Sedgebrook Hall
Pitsford Road
Chapel Brampton
Northampton
NN6 8BD
Come and join us for a fun-filled week at the four-star Sedgebrook Hall for the 2025 Spring School, from Monday 17th until Friday 21st March. Sedgebrook Hall is easily accessible by car or public transport and is located in the charming village of Chapel Brampton in the heart of the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and set in 13 acres of picturesque gardens.
All rooms are ensuite and the facilities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, a gym, and a swimming pool.
Claire Bonito - Milanese
In Claire’s class you will have plenty of time to work on a Milanese project of your choice or take your first steps into Milanese Lace. Lacemakers who would like to try this type of lace for the first time will learn the techniques to get started with a beginner’s piece that introduces commonly used techniques and decorative braids. More advanced and experienced lacemakers will receive individual support and guidance on their chosen project. Everyone is welcome at all levels of experience in Milanese Lace. Claire is also more than happy to help if you would like to work on other European Braid Laces.
Claire has been making and designing lace for around 30 years and learnt from the best under Pat Read MBE and latterly Jacquie Tinch. She has been teaching regularly for over 5 years now and teaches a range of laces but specialises in Modern Milanese. She has become well known for her contemporary Designs using both Milanese and Withof lace techniques. Claire teaches in a range of settings across the UK. She is extremely talented, both as a lacemaker and designer, and is a very good communicator with all levels of lacemaking. Her students say that “she has an easy manner and friendly nature.” Her classes are popular with both new and regular students alike. Claire was awarded both the Individual’s and the Visitor’s Choice Trophies in the Lace Guild’s ‘Contrasts’ Exhibition, and was previously awarded a Medal for Excellence for her ‘Waterlily Mat’ in their ‘Movement’ exhibition.
Jackie Poulter - Bucks, Torchon and Lace 8
In my class I will be covering Torchon and Bucks Point Lace. You will be able to work on a project that you have already begun, or you can start a new one. I cover techniques from beginner to advanced, including geometric and floral Bucks; I am happy to suggest a project, or you may choose a pattern you already have. All I ask is that you contact me beforehand so that I know what you will be working on. I also have a great deal of experience working with and teaching Lace8, and I am happy to include this as an area of teaching during my classes.
I started making lace in 1980 and began teaching evening classes in the local college the year afterwards. Since then I have learned Bucks point from Vi Bullard at Knuston Hall, and Bedfordshire lace from Barbara Underwood, teaching Bedfordshire alongside her for a number of years. However, my true love was for Bucks and a spent many years specialising teaching Bucks and Lace8 at Knuston Hall until it closed.
In 2019 I published a book of mixed lace techniques, ‘Discover: Delapre Abbey in Lace’. This was a collection of designs by several lacemakers based on the architecture and artifacts found in the abbey. It was approved by the Lace Guild and
was in support of ‘Discovery’ the triennial exhibition and competition that was held in Delapre Abbey that year.
Jan Tregidgo - Bedfordshire Lace
Jan was first taught Bobbin Lacemaking by the legendary Miss E Dawson of Speen in 1980 and later by Margaret Tite, who became a great friend and an inspiration.
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Jan has been teaching Bobbin Lace since 1990 at weekly classes and at residential centres such as Missenden Abbey and West Dean College near Chichester, as well as private groups.
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A member of the Lace Guild since 1980, Jan received a medal of excellence at the Lace Guild Exhibition ‘SEVEN’ for a piece of Floral Bedfordshire.
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In 2008 the Crowood Press commissioned Jan to write ‘Torchon Lacemaking - A step-by-step Guide’, which was published in 2010. It has been very successful and sold all over the world.
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Jan is a fully qualified teacher, who enjoys helping people become confident and independent learners. Lacemakers receive one to one support, individual attention and guidance. All Jan’s courses are designed to be flexible enough to cater for individual needs and everyone is taught at their own pace.
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This Bedfordshire course is for all learners, whether total beginners, returners or experienced lace makers. To help you, Jan would like all course members to contact her beforehand, to discuss their lace experience, and what they want to achieve during the course. If you have already chosen a pattern, tell Jan and if not, she will be able to guide you. By discussing with Jan beforehand, she can bring along relevant books, diagrams, samples and other items which will help and inspire you.
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So please contact Jan well before the course on her email jan@tregidgo.com
Read more about Jan at her website. www.jantregidgo.com
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If you have any examples of bobbin lace, photographs, slides or anything which would be of interest to other course members, please bring them with you.
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The photographs illustrate work by one of Jan’s students Sarah Pike and Jan’s current floral Beds project.
How to Find Sedgebrook Hall
By Road
A508, 6 minutes from Sedgebrook Hall
A5199, 5 minutes from Sedgebrook Hall
M1, 25 minutes from Sedgebrook Hall
A14, 15 minutes from Sedgebrook Hall
NB, distances are the same or very similar if you are coming from the South or the North.
Free parking spaces for all delegates.
EV charging is available.
By Rail
Milton Keynes to Northampton, 32 minutes, trains run every half hour
Leicester to Northampton, 1hr 50 minutes, trains run every hour
Coventry to Northampton, 27 minutes, trains run every half hour
Worcester to Northampton, 2hrs 11 minutes, trains run every hour
London to Northampton, 59 minutes, trains run every hour
For specific train and ticket information please visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk
By Coach
There are coaches that run to and from Northampton.
By Taxi
There are a number of taxi companies available offering a variety of services to suit your requirements. Please contact the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
By Air
Birmingham Airport: 55 minutes by car or train, 43 miles
East Midlands Airport: 59 minutes by car or train, 49 miles
London Luton Airport: 1hr by car or train, 48 miles