Dear List members, I think perhaps a few clarifications may be helpful....
> Those of us concerned about the preservation of rare laces (which DO turn > up in American attics) remember nightmare stories of the people who have cut > them up to make craft items that will be relegated to trash within a short > period of time. > I do French handsewing. Hence, it seemed to me that handmade lace would be the ideal type of trim for the gowns that I hope will be treated as heirlooms by the families that will receive them....Not relegated to the trash! That is the main reason I want to learn lace-making. And I would no more willingly slash up valuable and irreplaceable pieces of lace than burn the dresses I make. I try to design my projects to incorporate the lengths I use iwithout cutting them, if possible. So far so good... Except -- reminds me -- I recently bought a length of modern machine lace (5 yards) and the clerk kindly (!) didn't tell me that the length I bought had been pieced together in the middle with pins, as she measured it. I was planning to use it to make a long ruffle without any breaks, and it took some effort to change the design to accommodate it - not entirely satisfactorily, either. So .. I am well aware of the rampant Neanderthal (and greedy) mindset out there in "the market" at large....And of the value of preserving the handmade heritage for posterity. Just for the record -- so you all maybe will understand the direction of my inquiry, and realize we're "on the same page"! Thanks again for the input received. It has been educational and helpful, in many ways. Ricki Torrey Utah USA - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
