Letter to the Readers

Very dear reader,

Thank you for renewing your subscription. We're happy to see that you like La Encajera.

Our cover lacemaker was made by a lacemaker from Barcelona, who was inspired by the pattern of the lacemaker on page 4 and created a beautiful colourful lacemaker using a Spanish pillow and Spanish bobbins.

We visited the wonderful lacemaking workshop in Monovar(Alicante) where we got to see about 2 dozen little girls (about 9 years of age) learning and practicing our beautiful art. They attend lace making classes after regular school finishes. The school was founded in 1949. It was a great joy to see how the seeds are planted to continue the lace making tradition into the next century and beyond. The story begins on page 6.

While we were in Monovar we were lucky enough to get to photograph the beautiful regional dress of which we include in this issue four different lace patterns.

On page 12 you'll see an 80 year old piece of lace from the famous Castell family who began the Museum of Arenys (courtesy of the Museum) - you can also make it !

Also in this issue, the Director of the Museum of Arenys, Jordi Palomer comments on Spanish lace. Accompanying his article you can enjoy seeing a few beautiful and unique pieces from Arenys museum illustrated on pages 14,15,26. Don't miss the grapes on page 15 and see its pattern in the supplement.

On page 16 of this issue you can see the pretty baby bib with lace trim and lace insert welcomed by all new parents.

Did you know that in Spain it is a custom at wedding ceremonies to carry the wedding rings on a small tray adorned with a lace doily or on a small lace pillow? In this issue we show you an example of such a doily - maybe you can make one for someone special in your life so those all important rings can arrive at his or her wedding in style!

In keeping with the same theme we have a very pretty nightgown adorned with lace on page 17, for the honeymoon. Also in this issue we discuss the multitude of lace centres in Galicia.

We also show you some wonderful images from the past - 4 antique photos of women and young girls making lace.

On pages 20 and 21 the pictures of some very original and artistic prize winning bookmarks from partcipants of our bookmark contest can be seen.

We visited San Sebastian (on the north coast of Spain) and shared in a pleasant lace gathering. Rainy weather forced the organizers to move a planned beachside gathering into a covered city square, but dampened no one's spirit - even three men participated.

On page 23 see a quick and easy method for putting the threads on the bobbins.

Christmas is right around the corner. We'd like to get an early start this year to give everyone enough time to execute some of the interesting ideas we have for your tree or home decorations.

We are looking for grandmothers and granddaughters who make lace - three generations of making lace in the same family. Send us your photos, we are anxious to know you.

Last but not least, we have another contest ! A contest about Christmas holiday themes. You have lots of time to participate (until April 30th). See all the rules on page 28. All types of lace can be submitted.

Twenty patterns accompany this issue !!!

Good bye and happy lacing.

Montserrat Arcos
Director

Index

Letter to the readers | Two Lacemakers | Monovar Workshop | Close up of dress | Typical dress from Monovar | Monovar workshop (continues) | Lace to make from Areyns Museum | Special doily to carry wedding rings | Comments about spanish lace | Lace grapes to make | Baby bib with lace insert and lace edging | Pretty nightgown adorned with lace | Galician lace centres | Images from the past | Contest winning bookmarks | San Sebastian Lace gathering | Quick and easy way to put put thread on bobbins | Christmas Motifs | Christmas Tree | Grandmother with granddaughter (three generations) | Christmas Themes Contest | Subscription form | Camarinas Lace Fair | Letters from the readers | Supplement : Activities | Supplement : 20 Patterns