Hello Jay, In Spain there are a few places with large tradition in bobbin lacing. One of them is, of course, Barcelona, where you can see two museums not far away (Arboç and the one in Arenys de Mar). Carolina is the ideal person to inform you about this, because she comes from Barcelona. But unfortunately she is now on holidays. I hope that she can read you query..
The other beautiful place to see, about two hours south from Madrid, is Almagro (near Ciudad Real). It is a beautiful town with a lot of monuments. It used to have an important lace industry. Now it is full of little shops selling lace (torchon and guipur), the most popular lace here. You can also buy their beautiful turned bobbins, made of olive tree wood, and threads. Almagro is really worth a visit. I love it! Well, the whole area around Almagro makes lace, but Almagro is the most known. Then you have the north east of Spain, Camariñas and other villages, but too far to go from Madrid or Barcelona. There is a museum there too, and many lacers making lace in their associations, and you can visit them. And in Madrid itself, there is a museum of clothes. Have never seen it myself. But I have been told that it is interesting. There are some private museums with lace... but very difficult to get permission to visit. In Madrid there is a very well known old shop, called PONTEJOS. You will find it near the Plaza Mayor (just ask anyone in the street). There you can find almost anything, from bobbins, threads, to pillows... There are very good cotton threads, which you may find cheaper than in your country. If you go to Pontejos, I would suggest you to learn a few essential words in Spanish, so that they know what you are asking for. It is not sure that the employees speak English! If you are intersted, I can send you a glossary privately. Many greetings and have a very good time in Prague and in Spain. -- Antje González, Guadalajara, España http://es.geocities.com/antjeglezherrero - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
