Blog & News

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

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

 

 

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

"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!

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....

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?!!!!

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

 

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!!!

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

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!