Lacemaking: Vi Eastman

The origins of lacemaking are unknown, but lace became immensely popular among the very wealthy during the Renaissance.  It was extremely expensive and highly valued as a symbol of status.  Although frowned on by Puritans, many Americans prized lace and in Ipswich, Massachusetts hand-made bobbin lace was produced from the 1750s to the 1840s.  With continued immigration from Europe, lacemaking traditions spread across America and have been handed down from mother to daughter for many generations.

Vi Eastman learned how to make bobbin lace from a Danish lace maker while she was living in Belgium.  She demonstrates bobbin lace making at museums and fairs and is a member of New England Lace Group, International Organization of Lace, Inc., The International Organization of Bobbin and Needle Lace, Liberty Lacers in Philadelphia, and the Southern Maine Lace Group.

Watch Vi work her magic at the Village on:

Dates TBA