Sharon I once actually timed myself and my students on a particular piece of tape lace I had devised. I wanted to be sure that the students would get far enough in a 3 hour class to work at home for the rest of the week, just repeating what they had learned in class. I discovered that my students could set about 10 pins per hour and I was about 3 times faster. This sounds absurdly slow, but it included winding time, setting up time, etc., and all of that took the students considerably longer. I've never taught the Springett's snake, but it sounds like a good choice. I would guess that 4 - 6 hours for a beginner could be just about right.
For a second pattern, I'd suggest continuing with tape lace, so the students would feel that they had really accomplished something. Pam Nottingham's book BOBBIN LACE MAKING, published 1983 has a section on tape lace. Her patterns on pages 18 and 19 would only add long sewings to what is in the snake pattern. They would make a reasonable next step, an easy increment, and are actual useable projects. If you have the DMC Encyclopedia of Needlework, there is a tape lace pattern, figure 1092 on page 733 which has similar technical elements. There is another issue. Are you sure the fiber convention people actually want you to teach bobbin lace? I'm asking because a situation arose in my local area. I got an email from a weaver's guild asking for a demonstration and I thought they meant what lacemakers think of as a demonstration -- a couple people making lace and explaining what they are doing. What they really wanted was an orientation lecture in case any of their members wanted to learn (equipment, styles and technical requirements of different forms, etc.) If they really do want a beginner's lesson it's good they gave you a 12 hour stretch. I've had groups ask for 2-3 hours and 15 students, which is impossible. Lorelei Halley. - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
