Jen, I do wire bobbin lace and have gotten the gauges (US) from my local surplus store or from a source online in NJ. Yes, you can use the wire from the shop, but I make sure it is coated wire with an enamel coating. Usually the enamel is colored, hence, red wire, green wire, copper wire, etc. The coating is a protection from the wire tarnishing. This is desirable for me, but depends on the purpose the wire is being used for.
The gauges I use are from 30 (largish) to 33 which is fine. When I use a 30 gauge wire, it is usually a single strand. When I use a 32 gauge wire, it is usually double stranded, depending on the design. I have designed some things using the double strands. Lenka has some patterns which are single in this gauge and very wonderfully done. And 33 gauge is usually tripled. Since my patterns are using just the two elements of plaits and leaves, these suggested gauges and thickness work very well. If you are interested in learning more, I have a page called "a brief study in wire bobbin lace" on my web page. You may find it informative and useful. Dianna Stevens Kent Washington, USA www.domesticarts.com - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
