traditional lacemakers of ireland index

Welcome to the Website of the Traditional Lace Makers of Ireland (TLI). TLI was formed in 2005 to celebrate Cork's year as European Capital of Culture with several working and living exhibitions. Since then we have exhibited both at home and abroad.

In 2006 we won the International Gold Medal for our publication "The West Cork Lace Trail" at the Sansepolcro International Lace Festival in Italy.

We are thrilled that Irish crochet made by our Life President, Veronica Stuart, was part of the bouquet Queen Elizabeth II received when she visited the English Market in Cork on 20 May, 2011. Congratulations Veronica, an honour well deserved.

2012 will be a full and interesting year for our members. In addition to our regular lace days we will join with the Northern Ireland Guild of Lacemakers to celebrate their 25th anniversary on May 12/13 in Drumalis, Larne. As part of the International Quilt Festival of Ireland we will hold a workshop in Galway on June 9th (International Quilt Festival of Ireland). In October, 6-13, over 50 members will take a lace cruise to Madeira and the Canary Islands where we plan to meet local lacemakers. On the two full sailing days we will have a room set aside where guests can come in and view or join us. An exciting and novel adventure. (For details of the cruise contact Sarah at +353 21 4894084)

Our Lacemakers and Collectors regularly display, teach and promote the very highest standard of Irish laces made here in the South of Ireland including Carrickmacross, Limerick, Youghal, Bandon laces and Irish Crochet. Over the years our members have had a number of successes at the Royal Dublin Society Craft Competitions including first place in the lace category and first place in the knitting and crochet category in 2008. In 2009 TLI member Pat Lamb followed up her success in winning the Traditional Lacemakers Award in 2008 by winning 7 awards for her Youghal Lace and Mountmellick Embroidery and in 2011 Pat won second prize in the lace category along with the County Makets Medal and the Guild of Irish Lacemakes Award for a stunning crochet parasol.

From June to October 2010, we exhibited antique and modern Irish laces in the master bedroom suite on the first floor of Fota House. One room of the exhibition was open all week while the full suite opened on Sundays when TLI members were present to demonstrate lacemaking and answer queries about the pieces on exhibition. Laces on display included Youghal, Limerick, Borris, Kenmare, Inismacsaint, Carrickmacross, Mountmellick Embroidery and Irish Crochet.

September 2010 saw 44 TLI members, together with 8 members of the Northern Ireland Guild of Lacemakers, travel to Lloret de Mar for the Catalonian Culture Festival. Much to the delight of the Spanish lacemakers, Irish laces were displayed and demonstrated. In turn the travellers had to the opportunity to see wonderful bobbin lacemakers at work.

Cobh Lace class has had a very busy year, starting with celebrating their 25th anniversary on 18 November 2011 with a Vintage Fashion Show and Vintage Clothing and Accessories to a large and appreciative audience. To commemorate the visit of the Titanic in 1912, the class created a Mountmellick wall hanging depicting the ship leaving Cobh Harbour. All the members of the class took it in turn to stitch a section of the piece. In addition 120 Irish Crochet Roses are attached in two panels at the sides representing those who boarded the liner in Cobh. The wall hanging will be on display in the Heritage Centre, Cobh from April 24th. See Gallery for photographs of both Cobh events.

We are always delighted to have visiting Lace Guilds join in our workshops and organised events. Accommodation, transportation and tours can be arranged.

TLI has classes on the first Saturday of the month (except January and August) in the Nemo Rangers Complex, Douglas, Cork (see events page for details). New members are always welcome; visitors are especially welcome. So come and meet us.

TLI Crest in Limerick Lace

Last updated on 10/04/2012