Mainly Lace was set up in 1990 in response to high demand for bobbin lace making supplies in Essex.  Whilst attending exhibitions and craft fairs, displaying and selling our lace, we were continually asked for lace making supplies.  To start with we had just a few reels of threads and some bobbins to sell and the ladies we were teaching as our first customers.

From our first lace day, where we had just one table, we slowly grew to be one of the largest bobbin lace suppliers in the country.

Now when we attend events we have at least six tables full of supplies ranging from bobbins to books, patterns to pillows and a great supply of thread.

Formal classes were started in 1993 with some of the ladies Pat was teaching at home.  Children's classes were also held right from the start and we still hear from a few of them who have continued making lace.  Most of them are now married with families of their own.

In 2003 we applied to City and Guilds to run their Lacemaking syllabus and having gained Independent Centre Status we began with about 10 ladies, most of whom completed their Certificate stage and have gone on to achieve Diplomas.   We  now have 5 students working for Diplomas and 3 Certificates.

Mainly Lace attend Lace Days throughout England, Northern and Southern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as suppliers fairs and large needlecraft events at N.E.C and at Alexandra Palace.

We have several workshops which we can offer to groups,  teaching the main English laces and some more modern types, including:

• Fantasy Flowers
• Jewellery
• Fascinator hats.