[lace] The lace police
Hi all I meant to send this little comment to the list but my e-mail didn't work the way I thought it did. (sorry Jean and Liz you'll have had the message twice). Jean Nathan commented that there are no lace police. My response is there are certainly some people who think they are the lace police! (it's just a bit of a joke but I'm sure we've all met one at some time) Regards to all Hazel Smith - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] Questions for those who use bobbins
Jenny, Christine Springett published a fantastic booklet called spangles and superstitions which is worth reading if you can get hold of a copy. Her introduction talks about the movement from fine thread to corse and the idea that then it was needed to have more weight for the domed pillion. I use different forms of bobbin depending on the work and pillow I am using. If I am making lots of sewings I tend to choose a flat pillow and continental bobbins however I don't find continental bobbins work well FOR ME, on a domed pillow. For that I prefer midlands. If I'm not doing any sewings I may use spangles with dangling bits and I often use these when demonstrating as they are a good talking point however I tend to use standard midland spangles of a ring of beads, Whilst I can't talk for others here is what I do with spangles (and having just spangled a number yesterday its quite fresh in my mind) I tend to go for a particular size and weight of spangle of spangle because I tend to buy my bobbins from a particular set of makes so the weights are consistent. Over all, the total weight of my bobbins when spangled are the same. I was recommended to buy bone bobbins a number of years ago by a lace maker who made floral Bucks. Because bone weighs more, you can get a thinner bobbin for the same weight as a thicker wooden bobbin and this means that it is easier to put lots of bobbins on your pillow because they take up less room. I tend to go for slimmer bone bobbins because then with a standard spangle they weigh the same. For example I prefer Stuart Johnson's slim bobbins that he makes with the crystals on them to his thicker bobbins because they weigh and handle differently, Whilst any of Chris Parsons' bone or wood work well for me including his pewter inlay ones. If I'm given a bobbin or buy one that weighs different to my normal bobbins then I adjust the weight to match by using heavier or lighter beads as needed. For example` Chris Parson's pewter inlay bobbins; I've put lighter beads on these because the bobbin itself is slightly heavier. When I started making lace, I tended to work with heavier spangles and over the years have gone from a 7 bead spangle to a 5 bead. I also prefer a particular length of bobbin for working and of course`, have favourites that handle best. If I was less lazy on a sunday morning I would get out of bed and go and weigh my bobbins, Perhaps something to do this afternoon. L Kind Regards Liz Baker Have a look at my bobbins on my website; http://thelacebee.weebly.com On 19 Apr 2015, at 01:43, Jenny Brandis je...@brandis.com.au wrote: So, What do your bobbins weigh? Does your tension change if you use a different style of bobbin? - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] Questions for those who use bobbins
I'm tempted to print this phrase out and put it on my wall. Thanks Jean, it's one of the reason I love lace making L Kind Regards Liz Baker On 19 Apr 2015, at 08:00, Jean Nathan jean...@hotmail.co.uk wrote: After all, there are no lace police. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] Questions for those who use bobbins
The trouble is there are a few people around who think they are the lace police! (just a gentle joke but I'm sure most of you have met one at some time) RegardsHazel Smith    On 19 Apr 2015, at 08:00, Jean Nathan jean...@hotmail.co.uk wrote: After all, there are no lace police. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/ - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
RE: [lace] Questions for those who use bobbins
The booklet is available on the Springett's website for £3.50 plus p/p: www.cdspringett.co.uk/acatalog/Lacemaking_Books.html I was at the lace fair at Haydock Park yesterday, and bought Christine's latest pattern. It is huge, will need to retire to get time to do this. Agnes Boddington - Elloughton UK Christine Springett published a fantastic booklet called spangles and superstitions which is worth reading if you can get hold of a copy. Her introduction talks about the movement from fine thread to corse and the idea that then it was needed to have more weight for the domed pillion. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] Metallic threads
Clay wrote:Have fun! I enjoyed working a large s'Gravensmore shawl with metallic accents! I used a metallic thread in a bobbin lace shawl and I found it very scratchy when I wore it that it now languishes in a drawer.  Just a word of warning. Janice Janice Blair Murrieta, CA, 60 miles north of San Diego www.jblace.com www.lacemakersofillinois.org - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] (Lace) Lace Police
Can I add Lace Snobs to the No Lace Police?? Lacemaking is for the enjoyment, not to have lacemakers sneering that you are doing Torchon!! I rest my case. Good for you Jean, that you make lace by holding the spangles on the bobbins. After nearly losing my life two years ago and having a pacemaker installed. I have finally come back to my lace. It has taken three months of slowly does it,but I am there. Daphne Martin Norfolk UK Sent from my IPad - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] Metallic threads
