‘Lace takes a long time’
•How did you start lace making and what does the craft entail?
I’m very interested in all work involving threads and fabric. A friend introduced me to the making of lace in 1980 and I have loved designing and making lace ever since!
Bobbin Lace entails the crossing and twisting of lengths of thread which are wound on to bobbins. The weaving is held in place with pins pushed through a card pricking (design) and into the pillow. This creates an open and decorative fabric.
•What about the history of the craft?
Lacemaking has its origins in the 16th century in Venice. The craft spread through Europe, mainly the Netherlands, France and Belgium as fashion dictated more decorative features on clothing. Many women and children were employed in this industry. There are many types of lace of which bobbin lace is one.
Today, the making of lace is mainly undertaken for pleasure with makers using all kinds of threads. If there isn’t a teacher in the area then people tend to be selftaught through online tutorials or by joining a group.
•Tell me about the piece you made for Louise at Oaklands Funeral Services.
On June 23, 2021, while attending the funeral of our youngest member, Kay, I met Louise, the funeral director. I noticed the jabot [lace accessory] she was wearing. Wendy, a member of our group, said: “We can do better than that, can’t we?” And so the idea of making a jabot for Louise in memory of Kay was born.
We had never made a piece as a group, so it was a huge learning curve, as we all have different styles. We included a wholestitch trail, representing Kay’s running, flowers and beaded bees. It was really a personal tribute and a collective labour of love. We used Kay’s pillow and bobbins while we were making it.
It brought us together and enabled us to reflect on what she offered the group. She was the youngest by far and she was always laughing.
•How long did it take to complete? Lace takes a
long time to make and we spent six months just planning the design. Clare designed it by hand on a grid and I made samples.
For this jabot, silk thread was wound onto 22 pairs of bobbins and two gimp threads.
We also made a brooch from tatted (knotted) oak leaves for Louise’s hat.
•What advice would you give aspiring lace makers?
Remember that you don’t need expensive equipment and don’t worry about making mistakes – it is said that if lace is perfect, it must be machinemade! There are ten of us in Butser group. We work mostly at home, but we meet together once a fortnight. Anyone interested in making lace can find details on The Lace Guild’s website laceguild.org
•Last word to Louise: How do you like your jabot?
Louise: I really appreciate the time, love and skill that has gone into making it. It is beautiful and I will treasure it.