thank you Susan!) that shows quite clearly how to make the reversible cord which can be unraveled from either end. Here is the link http://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/2008/07/romanian-lace-tutorial-video.html. When the web page opens, you will need to scroll down through her written instructions to find the video. From watching her, I think I could now make the reversible cord, although it is definitely counter-intuitive to crocheters to do the yarn over in a different way for the second part of the stitch. Enjoy!

Jill

shopping trip

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:07:22 GMT

Everyone - has anyone been to Singapore or Indonesia? I'm leaving on the 31st of May for a trip there. Does anyone know of any lace or fiber groups over there?

Ring in here and let me know. I'll be sure to log onto our site and get a red dot for both places!

Retreat Deadline

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:06:18 GMT

One week and one day from today is the deadline for signing up for Retreat!

NELG Retreat Registration Form 2011.pdf is the registration form and Retreat descriptive information 2011.pdf will give you information about the weekend.

I've attended over the last three years, and my experience was great. Both years I came for Friday night (late) and through Sunday. I took part in the retreat aspect only and did not take a class. I took some of my unfinished projects and completed two of them last year! Not only was the weekend beautiful, walks on the grounds, at the beach, being with very creative people, I completed two old projects that became gifts with past holiday season!

We hold a silent auction that benefits our group. Members donate lace related items - some real treasures! You write in bids and just before breakfast on Sunday (the bidding can get fierce) the bidding comes to and end.

The classes are always rewarding. We arrange to have great teachers so you can experience a new type of lace or expand your knowledge.

However you chose to enjoy retreat, I will tell you that you will have a great time.

So get your reservations in as soon as possible - MARCH 15th is the deadline!

Local Gatherings - Start One!

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:36:02 GMT

With my heavy work schedule at this time of year, I was unable to attend the CT Lace gathering yesterday. I'm sure they had a great time and with the snow in January and February, the CT group had not had a chance to meet. There was also Lace at Leis's yesterday.

I hope someone logs in to tell of the festivities!!

If you are looking to make lace today with other lace makers - there is the Sunday Lace Group that meets in eastern Massachusetts today.

Are you interested in making lace? Wish to get together with other lace makers? Then let us know - you can email us at nelginfo@gmail.com so we can look into getting a group together in your area.

Another Improvement for NELG

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 23:41:53 GMT

I'll admit preparing the website for our visitors has been challenging and most of all fun. It's been great to work with our President, Jill Hawkins, so that we bring more of what we have to our members.

You may notice a tool bar popping up at the bottom of the screen. Yes, this will assist members in posting what they like on FaceBook, it will allow our website to be translated into many different languages - and if it bothers you - you can minimize it so it won't bother your veiwing.

The other small yet great improvement, is that next to our name is our Logo and now in most brower address windows - you'll see our logo and not a generic logo.

Thanks for all you do to represent the art of lace!

Enjoy lacing --- Patty

Picture gallery of Members' Lace

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:06:27 GMT

We have talked about this before, but it came up again at Saturday's meeting in Sturbridge. Let's show off the lace we have made and give visitors to our website some "eye candy" to whet their appetite and see exactly what kind of thing we do at NELG.

If you have a photo of a piece of lace you have made (it doesn't have to be recent), please send it to me or Patty Foley for us to add into our Gallery. If you would like to include a short description of what, when and why we will include that with the picture. For an idea of what our gallery might look like, please visit IOLI's website:
http://www.internationaloldlacers.org/gallery.html

Looking forward to getting many photos! Thanks in advance.

Jill

Postage Stamps with Lace ?

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:26:41 GMT

Last weekend at the NELG meeting in Sturbridge Massachusetts, some how we got off on the discussion of postage stamps with lace on them. I don't remember who brought it up, my apologies. Several days later I spoke with my philatelic dealer about this subject.

Many of us in the U.S. will remember the set of four that came out in 1987 (Scott 2351-2354). If we continue to look world wide, there have been quite few stamps that were either for the celebration of lace in its own right or where lace was used in the artwork of the stamp.

So it's given me an idea for a project for the group. There is a great list at LaceFairy - Lace Stamps. I've checked the American Topical Association for information regarding our love for lace and found a small bit of information, yet it hasn't been updated in awhile.

So you may wonder why I have a dealer. I, like many lace makers, have other interests and one of them is collecting First Day Covers ( for newbies it is the first day a stamp is used). In my collection, I do have some postage stamps of Lace and now that someone else brought it up, it may be fun, in the down time between projects and redues, that we could assemble some of the stamps.

