Do you remember that time when we used to go to classes? Where sewing groups would meet, exchange biscuits, gossip and the best way to stop unruly seams from rolling? Those halcyon days? Well, lucky me, because I recently got to head back to the basement of the London Embroidery School for a spot of Broderie Anglaise, where I started their Lace Series Course what seems like a couple of lifetimes ago.
After my burst of inspiration to finish the embroidery for my canvaswork piece, I ended up signing up to a few craft courses, one on sock knitting, the other on lace embroidery, to try and learn a few new things. A matter of days later, everything was cancelled, but I did at least have the chance to go to a class and, as for the rest, we’ll try again later…
One of the techniques on the very long list of things I want to try has been bobbin lace for a long time. I’ve tried tatting, hairpin lace, needlelace and generally enjoy fine ‘lace’ crochet, but having seen the magical creations people can make with just some wooden sticks and a stupendous number of pins, bobbin lace has always had a great appeal. Plus, this is a technique with real historical richness, with so many books having been written on different styles and the evolution and social role of lace in society.
astitchornine 