Land of Lincoln Lacemakers

Welcome to the 55th Annual International Old Lacers, Inc. convention hosted by the Land of Lincoln Lacemakers
in Rockford, Illinois.

August 3-9, 2008

Floral Fantasy

We invite you to join us at the 55^th Annual IOLI Convention in Rockford, Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, for a week of fun, friendship, and floral fantasy.  We are offering a huge selection of classes taught by well-known lacemakers from the U.S. and Europe.  We have all the old favorites and some new to us; laces that might challenge you or be an old friend.  Rockford is located in the middle of the state, just south of the Wisconsin border and is known as the birthplace of the “Sock Monkey” and the “Fastener Capital” of the world!! 

If you are thinking of bringing the family, our hotel has just opened an indoor water park and there is also an open-air water park just down the road.  There is a bus service into Chicago if your family wants to sightsee while you work on your lace, plus there will be an opportunity for tours to downtown Chicago on Wednesday.  We also have planned a tour to Galena, a historic town with an old fashioned main street full of interesting shops near the mighty Mississippi River.  Finally, there is plenty to see in Rockford besides the items offered in our tour.  The Midway Village is one of them; an outdoor village of historic structures brought to one site along with the stories that accompany them.  In the village there is also an indoor museum featuring Rockford, and the Old Dolls’ House Museum, which is worth a visit.  Google these places on the Internet for more information, or visit our Tours page.