A new book of Bedfordshire, Bucks Point and contemporary design was launched on 16th September, with the ready to work patterns following on 1st October. The book has 4 sections and all were inspired by the work carried out in 2021, researching the Erewash museum archives for an exhibition 'Legacy of Lace' with 4 other artists. The book also contains research carried out by Julie Varo into the history of one of the lace manufacturers - Frank Woodward, which section two of the book has designs in, inspired by his work from 1894 onwards. The book is available through the website shop and other lace suppliers in the UK and USA.
Mainframe Derby 2021 awards shortlist
16th March 2021
This year, after a difficult 12 months, supporting my students and a wider lacemaking community online, one of my students nominated me for an award for 'Unsung Hero' and on 24th February at the virtual online awards shortlisting event, I was shortlisted for the award. Now eagerly awaiting the final results on 27th April. Join me and everyone else at Mainframe, Derby on YouTube that evening to celebrate some amazing people.
Thank you to my students and Mainframe for the shortlisting.
On the awards evening, held online, I was runner up, but still felt very honoured to have been nominated by students, in recognition of the work put in supporting them in the last 12 months, and I thank them for this recognition.
Mainframe award 2020
16th March 2021
In November 2020, after a long delay due to the Covid pandemic, the finals were held in a virtual online ceremony for the Mainframe awards 2020.
I was delighted to win the Digital Disruptor award that evening, adding to my two from last year!
Thank you to everyone at the Quad and Mainframe Derby for the award.
On 11th April 2019, Louise received two awards from Mainframe at the Quad in Derby, for Best Digital/Creative Innovation and New Product to Market, for the Ready to work laser cut patterns. The idea grabbed the judges attention for the innovative way it solved a problem and being completely new to the lacemakers. They also liked the way it is using digital technology in a very traditional craft.
Thank you to the Quad for organising these awards and for the fantastic awards evening.
Laser Cut patterns launched
29th January 2019
The first laser cut patterns went on sale on 6th October 2018 at the Fenland Lace Fair, after the successful crowdfunder.
The patterns which are created using digital technology, and using a laser cutter to cut the holes, means the lacemaker can now obtain a ready to work pattern with all the hard work taken out of the process. The patterns have the pin holes in place, and lines accurately marked using a computer digital file. This takes out the physical process of prreparation, removes inaccuracies and saves a huge amount of time on larger patterns. It also helps anyone with sight or hand problems, as this process is something that people first start struggling with.
Lacemakers can purchase any of Louise's patterns from anywhere in the world.
Lacemakers supported this project to get it off the ground through the crowdfunder and their patterns were supplied before they went on general sale and there has been a good response to them.
Future designs released by Louise will all be available to buy in this format.
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