Blog & News

I admit that most of you already know the results of the election at the June meeting, but to be official, I will be president for another 2 years and Kate Moore has been elected to the Member-at-Large position.  Thanks to all who showed up to the meeting to vote as well as those who voted absentee ballots including two who voted electronically via e-mail. 

Technically, the e-mail ballots could have been disregarded since the bylaws only mention mail-in ballots, but we did not reject them.  We did vote to specifically mention electronic balloting in the latest revisions to the bylaws.  I expect that we will see more ballots cast electronically in the future.  The revised bylaws will be posted in the next day or so.

The annual NELG retreat was held last weekend, and it was a great time.  I'd like to thank the retreat committee, Jill and Winann, for handling the logistics.  The popup thread containers from Rosalie were a pleasant surprise.  Mary once again provided ambiance with her sea shore themed center pieces.  Allie and Holly expanded our lace knowledge with their classes while Gerry and Tom manned the vendor tables.  Sr. Claire manages the retreat center well despite the challenges of an old building.  Jim's ATC competition went well with 9 entries this year.  It was great to see so many entries.  Bryce managed the silent auction which is one of the highlights of the event.  Susan transported most of our library to the event.  We had a lot of activity in the library.  Thanks to you all!

I would also like to point out that Carolyn Purcell made a very generous donation of books to NELG.  Some of these books were sold in the silent auction.  We will be adding a number of them into the NELG library which will expand the coverage of bobbin lace in particular.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And, of course, to everyone who attended, whether they were there full time, commuted to class, or just came to shop, your participation is appreciated.

Reported earlier today, the Smithsonian American History Museum collection  has launched on-line the first group of 37 war laces.  

Read more about and you can see the  WW1 Lace at the Smithsonian

NELG's Facebook page received a 'Like' this week from Greg Cook in Boston, MA who quoted Linda Lane “In lace, there is a whole world of technique in just getting around a corner."  

Greg also included a link to the 'Keepers of Tradition' blog where Linda is featured as one of artists who are hand crafting textiles in the 21st century. Read more about it here: http://blog.massfolkarts.org/index.php/2015/04/hand-crafting-textiles-in-the-21st-century/

Enjoy!

Jill

While it's not strictly lace, Linda Boston came across this online and thought the group might enjoy seeing it: Blowtorch Filigree: Lace Patterns Delicately Cut from Industrial Steel Objects by Cal Lane

Jill

I have set myself something of a challenge and am hoping NELG members will be able to help. I would like to have a photograph of each of the NELG commemorative bobbins so there will be a record for the future.

I have looked through my bobbins and have managed to locate 12 - the oldest being from 1997 when we had the retreat at Bloomfield Seminary in CT - but there are definitely some gaps. Please take a look at this document to see which ones I have already found: NELG Commemorative Bobbins.pdf

I would appreciate it very much if you could look through your collection of bobbins and either email me a photograph, or bring the bobbin(s) to this year's retreat so I can take photographs?

Thanks in advance

Jill

As NELG president, I often pick up e-mail from organizations outside of NELG.  The latest was a link to the latest newsletter from the Lace Museum.  It is mostly about events that they are participating in, but there is a picture of a Tenerife baby bonnet that makes you understand why people made Tenerife lace.  See: http://www.thelacemuseum.org/PDF files/LGSpring2015Newsletter.pdf

If you are interested in subscribing to their e-mail feed, there is a link on their home page, www.thelacemuseum.org .

Please report all of your volunteer hours for 2014.  This includes time you spent on board activities and commitees,

A friend sent me this link to a website for a business that revitalizes and sells antique lace and linens. Cannot get a good close up to see if the lace is handmade, but it is lovely to look at, nonetheless! Enjoy!

http://www.antiquelinen.com/cgi-bin/web_store/web_store.cgi?cart_id=3572604_14753

Due to the potential bad weather tomorrow afternoon, I am cancelling the February NELG meeting.  I hope to see you in March.