We do have plastic bobbins (Midlands style) in the USA. I just looked at Catchpin's catalog, Julie carries them, at $4.00 per dozen. They come in Black, White, and Brown. I like the Black best myself as they look like ebony which I covet. When in use and spangled I don't notice any difference from the wooden ones on the same pillow. They are definitely a good deal for the beginner. Some in any batch might need a little sanding along the mold lines.
Just my humble opinion Lorri >I think basic wooden bobbins are now cheaper than plastic - 3 pounds each! One of my students almost bought them, as they were the white ones which had an appearance of being bone in the display cabinet, but when they got them out it was quite obvious that they were plastic. The cheapest wooden ones I have seen recently were the ones Tim Parker sells, at about 25p each (in quantity - I think it was the pack of 50). Obviously, being a teacher of beginners I keep an eye on the cheaper end of the scale, as it is important they get decent equipment at reasonable cost when setting up, but at the same time I do explain the reason why good, hand turned bobbins are as expensive as they are and the sort of price to expect to pay - it gives them time to save up before being unleashed at the shows (such as Rugby and the NEC!). To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
