Pass the Pillow
We launched this project in February 2009, and as a few things have changed slightly since then, and some people won't know what it's all about, I will try to explain.
The official title is now North Downs Lacemakers Pass-the-Pillow 2012 by 2012 Relay Race.
Our aim is to get 2012 people taking part in making our piece of lace by the end of 2012. We will try to do this by taking our Pillow to as many venues as we can, and encourage people to make lace. You don't have to be an expert, we can guide you in the right direction, and as long as you do a few stitches and put in a pin or two, you can sign the book to say you have helped us on our way. We have been to various Lace meetings, Lace Days, Lace Fairs, local Libraries, Museums, Exhibitions etc. and are hoping to visit Schools and Youth groups so we can encourage the younger generation to take an interest in our craft.
The torchon pattern has been specially designed to be suitable for all abilities (people from 3 to 93 have already taken part). All the equipment has been donated, we have sufficient thread to last far longer than 2012 and I'm regularly replacing the bent pins.
We have so far been to more than 50 venues, and are anxious to find more suitable places to visit. If you have any suitable contacts, or if you would like to join us on one of our visits, or take the pillow so that your family and friends can have a go, please let me know.
We still have to decide what we will do with the lace when the project ends. It will depend on its length, of course. We have some ideas, but would welcome more.
At the beginning of May the vital statistics were 618 people making 1.7metres (67ins), so there's a long way to go! An update on progress will be found in N.D. Newsletter.