Chime in - let me know your thoughts and we could set up a Forum on the subject and collect information for all to read about.

Now here's some think big ideas - present the collection at a stamp show and win a medal, prepare a petition to the Post Office to have another set of stamps issued to celebrate lace ( there must be a anniversary coming up ? ).

Thanks for all each of you do to promote Lace.

Patty

Saturday's Meeting

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:45:19 GMT

What a great meeting we had on Saturday. It was the regular meeting of NELG held at the Joshua Hyde Library in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Jil reported on the various events that are coming up - less than a month to get your registration in for Retreat! Reports from Winann, our Treasurer, and from Barbara, our Member At Large. Elisabeth reported on our Library and yours truly piped up about our new FaceBook page.

Once the regular meeting was closed, Jill gave a brief presentation on the new Website. Many thanks were offered to Jill (and me) for a great job done. We have many other thoughts and ideas ready for the site - Just keep watching.

Carolyn Wetzel began our program on Croatian Lace - it was quite good to learn about three distinct laces made in that region - one was bobbin lace, the other two were needle laces, and one of them was made from the fiber of an aloe plant. Truly unique. Thanks Carolyn - great job!

If you haven't been to a meeting in a while - we miss you! So why not mark your calendar for March 19th - same place - same time!

Facebook - NELG is Live!

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:01:51 GMT

Sometime yesterday we reached another on-line milestone. Last weekend I started our Facebook page and we have gone over our 25 Likes to get an official page. First - Thank You to so many friends, family, and of course, lace makers for helping us out.

I know, I know, I can hear the naysayers, but it's here to stay or this kid from Harvard, Mark Zuckerberg, wouldn't be raking in the bucks. It is a method of communicating that is being used today. Do you remember when getting a website was the cat's meow? Do you remember when a mobile phone was the size of a shoebox and had it's own carry case? How about the "first laptops" - mine weighed in at 25 pounds!

So today NELG will embrace the new technology - if you could hear me I'm so excited! We will still communicate via phone, email, our website, in person, this blog and now FB and eventually Twitter and any other device to get the word our about Lace!

Thanks Jill for going along, thanks to our family and friends, and to Lace Makers worldwide.

Patty

Visitor map

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:00:04 GMT

Well, another new additiion was made to the Home page today - a map showing where our visitors are located! Initially I'm sure that most of our "hits" will be from the New England area, but I am looking forward to seeing dots appear in other parts of the country.....and the world! You don't have to do anything (not even click!) to have your visit added to the map. Check it out often, to see how many red dots we have!

Enjoy this beautiful day and the (almost) Spring-like weather. Yeah! More ice will melt off my driveway!

Jill

Bonus from Laura Bensley

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:13:00 GMT

If yesterday's present didn't knock my socks off, Laura Bensley emailed this a.m. and said she has the last two issues that are missing to the NELG newsletter collection.

Thank you Laura Bensley for taking the time to look through your NELG stash and find them.

There is something special about having the complete collection. It's those lace makers that took their time and efforts to bring all of us together. In the long effort to scan them, make sure they are readable, find a internet host to store the issues (free), and eventually make them available on-line to our membership. Jill, we are just about ready to cross another to-do off our list!

Again, Thank you.

Happy Lacing, Patty

Happy Valentine's Day

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:02:08 GMT

Life is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're gonna get.

Forrest Gump (Tom Hank)

In today's mail - it was like getting chocolates for NELG. Thanks to Tina Allen, she has lent us her copies of the missing newsletters. These copies have been scanned and added to our Library.... <read more>

In these missing newsletters, there was white chocolate, plenty of Sally Barry's patterns and prickings. Rich dark chocolate stories of our retreats held at Tiverton and at Sacred Hearts, it was the eluding to the Saturday nights. There was fun milk chocolate in the interviews of our members, puzzels by Gail, and just great news about making lace.

Lets just say - there are some great stories in the newsletters. I hope in the future that will be pull a few of them out so we can stroll down memory lane.

So NELG - Happy Valentine's Day!

Can you figure out when Pene Piip's Tatted Heart appeared the the newsletter?

Newsletters down to only two!!

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 01:32:51 GMT

Just recieved a note from Tina and with the newsletters being forwarded, we have only two missing.

We are looking for #24 and #48 - We would love to have a complete set.

