Originally founded in 1979, The Guild of Irish Lacemakers has been active in its present form since 1987, and was formed specifically to promote and assist practicing lace-makers, especially those making traditional Irish laces. Today the Guild has over 100 members, and encompasses all the laces known in Ireland and many from abroad. Emphasis is given to encouraging lace-makers to design as well as make lace, and the interest of Young Lace-makers is fostered whenever possible.
The Guild holds seven Lace-days annually where classes in different lace disciplines are taught. While these days are held specifically for Guild members, non-members are invited to attend a lace-day and take a class.
The Guild of Irish Lacemakers is meeting on the 3rd Saturday of each month in Dundrum, Dublin, from 10:30am to 4pm.
Currently, Proficiency Assessments are available in the following disciplines: Bobbin Lace, Carrickmacross Lace, Irish Crochet Lace, Mountmellick Embroidery, Limerick Lace and Introduction to Needlelace. Other lace disciplines are under consideration and may be available for assessment in the future.
Lace Proficiency Assessments are open to any member of the Guild of Irish Lacemakers who wishes to take them. The purpose of the assessments is to encourage individuals to achieve a high standard of proficiency in each of the lace disciplines, thereby ensuring the passing on of valuable skills from one generation of lacemakers to the next.
In 2023-2024, the Guild created video tutorials of several lace techniques: Mountmellick, Carrickmacross, Irish crochet lace, Limerick lace and Needle lace.
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