Dear Lacemakers -
In the past ten days we have learned of not one but two of our trusted
and faithful lace vendors who have decided it is time to close shop.
Lacy Susan has sold her business to someone in Colorado, and Tracy
Jackson is hoping to sell "The Lacemaker". That leaves only Holly
VanSciver on the East coast who has historically traveled to lace days
and also provided a web business for our convenience. I'm afraid that
the demise of these other two vendors may put Holly "over the edge"!!
I think it is time for those of us in the US to acknowledge that we have
had it "very good" for a long, long time. I wonder if anyone can take
over - or start up - business in this field today with any hope of
profits which justify the amount of work done?
So my real question today is, "How can lace supply businesses provide
the ongoing support needed by a (shrinking) lacemaking community?
As a starter for questions to be considered...
Would we expect these vendors to be available for every lace day we
have?
Would it be necessary for vendors to have their entire stock at
every show?
Should sponsoring organizations expect to pay at least a portion of
travel and accommodation expenses for vendors?
If we do not have vendors available for lace days and special
events, will lacemakers choose not to attend?
I'm very concerned about this latest development in the decline of
interest in the world of lacemaking - at least in the US. I'm very much
looking forward to hearing positive ideas, and especially creative ideas
which might spread the burden over numerous individuals....
Clay
Clay Blackwell
Lynchburg, VA, USA
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