Blog & News

The son of Benjamin Fewkes who established the lace factory in Ipswich was Jesse Fewkes. He was a researcher and wrote one of the lace history books with emphasis on that machine era, apparently. The book is in the Internet Archive. 

Anyway: I took a bunch of photos of his notebooks. The most interesting thing was a sample of the finest and smoothest linen I've ever seen. I have not found a linen even close (although to be fair I haven't found all the linens in my relatively short time in lace). 

There was also a sample of the finest cotton made in the US in 1882. 

There were 3 prickings in his notes--short pieces, but definitely prickings. 

I have a bunch of "research" photos, I can't share them publicly but I have posted them in the Ipswich discussion forum. There are more photos, but these are the highlights. 

You have to be a member to see the Discussion Forums, btw. 

Ever wondered what the Bayeux tapestry would look like in lace?   The Smithsonian has a version in needle lace.  It doesn't duplicate it exactly, but it is fun to look at. 

See: https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_650216

Fiber Art Now features an article about Maggie Hensel-Brown and her latest community project in collaboration with the columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, WA.

I was lucky enough to be at the museum on Labor Day to help assemble the lace triangles for this project and to participate on a phone call with Maggie! I'll be heading back in October to view the completed piece and will take photos and provide an article for the newsletter.

Jill

The Idrija earring pattern that Joan T was hoping to use for a program next year is on this site: Irma's Bobbin Lace Patterns

They only sell print versions (they do electronic PayPal) but do not ship to the USA (too costly). Ana Pervanja recommended that we have orders sent to someone in Europe or Canada who can then ship here. 

Does anyone have family or friends in Europe or Canada who could facility shipping a bulk order to Joan from there?

There are no scheduled memorial services at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to:

The Alzheimer's Association - https://www.alz.org

Meals on Wheels - https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/donate

Music in Schools - https://www.savethemusic.org/

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Jill

This is a refreshing twist. They actually spelled out lacemakers in the call to action in Lexington on August 29. 

I don't know if I can make it, but if anyone else is going I would try harder....

LexSeeHer event:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbg2GBzp2Ba/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Hey friends--

Some of our group members are offering beginner workshops. One in Worcester in August and one in Ipswich in September.

If you could share the message around your socials, we'd appreciate it. 

https://www.lacecouvige.com/store 

The details for each class are listed by site. If you have any questions, or if your network does--just send them along to us. 

Piecework Magazine has created a searchable International Needlework Museum Directory: https://pieceworkmagazine.com/museums/

Looks like someone needs to let them know about the Raleigh Lace Museum.

From the Lace Guild: We are deeply saddened to hear that Bridget Cook, well known lacemaker, designer, teacher and internationally renowned author since the 1970s, has died. In partnership with Geraldine Stott, Bridget was instrumental through her research and publication work in making our craft widely accessible. Bridget had been unwell for some time and moved to a nursing home to be cared for. Sadly her stay in new surroundings was brief. It was her wish that there be no Funeral or Memorial Service. 

Hi, all. Anyone interested in Sol de Naranjito? I am planning to invite a teacher from Puerto Rico next June 2027 and also have someone who can speak Spanish. I plan to have the workshop on weekends.  Please comment if you are interested. If you don’t know the lace called Sol de Naranjito, it is very similar to Tenerife Lace. She has many beautiful patterns.  Please Google it. Thanks!