Lacemakers at world congress

Five Maltese lacemakers have taken part in the International Lace World Congress held in Oosterpoort, Groningen, The Netherlands. Twenty countries, including Malta, set up stands and demonstrated various types of laces. About 230 entries were submitted for an international lace competition, which had as its theme Bags. Four were entered by the Maltese participants.

Contemporary lace, gravenmoer lace and lace from the linen cupboard were the subject of various workshops in which the Maltese participants took an active role.

The congress also included a general assembly, three lectures and bobbin and needle lace exhibitions.

Mary Louise Bajada, who teaches lace-making and embroidery at the Gozo Adult Education Centre, was one of the participants. Her trip was sponsored by the EU Lifelong Learning Programme - Grundtvig. The other members of the group were Madlene Muscat, Carmen Ellul, Margaret Crocker and Anna Maria Gatt.