Louise West, who is based at Connect Derby’s Friar Gate Studios, recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to enable her to expand her business, and has reached her £7,500 target in just four weeks with donations coming in from lacemakers across the globe, including the USA and Australia.
Louise was looking for financial backing to help with the purchase of a high-tech laser cutter, which would enable her to create intricate lace-making patterns for sale to enthusiasts around the world.
Louise started lace-making in 1992 and after completing an MA in multimedia and 3D lace design at the University of Derby in 2013, she set up her own business, which is now located at Friar Gate Studios, the home of the city’s creative industries.
In 2017 she published a book of original patterns which has been in high demand worldwide.
We wish Louise all the very best for the future.