Hello all, I have found the recent discussion on attracting young people to lacemaking interesting. I have a theory of my own. It is the simplification factor. I have noticed a trend in North America towards simplification and a desire for quickness. It seems that magazines and books here are catering to those who want to 'make it in an evening'. Embroidery and cross stitch patterns no longer are those which take a long time to make and are more difficult. Instead both the technique and the final product are naive and simple.
I say 'North America' because I don't believe the trend crosses the ocean either direction. The UK still has magazines which publish designs that require _work_ and Australia seems to leading the way with magazines such as Inspirations which is a quality publication. This isn't to say that these books don't have 'quickie' designs, as well. There is a place for both. Which brings me to lacemaking. This is a skill which requires time - time to learn and time to create. Not to mention a financial outlay, which as we know needn't be substantial, but can look it to the casual observer, whereas knitting only needs the needles and some yarn and cross stitch designers are using less different colours of floss in a single pattern (more simplification) cutting down on expenditure. Which frankly makes some sense, for if what you are making is throwaway (baby bibs, a sweater which will be out of fashion in a period of time, or a plastic canvas tissue box cover that looks like a cactus) why spend much money on materials or time on learning technique. Let me point out here that I am in no way demeaning those here who engage in these activities. There is a time and a place for the throwaway. I am referring, instead, to what I see as a trend that may explain why young people are not coming in droves to be taught lace. Just my thoughts on a subject which I have noticed for some time. Heather Abbotsford, BC Newly single, unfortunately. - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
