Endangered professions The Lacemaker…. In Bobowa In Bobowa

What is „Koronka”? Lace is an openwork fabric, patterned with open holes in the work, made by machine or by hand. The holes can be formed via removal of threads or cloth from a previously woven fabric, but more often open spaces are created as part of the lace fabric.

L ace-making is an ancient craft.L ace-making is an ancient craft. Objects resembling lace bobbins have been found in Roman remains, but there are no records of Roman lace-making. The craft may have begun in the first half of the 14th century in Flanders (Now on the border between France and Belgium).

L ace was used by clergy of the early Catholic Church as part of vestments in religious ceremonies, but did not come into widespread use until the 16th century.

O riginally linen, silk, gold, or silver threads were used. Now lace is often made with cotton thread. Manufactured lace may be made of synthetic fiber. A few modern artists make lace with a thin copper or silver wire instead of thread.

In North America in the 19th century, lace making was spread to the Native American tribes through missionaries. Traditionally, lace was used to make tablecloths and doilies, but today it is also used in clothing.

There are many types of lace…. Needle lace is made using a needle and thread. Crochet lace is formed by single and double weaves.

and… Bobbin lace is a lace textile made by braiding and twisting lengths of thread, which are wound on bobbins to manage them.As the work progresses, the weaving is held in place with pins set in a lace pillow, the placement of the pins usually determined by a pattern or pricking pinned on the pillow Bobbin lace is a lace textile made by braiding and twisting lengths of thread, which are wound on bobbins to manage them. As the work progresses, the weaving is held in place with pins set in a lace pillow, the placement of the pins usually determined by a pattern or pricking pinned on the pillow.

Bobowa Made since the beginning of the 19th century with the aid of special “blocks” they are still sought after and highly valued, and have acquired recognition at lace exhibitions in Europe. Bobowa is the only place in Poland where there is still a large group of active lace makers.

For several years International and Polish Festivals of Lace making have been organised. In the Gallery of Lacemaking there is an exhibition of local lace. In Bobowa you can watch lacemakers at work, see the way lace is made and buy it from the artists who produce it. You can even enroll on a lace making course.

The delicate patterns on the lace made in Bobowa are to be admired for their beauty and finesse.

The lacemaker cooperative was founded at a meeting in May 1949, with 28 members present. Zofia Wojna was its founder.The cooperative owns over 2000 designs of these fabrics. They may appear in various sizes and colors.

Feel invited to the 12th International Festival Of Bobbin Laces In Bobowa, from 5th to 9th October 2011.