Cattern Lace

Last Saturday it was the 40th anniversary celebrations of Wolds Lacemakers who have been meeting in and around Hull since 1985, not long before I started making lace at a school in nearby Beverley, although I didn’t join the group until we moved back here eight years ago.

At the meeting there was the AGM, a competition and a workshop to make ruby Dorset buttons. Whilst my first button isn’t perfect, I enjoyed learning something new but more than that it was the opportunity to sit together with women of multiple generations, chatting, creating, laughing and sharing stories and advice which was most special.

For the competition, I chose to enter the Torchon garter I made for my wedding in 2006.

There was no specific criteria for the competition, just the piece that was your favourite or you were most proud of and there were some incredible entries. I’ve put images of some of the entries and the winning lace on the WLM Instagram page Wolds Lacemakers (@woldslacemakers) • Instagram photos and videos

There was also a celebration cake, made by one of the members, Gill.

Hopefully the group will still be active in another 40 years. The numbers of lacemakers (and suppliers) are declining so we’re trying different things this year to attract some new lacemakers. I’ll share more on here as we progress and it’ll be on the Wolds socials too.

However whilst socials can make us feel connected to makers across the globe, we still need spaces to meet together as there is such value in makers being able to share their knowledge, and skills, and to get inspired and encouraged by each other.

The Lace Guild hold a list of groups across the UK Groups & Teachers | TheLaceGuild (and IOLI have a similar list for North America I.O.L.I. Organization – Charter Chapters and OIDFA HOME – OIDFA may also be able to provide details). Making connections with local lacemakers will both support and enhance your making, and ensure that the craft and it skills can continue.