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!

104th ANNUAL SHEEP, WOOL & FIBER FESTIVAL

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. 

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!

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)

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 by Marta Cotterell Raffel is now selling for $4.95 from EdwardRHamilton.com.

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/

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

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!

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.