ABOVE Jean Leader with a collection of her lacework.
By Patricia Belyea
GLASGOW UK In the early 1980s, Jean Leader taught herself lacemaking from a book. Back then, tools for this heritage craft were hard to find. To get started, Jean and her young son whittled her first bobbins.
Today, Jean is a celebrity in the Scottish lace world. She has mastered the art of lacemaking, traveled internationally to teach and lecture, written books on the subject, and served as Chairman of The Lace Guild.
BELOW Bedfordshire lace with roses on a plaited ground .
Victoria and I were welcomed into Jean’s Thursday morning class at her home studio. Beginners and longtime students alike spent two focused hours working on their bobbin lace projects. Whenever a question arose, Jean was immediately at their side with help and encouragement.
BELOW 1 A student at work. 2 Jean makes suggestions. 3-4 Advanced students’ bobbin lace projects.
Lacemaking looks tremendously complicated to me. Jean explained that there’s “a bit of math” involved. Perhaps it comes naturally to Jean given her background as a scientist.
To help beginners, she has developed a structured syllabus with step-by-step lessons. Jean now teaches on Zoom, in her home studio, and at special retreats.
BELOW 1-2 A project by a student who started in December. 3 A project by a student who has just returned and is brushing up on her skills.
Jean’s first book featured four bookmarks inspired by the national flowers of the United Kingdom: the Scottish thistle, the English rose, the Welsh daffodil, and the Irish shamrock. Although it was her first publication, the projects are far from beginner-friendly. Completing them requires at least 60 pairs of bobbins and a solid understanding of Bedfordshire lace.
BELOW Lace bookmarks of the national flowers of the United Kingdom, by Jean.
Kindly, Jean laid out samples from her lace collection for us to admire. Most were worked in delicate white cotton thread. One simple piece, stitched in black, was used as a prop in the television series The Outlander!
BELOW 1 Lace samples from Jean’s collection and her latest book. 2 Black lace prop for The Outlander TV series.
Jean’s students obviously enjoy the challenge of the intricate lace patterns and the quiet satisfaction of bobbin work. Their admiration for Jean, their remarkable teacher, is reflected in their loyal return week after week for her guidance.
To visit Jean Leader’s website +click here
BONUS CONTENT
Before our day was done, Victoria and I ambitiously traveled south to New Lanark Mill.
Founded in 1785, this industrial community was famous for its social reforms that supported its workers. Once a cotton mill, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark Mill produces its own hydroelectric power and spins its own traditionally produced organic wool.
Patricia and Victoria traveled to the UK to scout exciting people and places for their inaugural Great UK Quilt & Textile Journey. To be on the Interested List for this Summer 2027 tour, email Victoria +here.
