a companion to...
inspiration for Lace Designers
Margaret Tappenden

Having retired in 1984, Margaret decided to pursue a promise she had made to herself, to look around for a bobbin lace course.  She was lucky in finding one in her area, and attended this class once a week for many years.
In 1989-90, the University of the West of England set up, on a part-time basis, a four year course on the study of the four English laces, Torchon, Bucks point, Bedfordshire and Honiton.  Margaret gained two passes with credits and two distinctions. Those four years gave her the technical knowledge she needed to design and make her own lace. She also attended The West of England Art College, spending many years life drawing.

The starting point for most of her designs stem from her love of the garden and the wonderful patterns in nature. Colour influences, abstract designs come from looking at many fine art paintings, past designers in fashion, the influences are many.  She works mainly in bobbin lace, although on some occasions will add a small amount of embroidery stitches to give a certain accent, which one cannot get with bobbins. When the design calls for it, Margaret will also add sequins or beads.

You can contact Margaret at mtvessels@blueyonder.co.uk

PAINTER, DESIGNER AND LACEMAKER.

Adornments in 3D

Water Lily in Honiton Lace
in 200/2 Egyptian cotton.
10cms high by 15cms wide.

Wedding Fan

Bucks Point Lace edging.with painted silk leaf. Thread, 60/2 ecru cotton.
25cms wide by depth of silk plus lace 7.5cms.

Frames

A Gift for Mother's Day in Bedfordshire, Floral Lace, using Maderia 80/2 cotton.
33cms by 27cms.

Tableware

Table setting in Bedfordshire Lace, using Bouc Linen, 30 colour 0389
46 by 28cms

Textile Jewellery

Mardi Gras mask in Torchon using ecru 36/3 cotton, for face, Tanne 30 colour blue no 628, for bird mask, blue Maderia metalic No 338 and gold metallic No 008.
25cms by 20cms.

Many of Margaret’s projects are based on nature and on flowers in particular.  In this design she shows you how to turn a trailing begonia into an insertion for a linen tray cloth.  This is one of a series of design Tutorials .

FREE! Pattern to download

Fuchsia Bookmark

Margaret has designed this bookmark that you cannot lose!   It would make a great gift.  The Pattern page shows you how to do it.

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