A two-day course making beautiful lace in the heart of the Midlands. Set in the heart of Northamptonshire, Staverton Park is accessible from the M1, M6, M40 and Birmingham. This modern hotel with stunning grounds has its own PGA-standard 18 hole golf course. Other facilities include a leisure complex, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and an on site beauty suite. Course fees include single occupancy en-suite bedroom with TV, free wifi and tea/coffee making facilities. Your course starts with supper on Friday evening and a brief introductory session, and runs through Saturday and Sunday to afternoon tea. You can arrive from 3 pm on the Friday afternoon and enjoy a few hours pampering yourself making use of the hotel facilities before your course begins.

Alison Winn’s bobbin lace making courses are ideal whether you are a beginner or experienced lace maker. Complete beginners can choose to make either a bookmark or small brooch. You will learn how to wind bobbins, prepare and read a pattern while making your chosen piece of lace. Most people are able to finish a piece of lace before the end of the course, and then you will prepare and start a second pattern. Alison will give a hand-out with sufficient instructions to enable you to continue at home. For those of you who have previously started making lace, you will further develop your skills by learning to working a new pattern. You might choose to make a small edging, a bracelet or lace for a coaster, and hand-outs will be given for these. Or if you are in the middle of making a piece of lace, bring it with you and Alison will help you to expand your knowledge and techniques. And experienced lace makers can either select to start a new pattern from the wide range Alison brings. Or you might wish to continue with a ‘work in progress’, especially if you would welcome Alison’s guidance in tackling a particularly complex pattern.’ Alison has been making lace for 30+ years and teaching for some 15 years. She helps everyone work at their own pace, while demonstrating her expertise. An enthusiastic lace maker, she guides each individual as they develop their skills in this fascinating craft. She also designs her own patterns taking into account the needs of those new to lace making. With a strong student following, Alison holds City & Guilds’ Lace Making and Teaching certificates.