The Lacemaker Badge
The Girl Guide Association
Did you know that the Girl Guide Association used to have ‘The Lacemaker’ badge as part of the syllabus? There were various badge versions (see below) over the years from 1910 to 1968 when the badge was removed.
All the badge versions from 1910 to 1968.
I was a Girl Guide but did not know this badge existed, there again I did not take up lacemaking as a hobby until 1980! I was, however, lucky enough to purchase a badge via an online auction site (below), just for my personal interest on anything bobbin lace related!
This is the Lacemaker Badge, for which I worked a piece of lace to frame the badge.
Pam Sharples of Roseground, achieved her lacemaking badge when she was 13 years old and was lucky have her mum Pat Hallam who was and still is a lacemaker for encouragement.
Pam at her lace pillow as featured in the local newspaper at the time.
Below is the syllabus which covered ALL types of lace, not just Bobbin Lace.
This extract has been taken from The Girl Guide Handbook (1970’s). This badge is no longer featured in the Girl Guide Handbook.
LACE-MAKER (Lace)
1. Name and describe four different kinds of lace, e.g. Torchon, Irish Crochet, Brussels Point, Filet, Ground Point, Carrickmacross, Milanese, etc.
2. Mend, very neatly, a piece of real or imitation lace.
3. Pass one of the following clauses;
(a) Bobbin or Pillow Lace : Manage at least thirty-six bobbins; make five different stitches; show specimens to include insertion and edging.
(b) Needlepoint Lace : Make eight varieties of stitch, to include bars, picots, tulle.
(c) Filet or darned net lace : Make your own net and vary the design. Show insertion or several squares.
(d) Tambour Lace : Know the tambour stitch. Work in several colours; or show a piece of ‘needle run’ with at least eight varieties of stitch in the net.
(e) Applique on Net : e.g. Carrickmacross, Applique Duchesse, etc. Show a piece of work including lawn or sprigs.
4. Pass one of the following clauses:
(a) Tatting Lace : Know single and double-thread tatting, both for insertion and lace, manage three threads at a time on separate shuttles.
(b) Knitted Lace : Copy a single design, or follow directions, showing edging and insertion.
(c) Crochet : Copy a simple design, or follow directions, showing insertion, edging, corner, and Irish Rosettes.
(d) Netting Lace : Work two doilies with varying widths of mesh and different designs, such as shell or pointed edges.