At the end of June I went to Lakewood, CO to teach the members of the Rocky Mountain Lace Guild how to do Turkish needle lace. I loved how enthusiastic everyone was about learning this art. Some of the ladies even wore the Turkish needle lace jewelry they have to the class!
If you're looking for a friendly group that loves to do needle art, the Rocky Mountain Lace Guild typically holds monthly meetups! Most of the ladies are also skilled in bobbin lace, tenerife, tatting, etc. They are always interested in learning a variety of needle arts, and as a member of their guild, you will have access to a wonderful library of lace making books you can borrow. The group also actively volunteers around Colorado to do demonstrations of laceworking and gives member lace bucks as a reward. The lace bucks can be use towards a variety of activities like classes for a discount. Their dues are also incredibly low- $15/year membership fee.
It is best to contact the organizers via email since their website has not been updated for a while to learn about their next meeting.
Jane Meier plainjanes@comcast.net
If you still have trouble getting hold of an organizer, feel free to send me a message for more information.
This is also my first class where almost all the students finished their scarf flowers by the end of the weekend! I can't stress enough how much easier it is to do any needle lace pattern after you develop a good foundation on techniques and best practices! I love how their first pieces have so much character to them.
Student Share from Ohio's Thread Whisperers Group
Two months ago, I taught a beginner's class for the Thread Whisperers in Chagrin Falls, OH. One of my students recently emailed this beautiful scarf edging project she finished. As you can see, once you understand how to work the needle and thread in your hands, it's really easy to take off and start doing all sorts of creative projects and patterns! You can start designing your own patterns, or read patterns easily! That's one of the things I love about needle lace. There is a learning curve in the beginning, but after that, it's pretty smooth sailing when you move onto the more advanced patterns.
You can contact this group via their organizer Katherine Dunlevey if you're interested in joining them: dunlevey1155@windstream.net
Please send photos of your work as you continue practicing needle lace! I love showcasing my student's work and knowing how they are doing with their practices!
My next class will be in MidWest City, OK with the Oklahoma Lace Guild on August 10/11th! Please check the events pages if you're interested in a beginner's class!