Let us know if you have these issues! email at nelginfo@gmail.com

Thanks,

Patty

Sallie Reason

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:58:26 GMT

I just heard through Lacy Susan's newsletter that Sallie Reason passed away from cancer. Cherish your bobbins painted by her as a memory of her talent and spirit!

-Carolyn

Next Saturday NELG Meeting

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:16:47 GMT

Remindnig everyone that our NELG Monthly Meeting is only a week away.

So far the weather has been holding up and we have been enjoying great sunshine the last couple of days. It's still cold and we still have feet of snow on the ground.

Sounds like we need to get together and enjoy our program on Croation Lace, win a door prize and make some lace. We all know how I like to win a prize.

Looking forward to seeing you next weekend.

Happy Lacing - **Christina**

Host an IOLI Convention in New England?????

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:20:34 GMT

As reported in the IOLI Bulletin and in our Newsletter by Jill, there is great news about hosting the international convention.

Beginning with the 2013 event, any profit is split between IOLI and the host group, yet (and here's the change) any loss is borne entirely by IOLI.

This year 2011 is being hosted by our Friends in Maryland Chesapeake Lace Guild, the next year 2012, the Minnesota Lace Society is beginning their prerparation.

So what about bringing it to New England! Yes it is alot of work, though anything worth doing is generally alot of work. We have those great lace makers that have gone before us, so what do you think ? Chime in here!

Past Newsletters

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:56:12 GMT

As reported in the newsletter, we have been working on getting a full electronic set of NELG newsletters from the beginning of time.

Thanks to Tina Allen for finding #'s 23, 25, 26, 47, 49, 51, 53. I'm looking forward to scanning them and logging them into our archives.

We are still looking for #'s 17, 24, 48, 52. If you find them in your library, please send an email to nelginfo@gmail.com or directly to me at pattyjfoley@pattyjfoley.com and we can get them from you. Please be sure that your copies will be returned.

Thanks again to Tina!

Patty

Submitting your Volunteer Hours

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 20:24:29 GMT

Hi all,

Please check in that you have forwarded all your volunteer hours for 2010 to Baraba, our Member At Large.

We are getting ready to launch our on-line reporting form for Volunteer Hours. Your volunteer hours helps us get the word out about Lace. Collection the hours allows us to report them to IOLI as a matter of keeping IOLI's non-profit status. Thank you in advance for all you do to promote lace in our communities.

Keep your eyes open for the launch news. You'll need to log in and the form will be found the the Members Only area.

Old issues of the NELG newsletter

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:21:37 GMT

We have just published the 72nd issue of the NELG Newsletter. It is our intention to make all issues available on our website. To that end, Patty Foley has been busy scanning the issues for which we don‘t have an electronic version. We find that we are missing some issues. If you are a pack rat and have been an NELG member for quite a while, please check your own archives for these missing issues and mail them to Patty for scanning; she‘ll send them right back to you. Thanks!

The missing newsletters are issues#47, #48, #49, #51, #52 and #53 (between May 2004 and June 2006). Also missing is issue #17, most likely January 1997. Finally, please look for issues #23, #24, #25 and #26 (these issues are between May 1998 and August 1999).

Jill

The Website is coming into it's own

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:41:58 GMT

We just published our February issue and newsletter and is now posted on the Newsletter page in the Members section. Thanks to our Editor Gail MacLean - and by the way - great job once again! To get to the Newsletter page, you'll need to be a member. If you are - Login --- if not, consider signing in and becoming a member of NELG.

Lots of great information about the activities of the organization. Demo's at Webs and at lots of places, news about upcoming Retreat, and programs galour at the monthly meeting in Sturbridge. News about this website and the possibilities of expanding it's use to help all lace lovers.

As the snow or 'whatever' continues to plague New England, at least we all have our lace. Hope to see you at Sturbridge on February 19th. See the Events Page for more information on our program.

Happy 1st of February

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:46:11 GMT

What better way to welcome in a new month. Here in the Northeast of the U.S. we are in the midst of yet another snow storm with a snow and ice punch to this two day event. We may crest some 60" of snow since Christmas. I found this quote to start of my month.

To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real."
Winston Churchill

This quotes says it about lace makers. Some of us are avid creators, others are weekend "cross twisters". Then there are our collectors, bloggers, retailers, and researchers. However you embrace lace making, we welcome you to the New England Lace Group.

Our new site is just launched and our "wouldn't it be nice" list looks like a honey do list! We anticipate rolling out more features over the next several months to assist our members in their enjoyment of lace.

Off to watch the flakes fly, Enjoy!

