Hi everyone and Vivienne Today I tried one-handed lacing on my Russian tape lace project. Oddly enough I used my lefthand, even though I'm otherwise righthanded. I was able to do sewings with a hook - what I found interesting was the number of stops and starts required, and that large-headed pins come in handy to stabilize loops (pin them under tension, so that the bobbin can be slipped through). If anyone wants my step-by-step procedure, I'll share it - but I'm aware that what works for me might not work for someone else.
I also made picots with one hand (knotted picots). That was interesting, especially as the picots are made to either side of the braid. I did find that it helps to have strong thread, bobbins that hang from their tethers nicely (i.e. a gentle slope to the pillow, sufficient to give tension to the thread, but not so steep that the bobbins roll around - and I was using continentals) and a hook that is comfortable to hold as well as able to scoop the thread once it is placed in position for scooping. It is also a help to have a work surface on the pillow to permit these manoevres, e.g. a place to rest the hook in waiting, and a means to keep it in position during the procedure. If the only sewing in that one is doing is beginning to end, perhaps a variation on the magic threads can be employed - one that wouldn't require the knotting of any thread. I have something in mind but would test it first. bye for now Bev with lots to think about in Sooke, BC (chilly, green west coast of Canada not far from chilly white mainland BC) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
