3 month Skills Course
Are you working towards your Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award?
Are you looking for a new Skill to complete your award?
My Duke of Edinburgh face-to-face 3-month lacemaking courses run each school term, with weekly classes taking place each Saturday from 12 noon-1pm at Grape Britannia, 34 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1EN*.
Students learn the basics of bobbin lacemaking in a fun and supportive class, with a maximum of 5 students per course. All equipment, materials, tuition and reporting is included in the course fee of £175 per student.
For the academic year 2024-25, course dates will be as follows:
Autumn Term 2024 – 14th September – 7th December (no classes on 26th October – half term)
Spring Term 2025 – 11th January – 5th April (no class on 23rd February – half term)
Summer Term 2025 – 26th April – 19th July (no class on 31st May – half term)
What does the course cover?
My 3-month DofE course takes you from complete beginner to having experience of the initial building blocks of bobbin lacemaking. We focus on ‘Torchon’ lace – a logical style of lace which is the natural starting point for newcomers to lacemaking. The sessions cover Getting Started, Torchon Ground, Diamonds, Spiders, Fans, the Footside Edge and the Lacemaker’s Sewing. At the end of the course, as well as being able to make simple pieces of lace, you will be able to identify different elements in a piece of lace and follow a simple lace pattern.
What do I get for my fee?
Your fee covers 12 hour-long sessions of face-to-face teaching in a small and supportive class of no more than 5 peers per course. A lace pillow, bobbins, patterns, pins and thread will all be provided for your use during the course. At the end of the course you will have produced at least 4 distinct pieces of handmade lace, demonstrating the different techniques covered over the three months. These pieces are yours to keep and to treasure! At the successful completion of the course, you will be provided with a report, confirming that you have met the course objectives and congratulating you on your achievements.
What if I miss a session due to illness?
I undertake to reschedule up to 2 missed sessions due to illness or other unavoidable absence within the course fees.
I’ve loved making lace! How can I learn even more?
That’s brilliant! Why not come to my Beginners and Improvers 8-18 class which runs on Saturdays from 1pm-2pm, also at Grape Britannia on Chesterton Road. These sessions cost the equivalent of £10 per session, payable termly in advance. All equipment and materials are provided. Enrol for the next block of lessons here.
*This activity’s suitability for the participant’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Skills section is subject to their DofE Leader’s approval; participants should check with their DofE Leader for applicability before booking.