Saturday, June 5, 2010

The Lace Museum and School

One of the places on our list of sights to see, was the lace museum. We traveled that day to the town of Brioude, with our destination, the Hotel de la Dentelle. First a tour of the school and then the museum. I did not think the school tour was included, so this was an additional treat for me.

The women there taking classes were of varying ages. I was told that to become an expert, it would be perfect to attend school for two years. Because of the expense, I do not know what the tuition is, they try to squeeze all there is to learn into a one year course.


Just look at all those bobbins. The pattern is pinned onto a firm foam board covered with cloth. The placement of the bobbins then makes the pattern. Small pins are inserted into the foam board to "hold" the threads in place. Threads can be cotton or silk. I noticed that some of the very new beginners were using very thick thread. Probably a very good idea.

I purchased my first two bobbins. I liked the look of them. I can knit lace with two knitting needles, but I really can't imagine soooo many bobbins and keeping track of all of them and knowing when to move them. The teacher told me that once a week, children come to the classroom to be taught to keep the tradition going through the years. I think that is a wonderful idea.
No photos were allowed in the museum, but the highlight was a totally lace wedding dress that was many years old. The bride must have started as a toddler to get the dress done in time for her wedding. It was exquisite.


11 comments:

  1. I just poured myself the last of the morning's coffee, iced it and added some half and half and visited your blog. What a treat! Did you purchase any lace? I think one would have to be very patient and very coordinated to produce that exquisite lace. I have a renewed appreciation!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  2. Bonnie, I forgot to mention. Thanks for reminding me. A lady pulled out narrow drawers that were filled with lace projects and each had a paper tage on them. I asked "How much?" as I pointed to a piece of lace and she quickly told me that nothing was for sale. All belong to the owners whose name was on the tag. Many years ago, I bought some lace in Belgium.

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  3. This is fascinating. I am so glad that the art of lace making is still alive and well. I used to be a quilter and am so glad that the process of making quilts is still important to people.

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  4. I have been maby times to London, and never visited the Lace Museum. THank you for the information.

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  5. Fascinating...Real lace is so lovely....I have a friend who did a little of this years ago, but I know I would not have the patience. But it makes one realize why lace was a valuable as gold at one point in history...

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  6. This is really interesting! The lace is so beautiful and delicate looking. I can't imagine all the training and patience involved but they are doing something they can be very proud of. Thanks for the post, I really enjoyed it!

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  7. I can't imagine having the patience for such detailed work. I love admiring lace work though. It's so wonderful that you were able to see this place! ;)

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  8. Years ago I bought a small piece of handmade lace in Portofino, Italy because I was so impressed by the skill of the woman who made it. It's truly an amazing process to watch. How lucky that you were able to tour the school.

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  9. I was fascinated by this post--a few years back I came across women tatting and making lace at a state fair and was absolutely entranced by their workmanship. My grandma tatted and I have a few of her pieces.

    How wonderful that they are keeping the traditions and skills alive by teaching the children to make lace. Oh how I wish you could have taken a picture of the wedding dress!!

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  10. This is the sort of stop I love taking on a trip. What a treat! The Auvergne recipe sounds fascinating too.

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  11. Your trip has been amazing...I could comment 'til the cows come home!! This post really perks my interest, I wish they would have let you take pictures, or at least had tons of postcards! That looks like a very intense process. I love it that they are caring on the tradition by teaching the kids.

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