1/125 Possibilities: Lace-Making with a Twist on Tradition

I’m thrilled to share that my latest lace creation, “1/125 Possibilities,” is now on display in Circularity: Fiber Artists of San Antonio’s 2024 Juried Exhibition. This piece brings a fresh perspective on lace-making by transforming an everyday material—plastic grocery bags—into an intricate, large-scale artwork.

The Concept: 125 Reuses and Beyond

The title “1/125 Possibilities” is inspired by a message printed on King Soopers grocery bags: “Please reuse this bag as many as 125 times.” Taking this suggestion to heart, I decided to reimagine the potential of these bags in an unexpected way. By cutting them into strips and using traditional bobbin lace techniques, I took a material that’s often overlooked and turned it into something meaningful and beautiful.

The Process: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions

Working with plastic for lace-making presents unique challenges. While I’ve had experience creating lace with unconventional materials, plastic comes with its own set of hurdles. Early on, I faced issues like keeping tension consistent and ensuring the plastic strips didn’t untwist mid-design. Over time, I’ve developed techniques to manage these difficulties, like using wooden clothespins to hold stitches in place until I could work the section again. With these solutions in hand, I was able to focus on crafting an intricate design that would highlight the  potential of this unlikely material.

The Design: Drawing from Tradition

For this piece, I drew inspiration from one of my earlier designs that featured honeycomb, spiders, and rose ground stitches. I loved how these classic elements looked when worked in silk, so I adapted the design to suit an unconventional material. The bold patterns stand out against the blue and white plastic, creating a visual effect that shows off the versatility of traditional lace patterns in a modern way.

Circularity: Celebrating Fiber Art with a Purpose

Circularity calls on fiber artists to create artwork using eco-conscious materials that encourage sustainability, reuse, or reimagination. It’s wonderful to see “1/125 Possibilities” exhibited alongside works by artists who are using their creativity to explore themes of a sustainable future. The exhibition, hosted by the Fiber Artists of San Antonio and Spare Parts at the University of the Incarnate Word’s Semmes Gallery in San Antonio, Texas, reflects a shared dedication to advancing fiber art in ways that inspire positive change.

What’s Next: New Eco-Conscious Lace Projects

This isn’t the end of my exploration with plastic lace. I’m already working on a new project that will use reclaimed produce bags in a more delicate way. By spinning strips of plastic into thread with a drop-spindle, I’ll create an even finer material for bobbin lace.

If you’re in San Antonio, I’d love for you to visit Circularity and experience “1/125 Possibilities” in person. The exhibition runs from November 10 through December 13, 2024, at the University of the Incarnate Word’s Semmes Gallery. And for those who can’t make it, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes videos on my Instagram (@BobbinLaceNet) and TikTok (@CajahYupMe).