Bobbin lace

The beginning of bobbin lace in the Pays-d'Enhaut goes back to ancient times, but unfortunately no written records exist to give the date. Only piquées (models on cardboard) of fine lace and black caps have been found in the lofts of several old houses.

While bobbin lace was tending to be lost, at the beginning of the 20th century some lacemakers founded the Association des Dentellières du Pays-d'Enhaut.
While using old piquées to rediscover the craft, they also created their own models, bringing lace up to date.

In 1976, the Association was on the verge of dying out again due to a lack of new members, but Anne Rieben took up the torch. A Swiss Federation of Lacemakers was even created after a first meeting in Château-d'Oex in 1982.
Today, about fifteen members, of all ages, practice and perpetuate this craft in the Pays-d'Enhaut with a wind of renewal which makes it a recognised hobby and qualified as a "craft".