Who's going to the IOLI convention this year? And for people who've been
before, what's it like? I'm thinking of going, but it is pretty expensive, now
that I've actually added it all up - do you think it's worth it?
Explaining to my husband why I want to spend $1000 on a lace conference isn't easy either... <g>
Weronika
Hi,
I'm going, along with 8 others from my immediate area. That I know of so far, that is. There will probably be more.
IOLI Conference is a marvelous experience. You would take a class, or two, from very experienced teachers. For some people, it's the only time they have access to teachers. Almost every major type of lace has a class, though the most popular fill up very fast. That's why you have to choose several options.
You will meet, eat with, perhaps room with, make lace with, and just talk with other people who love lace. In the sales room you will see in person all the bobbins, threads, books you never knew existed, and all manner of things to make lacemaking easier or more efficient. You can touch, feel, hold, smell, and drool over (mentally) everything. Sometimes they have antique lace dealers there -- something else to study and marvel about.
You will meet and talk with some of the best known lacemakers, book authors, teachers, and suppliers in the USA and even many from across the seas. You will make friends who understand what you are talking about. As a side note, you will be able to put faces and personalities to many names on Arachne.
The lace exhibit is awe inspiring. You can see what has actually been done, and you might find an idea of what you want to do or learn.
In that week you will have at least 50 hours of intense lace experiences -- and that comes to only $20 an hour for your $1000 investment. Try getting your car fixed for that rate. Or hiring a lawyer. Or any other skilled work.
The excitement, the inspiration, the stimulation cannot be measured in dollars.
Actually SEEING lace of all kinds being made can be an education in itself. As is seeing the variety of equipment and styles of lace. In my first class at a conference when I was a veritable greenhorn who know next to nothing about lace, I learned as much from the others in the class as I did from the teacher -- and I learned alot from her!
While you're at it, plan to take some extra spending money so you can get that special book or whatsit that you absolutely "must" have. And some commemorative bobbins, and the yummy new color of thread. Be sure to pick up catalogs so you can later order what you forgot to get while you were there.
Yes, a conference at a large commercial hotel is expensive. It's difficult to find any other type of place that has enough classrooms, large meeting halls, and sleeping rooms for a lace conference. However, sharing a room with one, two or three others will cut down that housing cost per each. Use some creativity with the meals that are not part of the conference. There's a Super Walmart "just across the street" -- so I've been told. And some other eating places. You don't need to eat every meal in the hotel dining room, unless you choose to. There's a lot of things that can be done with a china mug and a water heating coil. Just ask my roommates. <G>
For a first timer, and especially if you are a new lacemaker, I would recommend taking only one class. It gives you half a day to work on your lace and half a day with the teacher. This schedule also lets you attend all the secondary features of the conference as well as work on your lace. You don't have to choose between 'turning that next corner' and a special program.
Or, if you choose an all-day class, give yourself a break in the evenings and do not make lace all night. Six hours a day is enough for the fingers and the brain. Get a good night's sleep and be ready to start again the next day.
Tell your husband that it's just $20 an hour for an education you cannot get at home, on your own, with a book. It's a bargain! And start making plans. It would be fun to meet you in person.
Looking forward to Denver!
Alice in Oregon -- in continuing above normal temps, and no rain. That means drought this summer, but lovely right now.
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