Letter to the readers

This issue of La Encajera is not only interesting and very special, but unique as well.

Instead of covering many varied subjects and events as we often do, we focus on one very special place - Offida, Italy. This small rather obscure town is tucked away close to the Adriatic coast of Italy near San Benedetto, a small coastal city located about half way between the major cities of Acona to the north and Pescara to the south. Although you probably will not find much about Offida in any tourist guide books, it is a treasure trove of a town when it comes to lace making. In this issue you will learn about Offida, a bit about its history and culture, but much more importantly, you will practically visit it through the many wonderful photographs of its monuments, lace museum and lace work.

The statue of three lace makers that adorn one of the important squares are just incredible! We have no other way to describe them, but just take a look for yourself on pages 18 and 19 and you'll quickly see what I mean.

While the statues define what Offida is all about, Lace, the other spots in our magazine tour will provide you with the details of the lace work and its importance in this wonderful little town.

You'll visit one of the important town churches where you'll get to see altar linens adorned with some beautiful lace edgings. But the highlight of this tour has to be the work of Iolanda Ottavi, an expert Offidian lace maker who allowed La Encajera to photograph some of her best pieces so that we share their beauty with all of you! From ballet dancers, (on cover), a rooster clock made in lace, a tea set with spoon cup and tea pot, to beautiful doilies and hand-kerchief with patterns from the Lace Museum. The patterns are designed by hand in the Offida tradition. We feature 20 original patterns in this issue. Have fun with this new lace making experience.

In the next issue of La Encajera we will print the work of the winners of the flower contest and photos about the celebration of Third International Lace Event.
Hasta pronto,



Montserrat Arcos
Director
La Encajera

Index

Index | Letter to the Readers | Ballet Dancers- Duo | History and Culture of Offida Italy-Introduction. | Girl at the Fence - Radiant Sun | Lace Museum of Offfida | Laces from Museum | Laces in the churches | Clock with Rooster  | Guipur Leaves Doily | Guipur Leaves Doily | Three lace maker statues | Cup, spoon and tea pot in lace | People from Offida | Handkerchief with braids and picos | Two handkerchiefs | Arabic Style Doily | Images from the Past | Beautiful Handkerchief, Angel | Group of Grapes Subscription form | Letters from the readers | Angel