Ipswich MA
Held on 2 Saturdays, September 12 and 26 2026
10am - 4:30pm w/lunch break
Join Ildiko and Mary–two local, passionate, and experienced teachers– for an intimate and intensive beginner class series in making bobbin lace.
Ipswich was the center of remarkable bobbin lace production in the late 18th century—there were 600 women in the area making the only American bobbin lace! They made thousands of yards each year, helping their households and local economy. We’ll expand on that history as we introduce the basics of bobbin lace in this beginner class—before you could work up to the skilled Ipswich lace, you must have these basics.
Using a 12-hour curriculum developed by members of the International Organization of Lace you’ll learn the foundational stitches of bobbin lace and the crucial tools and techniques required to get you going on your lacemaking journey.
You’ll explore: a stitch sampler, bracelet, bookmark, and other small beginner skills.
Includes: bobbins, pins, thread, patterns, curriculum, snacks, and social connection with other creatives embarking on a niche new craft. Loaner bobbin lace pillows available, or bring your own. (We’ll encourage everyone to use the same thread for alignment with the lessons; we’ll provide the thread.)
Class limit: 8 beginning lacemakers [minimum of 6 attendees to run the class; if not met, course fees refunded]
Requires no previous knowledge of lace techniques
Bring a packed lunch. Snacks provided.
*$9.00 goes for the International Organization for Lace curriculum and patterns. We order and print/prepare your copy and it’s yours to keep! A set of 12 pairs of bobbins are yours to take home to keep working on your skills.
Workshop fee: $300
Materials fee: $50
Total price: $350 USD
Your instructors
Ildiko Trieloff: Ildiko was introduced to various forms of textile crafts as a child by her grandmother, and for most of her life has had a project or two at hand. It was Kate Middleton's wedding dress, and a coincidental browsing of a book in a school office in the same period, that propelled her into learning lace making, which has become one of her favorite textile arts. She is always looking for ways to incorporate lace into everyday items, and has used Torchon, Ipswich and Bedfordshire lace in various pieces.
Mary Mangan: Drawn to lace as a Revolutionary War reenactor, Mary wanted to complete her wardrobe with period lace trims. She is now an enthusiastic lacemaker of Ipswich lace, the only American lace of that period. In addition, she explores many other lace styles for both historic reproductions and modern artwork lace pieces like Milanese as well.
Ildiko and Mary are active members of the New England Lace Group and will provide additional insights into local lacemaking community activities and opportunities.
Location:
Held in the center of Ipswich MA. The inviting and lovely space provided by Alexis Surpitski-MacIntyre of Ocean’s Edge Real Estate. 11 Market Square, Ipswich MA 01938. Parking available in adjacent town lot.
Ipswich MA
Held on 2 Saturdays, September 12 and 26 2026
10am - 4:30pm w/lunch break
Join Ildiko and Mary–two local, passionate, and experienced teachers– for an intimate and intensive beginner class series in making bobbin lace.
Ipswich was the center of remarkable bobbin lace production in the late 18th century—there were 600 women in the area making the only American bobbin lace! They made thousands of yards each year, helping their households and local economy. We’ll expand on that history as we introduce the basics of bobbin lace in this beginner class—before you could work up to the skilled Ipswich lace, you must have these basics.
Using a 12-hour curriculum developed by members of the International Organization of Lace you’ll learn the foundational stitches of bobbin lace and the crucial tools and techniques required to get you going on your lacemaking journey.
You’ll explore: a stitch sampler, bracelet, bookmark, and other small beginner skills.
Includes: bobbins, pins, thread, patterns, curriculum, snacks, and social connection with other creatives embarking on a niche new craft. Loaner bobbin lace pillows available, or bring your own. (We’ll encourage everyone to use the same thread for alignment with the lessons; we’ll provide the thread.)
Class limit: 8 beginning lacemakers [minimum of 6 attendees to run the class; if not met, course fees refunded]
Requires no previous knowledge of lace techniques
Bring a packed lunch. Snacks provided.
*$9.00 goes for the International Organization for Lace curriculum and patterns. We order and print/prepare your copy and it’s yours to keep! A set of 12 pairs of bobbins are yours to take home to keep working on your skills.
Workshop fee: $300
Materials fee: $50
Total price: $350 USD
Your instructors
Ildiko Trieloff: Ildiko was introduced to various forms of textile crafts as a child by her grandmother, and for most of her life has had a project or two at hand. It was Kate Middleton's wedding dress, and a coincidental browsing of a book in a school office in the same period, that propelled her into learning lace making, which has become one of her favorite textile arts. She is always looking for ways to incorporate lace into everyday items, and has used Torchon, Ipswich and Bedfordshire lace in various pieces.
Mary Mangan: Drawn to lace as a Revolutionary War reenactor, Mary wanted to complete her wardrobe with period lace trims. She is now an enthusiastic lacemaker of Ipswich lace, the only American lace of that period. In addition, she explores many other lace styles for both historic reproductions and modern artwork lace pieces like Milanese as well.
Ildiko and Mary are active members of the New England Lace Group and will provide additional insights into local lacemaking community activities and opportunities.
Location:
Held in the center of Ipswich MA. The inviting and lovely space provided by Alexis Surpitski-MacIntyre of Ocean’s Edge Real Estate. 11 Market Square, Ipswich MA 01938. Parking available in adjacent town lot.
