Members Meeting - Nov 16 2019
All about Lace and Lace Making
“No lace. No lace, Mrs. Bennett, I beg you!” - Mr. Bennett
Calgary Janeites were treated to a fantastic chapter meeting on November 16, 2019.
First, talented game show host and Program Coordinator Jane, arranged a challenging trivia game. We were divided into two separate teams and, with noise makers at the ready, we were poised to answer a series of challenging Austen related trivia questions. In fact the nail biter of a game ended up with the teams in a tie, as the tie-breaking question proved to be too difficult for anyone to answer.
What fun!
After the tea we were joined by Janet of Wild Rose Lacemakers.
Janet herself discovered bobbin lace when, at the age of 24, she moved to Bedford, England which had once been the centre for lacemaking starting in the early 18th century. Taking advantage of the classes lead by local lacemakers still in the area, she registered for a course, despite having no idea what bobbin lace was. She now specializes in the English style bobbin laces, such as Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, have made a little Honiton, and also make Torchon and Tape lace.
Though its origins are not fully known, it is believed that lacemaking may have originated from refining the practice of net-making by fisherman, and perhaps then evolved through to the braiding on military uniforms. Lacemakers formed guilds and shared best practices and techniques together, and even shared resources. When daylight began to fall they historically worked around candlelight and enhanced the illumination with the use of several well placed bowls of water set about the room to help reflect the light.
The beads at the back of English-style bobbins give the bobbins a weighted end, helping to keep the bobbins in place on the lacemaker’s pillow. Janet hypothesized that the beads may have originated in England by virtue of the slave trade. The width of any given lace is determined by the number of bobbins used (always worked in pairs), and the width of the pillow on which it is worked on.
Janet also shared trade secrets as well, explaining how narrow strips of lace would typically be sewn together to make wider styles. One beautiful piece in particular helped exemplify the dedication and craftsmanship involved in lacemaking as Jane estimated it had taken her about one hour to produce a single inch of lace! It was remarkable to learn the extreme levels of skill and patience involved in this extraordinary craft.
Some of the various styles Janet presented were:
Bucks Point Lace
Torchon Lace
Honiton Lace
Bedfordshire Lace, and
Modern Tape Lace.
Though the local lacemakers community is small, Janet has kept up to date with the latest in the lace world through annual subscriptions to both English and Canadian lace periodicals, to which she has herself occasionally submitted articles. So determined to keep this extraordinary craft alive, she founded a local lacemakers group here in Calgary in the late 1980’s that continues to meet once a month to make lace, share discoveries discuss trouble shooting, and encourage beginners. They also introduce lacemaking to Albertans by providing demonstrations at such events as the Stampede Heritage Cabin, Pioneer Acres in Irricana, and Heritage Park.
All of the samples Janet shared with us were stunning! Thank you so much Janet for taking the time to come and speak to our group.
If you’d like to learn more check out either Canadian www.lacegazette.com or explore the internationorganizationoflace.org site.
Our next chapter meeting is our annual tea and entitled: Tea at the Opera House and promises to be a wonderful afternoon. Please contact us to reserve tickets.