This article by Marji Suhm, who was Workgroup Co-ordinator at the time, was originally published in Bulletin 3/2004. If you would like to read more about lace from all over the world why not enjoy OIDFA membership?

The Bulletin will be sent to you four times a year. Our bulletins are not available for separate purchase.

   About our Work Groups

Have you ever wondered about the OIDFA work groups, what these groups do and what they accomplish?

Here is some information about this particular facet of our organisation, the OIDFA work groups:

What are they? Groups of very dedicated members who are fulfilling one of the primary aims of the organisation according to our constitution: To promote, coordinate and increase efforts for the study, practice and quality of bobbin and needle lace in traditional as well as in modern use. These groups are sponsored by OIDFA for the benefit of OIDFA, and its members throughout the world.

What do they study? Each has chosen a subject about technique; a type of lace; lace made in a particular area of their country; or one which was made throughout the lacemaking world. Several of the groups have documented the costumes with lace which have been used in their country. Other groups dwell on technical methods and the difference between countries. As long is the subject is about bobbin or needle lace there are few boundaries.

What method de they use? Some of the information used in their research has been found in attics, photographs, museums and from the memories of old lacemakers. Other material comes from our modern day lacemakers. Most groups meet periodically to compare, categorize and organise their efforts, while others communicate through regular mail or email.

How do they share their information? The groups periodically provide our Bulletin Editor with articles to publish their research. Throughout various issues of the Bulletin you will see these articles, identified by the work group’s name. Sometimes an individual will also provide an article about just one facet of the group’s work. All work is published in English and French, and the books or booklets usually contain tranlations in other languages as well.

Look at Sales Products available through OIDFA. You will see work group books and patterns which have been published by OIDFA and are available for purchase. You will also see our publications for sale at each OIDFA Congress, as well as lace events throughout our member countries. In this way the general public can also benefit from the work group studies.

At each Congress, each work group has a stand and exhibits material relating to their research and publications. You are always welcome to visit their booths and to ask questions. They are very enthusiastic about their work.

What are some of the latest books? At the Prague Congress (2004), we were especially pleased to introduce two new publications. Our group from the Netherlands, Work Group Lace in Dutch Costumes, has presented its latest publication with a fascinating account of yet another of its country’s famous caps, also including some patterns. The newest work group, from Germany, has produced the first in a series of books about the use of lace in the costumes of the Schwalm region, along with patterns of many of the laces used.

What is the procedure to start a new work group with OIDFA? A proposal for the creation of work group may come from the Executive Committee, the Council, a group of OIDFA members, or an individual OIDFA member. A presentation of the project must be made to the Executive Committee at one of its regular meetings and include: 

- A full description of the work/study project
- The objectives of the project -  OIDFA book/booklet or articles for the OIDFA Bulletin
- The estimated duration for the initial project
- An estimated budget
- The proposed name of the Work Group
- The name of the proposed leader
- A list of the work group members

All work groups are encouraged to develop their research and work independently. However, a designated member of the Executive Committee is named as the coordinator for the on-going activity of all work groups. This Executive Committee member is responsible for all work groups, provides assistance where needed and acts as liaison between the groups and the Executive Committee.

The current Work Group Co-ordinator is Mary Shields, Vice-President and she would love to hear from some of you about starting a new group.