I started learning to make lace because I wanted to make lace fans. I've made three and can see the mistakes, the imperfect tension and bits that I think could have been done better another way. I'm no longer particularly interested in the finished article per se, but in achieveing the best techniques I can in making it. That's the main reason for wanting to attend formal classes rather than a self-help group - I need someone who's prepared to, and able to criticise what I've done and suggest other things I could try if I'm stumped on how to achieve what I want to do.
I think it's because I'm a retired teacher that I want to know why and how, and strive for perfection in most of the things I do. If I show no talent al all for doing something, I don't pursue it. The reason I'm doing the Lace Guild Assessments is to understand what I'm doing, explore ways things are done and have someone criticise and suggest ways I can improve. Passing an assessment isn't important to me. If I don't I'll still learn from the assessors' comments. Someone who really knows what they're doing will say if what I'm doing is OK or not. The Advanced Torchon *only* requires 5 elements (plus two finished pieces incorporating most of these elements) - an extended corner, a pictorial piece, a runner end, a rectangular mat started at the top and finished at the bottom and a curved piece. All own design and all preparatory work to be included. I'm still working on the extended corner and haven't made a complete one yet. I've never done one before so I have to find out how it's done. So far, from the books, magazines and newsletters I have, I've found three ways of making the footside and adding and throwing out the extra pairs. There must be more. I find this fascinating and could quite happily spend a year exploring just the extended corner - that's probably not the intention of the assessment. No-one else in my class finds this even remotely interesting apart from the teacher, and I don't think anyone other than the teacher could criticise what I've already done, suggest what else I can do, or say something which will spark an idea in my own mind. As an ex-teacher I think I'd probably naturally help others in a self-help group and stand still in my own lacemaking. Jean in Poole - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
