Spring School 2024
18-22 March 2024
at
Yarnfield Park, Stone, Staffordshire
Lace Guild members: Single £650, Shared £550
Non-Lace Guild members: Single £750, Shared £650
Non-lacemaking guests: Single £450, Shared £400
Tutors:
Judith Cordell - Rosaline Perlé
Jan Gardiner - English Bobbin Laces
Brenda Rewhorn - Tatting
Yarnfield Park
Yarnfield
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0NL
The 2024 Spring School will be held at Yarnfield Park, in Staffordshire at the heart of the Midlands, from Monday 18th until Friday 22nd March 2024. With easy access to the M6, Yarnfield Park is just 10 miles from Stoke-on-Trent and is easily accessible from most parts of the UK. The local railway station is Stafford, which is a 30min bus ride away. The bedrooms are all ensuite and they are able to cater for special dietary requirements.
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Yarnfield Park has had a long and varied history and they have operated as a training and conference centre for the past five years. Originally the site was known as Beatty Hall. Places of interest to visit include Stafford Castle, Foxfield Steam Railway, Longton Park, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Trentham Gardens, Victoria Park and World of Wedgwood.
Judith Cordell - Rosaline Perlé
This traditional Duchesse family lace is taking on a revival that has transformed original motifs into modern patterns that keep the techniques alive and allow lacemakers to enjoy working fine floral lace with a contemporary twist. Judith is the author of two books detailing the techniques used in Rosaline Perlé, she has taught extensively in the UK and abroad and has a friendly, encouraging approach to all those she teaches.
This workshop is suitable for lacemakers with some experience. The lace is worked without pinholes to guide you, which gives you freedom to place the pins in the most appropriate place. Patterns are hand drawn giving a freedom to the lacemaker who likes to be in control of where the threads will flow. This workshop will suit those who are new to the technique of Rosaline Perlé where you can expect to work through the motifs; those who have some experience and would like to work from a wide variety of Judith’s designs; and those who would like to design their own patterns.
There will be antique Rosaline pieces from Judith’s collection as well as the Lace Guild’s Collection to study and explore during the course.
With only 14 bobbins required for the motifs (some spares will be needed if the pattern contains a filling) and the ends simply snipped away without a trace once the motif has been finished and tied off, this is a refreshing way to make lace. Is there a catch? Well there are a few sewings to deal with, a small price to pay for just a few bobbins and no ends to deal with.
Jan Gardiner – English Bobbin Laces
Traditional to Contemporary English bobbin laces: thinking outside the box
Are you a bit fed up with the ‘ordinary’ traditional English bobbin laces? Have you wanted to explore them further but not feel confident enough to do so? My experience as designer has led me to think ‘outside the box’ to achieve the results I require.
During the week it will be possible to experiment and develop your lace techniques and discover that it is FUN to go off the rails occasionally. We will discover alternatives to the norm that work! Put our stitchery knowledge to the test and
come away with some new views about our work.
Please feel free to sign up for my class if you just want some problems solved. We all have work that has been put on the back burner because of some unforeseen difficulties have arisen. Is there a pattern you have always wanted to make but don’t feel quite able to start? Have you become stuck in the middle of a pattern because it is not going right. How about that dreaded finishing off! If you have any of my designs and need a bit of advice, then this is a good opportunity to pick my brains! I will be happy to help in all these areas and more.
Brenda Rewhorn – Tatting
Tatted Lace with a Shuttle and/or a Needle
Learn or extend your knowledge of this knotted lace with interesting challenges by trying more advanced techniques with picots, beads and other hard objects, split rings, and mock rings. Experimenting with different threads and using picot gauges – the possibilities are endless.
Enjoy a few days away from the household chores and share tatting stories (and frustrations) with other tatters whether you are a novice or an experienced tatter.