This is an interesting thread, I'm finding, as I'm seeing it from both perspectives, now that I'm older. I've been making lace since I was 12 (28 years now), and whilst I didn't do a huge amount whilst doing my final 2 years in high school, and going through college, I did do enough to keep me going, and the interest alive. I learnt on an 'as needed' basis, and it was a welcome break from the books and competitive sport.
Whenever I attended lace days (Victorian branch of the ALG), I remember that I was always one of the youngest there, if not the youngest (except if there were some youngsters studying with the Late Gabrielle Pond), but age never seemed to be a problem (but the 'intellectual' stuff of the meetings usually went right over my head :-) ). Now I am 40, I think I am still about the youngest attending our Guild meetings, and it still doesn't bother me, although the age gap is significantly narrower, and is perhaps a few years at most. Attracting young lacemakers is one thing - keeping them is another, as the hobby begins to compete with studies, sports and the opposite sex and socializing. That is where the real challenges lay, and I don't think that there is one answer. However, it would be interesting to see if at some point in the future a Convention (anywhere in the world), does a 'parent/child' special deal or even gambles and offers classes during a convention to the young lacemakers whilst the parent is in another class. That may be too much of a legal minefield, in terms of responsibility for minors. I dunno. Just a thought. Have a great week everyone. Cheers, Helen, Aussie in Denver - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
