Bobbin Lace, an Introduction to Contemporary Torchon Lace
Bobbin Lace, an Introduction to Contemporary Torchon Lace
Instructor: Lois Gaylord
Day: Friday
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Hours required: 6
Minimum number of students: 4
Maximum number of students: 8
Minimum age of student: Ages 16 and up (no parent required)
Total Class Fee (includes $25 materials fee): $175
Location: 4-H Building
Description: Bobbin or Pillow Lace is a woven lace that was being made in Europe starting in the late 16th Century. It was popular through the late 18th, early 19th Century when changes in men’s fashion reduced demand. There are several types of bobbin lace and the one I will be teaching (Torchon) is structurally related to plaiting (braiding). During this class you will learn the basics of bobbin lace making and will weave some samples: the basic Torchon ‘ground’ and a couple of various ‘spiders’. This class is applicable whether you are interested in traditional lacemaking or exploring the myriad of possibilities for contemporary design.
Required Skills: Beginning class, no specific skills required other than the ability to work with thick threads
Students Should Bring to Class:
- Straight pins (Dritz ‘silk’ pins 1-1/16” or similar) 1 pkg. or at least 50 pins
- Size 5 Perle cotton in 1-3 colors, white or off white, and 1 or 2 accent colors
- If available/optional:
- flat bobbin lace pillow
- Fine point, colored felt tip pens, several colors (water-based / non-toxic only)
Supplies Provided by Instructor: set of 20 bobbin lace bobbins. Instructor will also provide handouts, lace patterns, and will have some cloth covered foam that students can use for a pillow in the class.