Teaching Lace
I am also available to teach one off classes, weekend or longer residential courses in traditional bobbin lace, and lace design. Suitable for groups of up to 14 dependant on room size. Courses can be tailored to your requirements.
Regular Classes
Evening Class
An evening class in bobbin lace, held in Ilkeston studio every Tuesday 6pm-8pm (term time). Class suitable for all levels, individual tuition for all abilities. Cost £10 per session paid in half term blocks. (usually 6 weeks)
The Old Police Station,
Wharncliffe Road,
Ilkeston,
Derbyshire,
DE7 5GF
United Kingdom
Daytime Bobbin Class
A regular monthly class is held at The old Police Station, Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, on the second Monday of each month, teaching from beginners through to experienced lacemakers in all areas of Torchon, Bucks Point and Bedfordshire bobbin lacemaking. The only prerequisite being the desire to learn bobbin lacemaking and to enjoy the sometimes challenging process. The class experience varies widely and all levels catered for. For further details please contact.
The class will run from 10am to 3pm, and individual month sessions can be booked through the website shop, meaning you only need to pay for the class you can attend. Classes need to be booked a month in front of the date, but late bookings can be made if there is sufficient to run the class.
There is a cafe nearby and other shops for lunches very close too.
The Old Police Station,
Wharncliffe Road,
Ilkeston,
Derbyshire,
DE7 5GF
United Kingdom
Leicester Bi-monthly Class
I also teach a one day workshop at Whetstone Memorial Hall, High St, Whetstone, Leicestershire, once every two months
Dates 10th October 2026, 13th February 2027, 10th April 2027, 12th June 2027 and 4th September 2027
Contact for further details and how to book.
Local Workshops
From November 2026 the Saturday workshops will be held at the Hayloft, at Erewash Museum, High St, Ilkeston, DE7 5JA.
Workshops will be for a maximum of 10 students, and will cater for all levels including complete beginners. Bookings now being taken for these. Cost will be £30 for the day, hours 11-4 and include drinks. There is a lovely cafe on site with light lunches available to purchase along with different hot drinks other than just tea and coffee.
For more details and bookings click here
Also see Terms and conditions of booking - by booking you are agreeing to these terms and conditions as listed on this website.
Upcoming Workshops
Lace Museum, California, virtual classes
Various lace classes and courses are held with the Lace Museum, Sunnyvale, California throughout the year. The classes are held online and so can be attended by anyone worldwide. You usually need two devices to fully participate in the class, one on which to watch and one over your pillow, but help can be given to achieve the best results.
See the website for more information and booking
Bedfordshire Lace Weekend
The Bedfordshire weekend has been run for a few years now. This year (2026) we trialled a new format of a retreat instead of formal teaching, which proved to be very popular.
Next year will be a similar event with further details to be announced once a new venue has been found for the event, keep watching or email to be notified when details are confirmed.
Also see Terms and conditions of booking - by booking you are agreeing to these terms and conditions as listed on this website.
Missenden Abbey
Weekend course in Bucks Point and Bedfordshire at the Missenden School of Creative Arts, now located at a new venue - CIM Business Centre, Moor Hall, Cookham, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 9QH
4th-6th June 2027 - a weekend course suitable for all levels in Bucks point and Bedfordshire (and other laces by agreement)
This weekend course is focusing on Bucks Point lace and Bedfordshire, both geometric and floral techniques, with individual tuition to work on your own project, or start something new. The option of designing or adapting patterns is also available, and the pattern can be supplied before the course by contacting the tutor. Throughout the weekend teaching will be through individual learning and group demonstrations of techniques as appropriate.
For more info and booking - contact Missenden Here
Testimonials
Elaine Armes - "Thank you again for coming and giving us such a delightful course. We all learned something and enjoyed ourselves immensely. The angels and small patterns were beautiful and I look forward to making my Bucks point one very soon." Brigantes Lace Group Sept 2016
Maureen Allen - "Louise helped me complete my first pattern design in Bedfordshire. To say I was nervous about it was an understatement and my mind was a blank as I feel I lack creative vision. Louise helped me choose a single design element that I found attractive, then she showed me how to build up the layers adding other elements of Bedfordshire into the design to balance it out and 'fill' the space. I was so proud of the pattern when it was complete. Thank you Louise, I will definitely have another go at a pattern." Lace Guild summer school, North Wales 2016
Jo P. "A superb beginners class, just what I needed to get me started"
Julie B "I would highly recommend Louise as a teacher"
David M "class size ideal - not too many on it"
Pat B. "Fantastic lace workshop, small numbers, bright airy room, plenty of help. Please arrange another one."
P.A.L. "Sept. Fab needlelace w-shop with 1 to 1 tuition. What a way to learn a new type of lace, thanks Louise"
Melanie T - "Highly recommended for all ages, I'm 18 and I have learnt so much in my 4/5 lessons so far!! It's great to learn something so delicate and beautiful."
Emma - "great class for any level, even the complete beginner"
Dawn Threlfall - "The weeks course was informative and taught with the individual attention we needed. I have never attended one of Louise's courses where there was not endless laughter and giggles. No matter our level of lace making, you gave us the encouragement and confidence to attempt our next pattern. Lace Guild Summer School, 2016
Sally Smiddy - We would like to say an enormous thank you to Louise for coming down to Hertfordshire for the 1st Lace & Sparkle weekend teaching Bedfordshire Lace. All who attended commented on Louise's knowledge and her inspiration to progress. Everyone went home happy and looking forward to the next weekend in October. July 2016
Becca - "Very rewarding - great sense of achievement at the end of the day. The beginnings of a new lacemaker"
Jean - "It was very interesting, almost addicted to it during the lesson"
Joyce - "Interesting and knowledgeable class that improves your fashion history interest"
Melanie - "Was brilliant, amazing teacher and loved the class"
Kate W - "Would highly recommend workshop - learnt lots of technique with many applications, inspirational and in a lovely setting"
Mel B - "Learnt to work exquisite lace from the beginning with a teacher who is approachable, knowledgeable and speaks with clarity"