June 2023: The Lace Lovers of Lebanon County

In our Spotlight series, we take a closer look into the kaleidoscope of traditional arts in Central Pennsylvania and the work of artists featured in our Folk Artists Gallery. This article spotlights a local group of needlework enthusiasts.

By SFMS folklorist Amy Skillman

Frilly fun on first Sundays

Last year, when I was visiting a textile exhibit at the Lebanon Valley Arts Council, I noticed a small display in the corner covered with examples of lace work. What impressed me was, not only the quality of the work, but the labeling that indicated at least ten different styles. I recognized tatting, crochet, hardanger, and bobbin lace, but most of the others were new to me.

Intrigued, I picked up the small flyer near the display, which introduced me to the Lace Lovers of Lebanon County. The flyer noted that no experience was necessary, just a love of lace and a sense of humor. I have been interested in pulling out my grandmother’s bobbin lace pillow for years, so I tucked the flyer away for a rainy day.

Nearly a year later, I was "zooming" with embroiderer Lisa Huechteman about the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ apprenticeship grant program. She was calling in from the Lebanon Valley Arts Council, where, as it turns out, the Lace Lovers were having their monthly meeting. Lisa is an occasional member of the group so she took me into the room (still in Zoom, on her phone) and we chatted briefly with several of the members.

I felt instantly welcome and promised to join their May meeting. I am so glad I did.

When I arrived, there was a lovely hum of conversation we often associate with people whose hands are busy while they enjoy each other’s company. Eleven serene faces looked up, welcomed me into the circle, and went right back to chatting and stitching. I took a chair next to Carol, who was working on a lace cross for her church, and pulled out my crochet project. Carol was trying to get a particular loop to close and I was trying to decide what stitches to use for my project. She had some great suggestions for me and I started in. I had no input for her, being mostly in awe of the tiny, detailed work she was doing. But our pleasant chatter soon joined the hum.

Honestly, I couldn’t sit still and crochet for very long, because I was so eager to see what everyone was making.

I wandered around the circle and found an array of projects. A few women were embroidering tiny counted-cross stitch images, some from a kit and some of their own design. At least one other woman was working on a lace cross for her church; another was knitting something in vibrant colors; and a few were just there to be in camaraderie with each other.

Karen, the organizer, had finished the lace she was making last month for her daughter’s wedding dress and had moved on to something new. Yet another woman had brought a large bag of yarn and was encouraging everyone to take it off her hands. Several women obliged, and I went home with two skeins.

We know that quilt groups and book clubs are about far more than getting together to quilt or discuss books.

Gatherings like these provide opportunities to build friendships, share ideas, support each other through challenges, celebrate what is held dear, and create a sense of community. The Lace Lovers group does all those things. In fact, the group recently lost a member to a sudden illness and they were planning to create a collective shawl for his widow, stitching together 15‑inch squares made by each member.

Actions like these give added meaning to our creative endeavors and are the foundation of folk and traditional arts.

Join them on first Sundays!

The Lace Lovers group meets on the first Sunday of each month, between 2pm and 4pm, at the Lebanon Valley Arts Council (700 Cumberland Street in Lebanon, PA). All are welcome. For more information, contact Karen Wattai at 717-813-6148. Perhaps I will see you there.