At 12 years old, Anya is the youngest member of the Orange Lace Makers and has joined them each Wednesday for a little over two years to learn to weave the intricate patterns.

“Learning new things and harder patterns and (having a) challenge in life,” are her main reasons for taking part, as well as preserving what was once a popular pastime among Australian women.

“Not many people do it anymore,” Anya said.

She is one of 12 members of the Orange group.

There are only about 900 registered members across Australia.

Her most recent project was a school of fish she designed to decorate a contemporary bag.

“Sometimes I do little pieces of traditional but also do both (traditional and contemporary),” she said.

“I don’t have a favourite really.”

As well as lace making she is also a members of Scouts.

Fellow Orange Lace Maker Jean Primrose said Anya was not the first young member to join and it was good to see the skill passed down to a younger generation.

“It’s a skill that’s not very well known, it’s not like knitting even, it’s rarer to find lace makers than knitters and crochet makers,” she said.

“The perception is that it’s hard to do but it’s not, it’s just weaving with holes.

“It’s a good hobby to do, it’s a compact hobby and it’s very relaxing in today’s stressed world.

“Get off Facebook and try lace and it can become a social thing in the long run.”

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au