IOLI - Lace Making Convention

 This week was the annual convention of the International Organization of Lace, Inc...or IOLI.  It was a big deal because it was held nearby in Salt Lake City this year.  Different local lace groups take turns hosting the convention each year.  It was held at the Sheraton.

 I had no idea there were so many different ways to make lace...and IOLI includes all of them!

During certain hours, vendors were allowed to sell their merchandise which included  lace books, thread, bobbins, tatting shuttles, boxes, and every possible device with anything to do with making lace.

During free hours such as lunch time, people could be seen all over the Sheraton, working on their projects.

These samples were some done by the lady in the picture below this one.  She had the most delightful accent.  She lives in Scotland but was born in London.  There were people from all over the United States there, and a few from other countries.  As it turns out this lady was teaching one of the classes later that afternoon.

Here is a peek through the doorway of a class on painting bobbins.

Upstairs was a display room which had every imaginable type of lace in it as well as some embroidery.  Many of the displays didn't allow photographs, but here is an example of some lace where photos were allowed.  This type of lace is called netting.

It was a rather unique experience.