I too was surprised to read Christine's report. I used Barbara's 20 lessons book with great success. For me, one of the joys of Bedfordshire lace is that I have to use my grey matter, as, although there are 'rules', there are also exceptions.
Bedfordshire lace developed from Point Ground. The lace merchants thought that it would sell better, as PG was losing popularity, and must have given the new patterns to the workers they already had, who were PG workers. Those poor women had to make the most of these patterns, using and adapting the skills they had. It was as an acknowledgement of these unsung women and their skills that Barbara put so much work into the Thomas Lester exhibition last year. Obviously, different women worked the lace differently, as we still do. Certainly when I was using the 20 lessons book, I did things my own way. One of the pieces I worked with an extremenly fine silk thread, not the thread specified (lots more pairs, but a great enjoyment) The piece I am now working has no picture of the finished lace, so it's all down to what I feel is right. As Barbara always says, 'If it looks right to you, then it is right' One teacher I go to refers to Beds as the thinking woman's lace ! Edith Holmes [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