A Joy

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:41:10 GMT

Every day we can make lace can be a joy. What has been an absolute joy for me, is hearing from so many members about the new site.

A Big Thank You to all of you that have logged in so far and to those of you lurking in the internet.

Keep sending your thoughts and tips and improvements. We appreciate it all!

Thanks again!

Live Indeed!

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 02:50:45 GMT

Thanks Jill,

You made it all happen and tonight, just back from the weekend, I too entered our web address and we are now here!

I'm so impressed that over 30 members have already signed on to the site already! Let's hear from you!

Website is live!

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:01:04 GMT

Today is a very exciting day for Patty and I; the new website is now live! It is very thrilling to type in the web address and see the results of all our hard work now accessible to ANYONE on the internet!

We look forward to receiving comments (both good and bad!) from our members. Please be sure to let us know if links don't work, documents don't load or if anything else is not working as expected.

Website Testing

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 04:05:49 GMT

Thank you to the officers and friends who have taken the time to begin the testing of our new site.

In just a few days, the re-direction will be to our WA site from the old site. So far the response has been positive. Jill is compiling a list of additional enhancements. Between the two of us, it has been so much fun, we are seeing more and wanting to get new "stuff" for our site.

This is truly a great step forward for everyone associated with NELG!

ATC's

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 01:51:20 GMT

Some of us have the ATC envelope with the card and mystery threads from the meeting this past Saturday.

I won't spoil the fun and tell you about them. Though, if you are looking for more inspirations check out the web site http://www.artist-trading-cards.ch/ and a simple Google search for artist trading cards will supply hundreds of images for inspiration.

Good Luck to you all!

Newsletters of the Past

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:34:03 GMT

It has been quite a privilege to we working with all the members at NELG. Sometime around Jan 2009 I volunteered to scan the prior newsletters. So almost two years later, today I've been scanning the Newsletters from the absolute beginning of time into a digital format.

You'll need to be a member to see the newsletters, and it is so worth a membership. Our organization has done so much to further the knowledge of members, to bring lots and lots of demonstrations to the public, get the 'paperwork' of the organization done, and, most importantly, love to make lace.

It's been eye opening to see all these great members that have brought us up today. Big thanks to those that have gone before me, I appreciate all your efforts.

NELG Meeting in Sturbridge

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:37:26 GMT

What a great meeting we had yesterday in Sturbridge. Our business meeting was short and sweet, lots covered. This website is being tested as I type away.

Big Congratulations to Carolyn Wetzel - her article on the Napoleon Bee will be published in Piecework sometime this spring!

Big Congratulations to Jeanne Goodwin - she received her Master Crocheter status from Crochet Guild of America! Kudos to Jeanne. I'm looking forward to seeing her sample book at studio this week.

New member Erin, from Cambridge came to the meeting. She's a great tatter - hmmm sounds like another meeting topic to set up. Welcome Erin!

This meeting's session was hosted by our own Bryce Wolf - Thanks to Bryce - she gave us plently of information, helpful techniques, and projects to make with those pesty metallic threads we all 'love' so much.

All in all - if you couldn't make the meeting - we hope to see you next month. February will be a slide show and a door prize?? More information to come.

Wishing you great health, great fun, and great lace,

First set of results

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:08:22 GMT

It is truly a big step for NELG. First set of comments have come in and changes are being updated as they arrive.

There's been some opps spelling errors, some grammer, suggestions that are already in place.

Big thanks in advance to those that are testing and clicking and reading the site. It takes quite a bit to get it ready. While we understand that additional items will continue to be updated, remember we wish to have this site bring great value to our members!

If you'd like to make a comment, then join our group! It is fun and inspiring.

We have gone live ---- not quite yet......

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:24:01 GMT

Well, our TEST site has gone live! This is a big day for both Patty and I. I doubt that I could have got this far without her assistance and enthusiasm.

Looking forward to getting some feedback from the testers! One has already signed up and hopefully more will do so over the weekend.

Jill

We have gone live

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:58:35 GMT

Big Thanks to Jill,

NELG's site is just about ready. Looking forward to the testing by the Board members and getting us up and running.

It's a work in progress, so when you find some little thing, Please let us know!

About ready to Launch

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 03:32:52 GMT

Hi all,

It's been exciting working with our fearless internet website mistress leader, Jill. We have been working on expanding and upgrading our NELG website.

Please look around. There are many, many resources and we plan to have more available for our members. Please take a moment to comment.

A thousand thanks to Jill !