Wish I had known.  My thread seemed soft before I used it. Janice Blair Murrieta, CA, 60 miles north of San Diego www.jblace.com www.lacemakersofillinois.org On Sunday, April 19, 2015 1:24 PM, Clay Blackwell clayblackw...@comcast.net wrote: I suppose that what kind of metallic you use is important! I bought a Kit of threads from Lacy Susan when Susan Wenzel still owned the company. She had found a lovely metallic that was not all scratchy! Clay Sent from my iPad On Apr 19, 2015, at 1:37 PM, Janice Blair jbl...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Clay wrote:Have fun! I enjoyed working a large s'Gravensmore shawl with metallic accents! I used a metallic thread in a bobbin lace shawl and I found it very scratchy when I wore it that it now languishes in a drawer. Just a word of warning. Janice Janice Blair Murrieta, CA, 60 miles north of San Diego - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] Questions, bobbins
Jenny The wooden part of a midlands bobbin is quite small and very light weight. I think the spangle ring and its beads may be necessary to give sufficient weight. Antique thumpers, a alternate midlands style, are much thicker and don't have a spangle right. European bobbins are different weights and shapes because of different thicknesses of thread, and the weight needed to keep them in tension, and because the neck size has to be sufficient to hold enough thread, and because different laces need different shapes of bobbins. I think that with any lace the question is your personal comfort with the style of bobbin, and whether it fits your exact situation. I don't think one choice or another is wrong. My attitude is to choose a bobbin shape, style, and weight to fit the particular circumstances you are dealing with, regardless of whether your choice matches perfectly the traditional tools that style used in the past. Practicality, what works: that is what matters. Lorelei - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
RE: [lace] Metallic threads
How about lining it with a silk-like fabric, Janice? And there's got to be a poem about lace police and lace snobs lurking in my head somewhere! Noelene at The Angle Where the weather has decided to bypass Autumn and go straight to winter noel...@lafferty.com.au I used a metallic thread in a bobbin lace shawl and I found it very scratchy when I wore it that it now languishes in a drawer. B Just a word of warning. JaniceB Janice Blair - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] Lace Police
After all,there are no lace police I'd like to put that on a pin cushion on my pillow on my cover cloth to remind those who think they are lace police! LOL Liz in Missouri, USA where it is cool, windy and damp. I love days like this because it makes me want to cozy up somewhere with a good book. I'll probably do some spring cleaning first and maybe start a small lace project. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] Metallic threads
I suppose that what kind of metallic you use is important! I bought a Kit of threads from Lacy Susan when Susan Wenzel still owned the company. She had found a lovely metallic that was not all scratchy! Clay Sent from my iPad On Apr 19, 2015, at 1:37 PM, Janice Blair jbl...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Clay wrote:Have fun! I enjoyed working a large s'Gravensmore shawl with metallic accents! I used a metallic thread in a bobbin lace shawl and I found it very scratchy when I wore it that it now languishes in a drawer. Just a word of warning. Janice Janice Blair Murrieta, CA, 60 miles north of San Diego - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] Questions for those who use bobbins
Metallics do present their own kinds of challenges, most annoying of which is throwing their hitches and running away! Several ways have been suggested to prevent this. One is to get a fat drinking straw the next time you're in a restaurant that has them. Cut sections of the straw roughly the size of the neck, and then slice the straw open from top to bottom. The straw can then be slipped over the neck and thread and hitch, and keep it under control. Another trick some people like is using the miniature clippies which can be found in the section of a store that sells things for styling hair. The only drawback to the clippies is that they sometimes get snagged in other threads, but then the straws aren't perfect either, so you'll have to try and see which you prefer. But I can pretty much guess that you'll want some help with those metallics! Have fun! I enjoyed working a large s'Gravensmore shawl with metallic accents! Clay Clay Blackwell Lynchburg, VA, USA Sent from my iPad On Apr 19, 2015, at 9:10 AM, su...@talktalk.net su...@talktalk.net wrote: I am about to take on an ambitious challenge and although I have used spangles with sewings I have worked a sample with square bobbins without spangles which was obviously easier and am going to see if I can handle the larger continentals I bought some time ago but have never used as I want more thread on the bobbins than I think the square ones will take. I have at least another one sample to work and also decisions to make about whether I need a toning colour as well or bite the bullet and try metallic thread. When I tried years ago I didn't get on well but maybe there is a special trick I need to know to keep the bobbins wound. Sue T in Dorset UK - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] Questions for those who use bobbins
One is to get a fat drinking straw the next time you're in a restaurant that has them. Cut sections of the straw roughly the size of the neck, and then slice the straw open from top to bottom. The straw can then be slipped over the neck and thread and hitch, and keep it under control. i have those hook headed bobbins which work really well for metallics. but the straw i use for covering pre-wound bobbins to keep the threads clean and if i have a project that i know i cannot work on for a while, i cover those for both clean threads and holding the thread in place. i like using metallic threads. Hugs, Lin and the Mali Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. Ralph Waldo Emerson - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
