Idrija, Bobbin Lace of Slovenia

On March 29th at 2:00pm in the Erie Art Museum classroom, there was a workshop on the art of bobbin lace and a chance for participants to try lace-making for themselves. Dating back to the 16th century, this intricate traditional craft was the way some young women learned patience and other women gained an income, and it was prized by many for clothing and home decoration. Many European cultures have their own distinct style of bobbin lace. Bobbin lace, also called pillow lace or bone lace, got its name from the process of winding thread around bobbins so the weaving can be easily managed. The lace pattern is pricked onto a card that is then attached to a pillow. Pins hold each stitch in place while the lace is being made and are removed as the lace progresses. Three bobbin lace experts will show samples of their work and share their knowledge in this free workshop hosted by Erie’s Carpatho-Rusyn Society. Guests include Allie Marguccio, the great-granddaughter of a bobbin lace maker. Allie treasured the handmade lace sent by her Slovene relatives, and with their help she has obtained the traditional materials so she can carry on the tradition in the U.S. She has traveled to Slovenia numerous times to tour the lace making centers of Idrija and Cerkno. She teaches bobbin lace at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, a community outreach program in Johnstown. Another guest is Mary Gido. Mary is of Carpatho-Rusyn descent and has developed a keen interest in lace making, weaving, spinning, quilting, knitting and needlework. Through a grant awarded by the PA Council on the Arts, Mary studied traditional methods of Slovak weaving and spinning under the tutelage of master weaver Sigrid Piroch in Meadville, PA. She has been making bobbin lace for over 20 years. They will be joined by fellow lace-maker, Mary Kay Lemak. For more information contact Kelly Armor at the Museum.

Contact Museum Folk Art Coordinator, Kelly Armor for more information.