Once I Wanted to Name My Baby Lace.

Lousmith was not in favor of that so she is named Maggie (actually Margaret) after me and my grandmother. But that’s another story.

Anyway, I’ve always loved lace. Really, all my life. I never thought I could make it though.

Then I learned to  knit and not very long after that I took a 3 day lace knitting class with Galina Khmeleva at Stitches East in Valley Forge Pennsylvania. It was a long time ago. I wasn’t even trying to spin yet – though it was in the back of my mind. It was the first time I made a hole in my knitting on purpose and Galina taught me how to knit from charts.

Then I knit Galina’s Lily of the Valley Shawl and got Best in Show at Rhinebeck that year. Here she is being blocked.

I don’t spin for that one. As I said, spinning was just a thought.

Anyway, lace still stays with me and I want to learn all the things. this past winter I began an online course about Irish Crochet Lace. I need to practice more and I may need an in person lesson.

While I was in Utah I had a couple of lessons in tatting which was awesome. More practice is needed.

And the thing that I most want to learn is still buzzing around. It’s bobbin lace. I love the look of it. I think I could do it but I’m not sure this is a thing I can learn on my own. I don’t even know anyone who makes bobbin lace but I want to so badly!

Anyway, my good friend Jillain knows these things and she just took a trip to Portland, Oregon. It is the home of Powell’s Books. And look what she brought me!

It’s fabulous! Copyright 1977. It has everything. History, how to make your own pillow, how to make your own bobbins, simple instructions to get you started and a few projects to make sure you are on your way. There is also a pretty good bibbliography – though it is short.

I will treasure this book. I will find someone to teach me! I will!

Anyway, in the mean time I will practice the other things and keep teaching people to spin – which brings me to my next topic. We’ve added some single rooms to the Happy Camper Retreat because we heard through the grapevine that some of you like a private room. I don’t blame you so if that’s what is holding you back, now you can join us!