Hi everyone Recalling our thread about the future of lacemaking, and the idea that if young people aren't taking an interest in lacemaking what then...and the general consensus that only the older people whose children and careers are behind them have time for such curious interests as lacemaking...and I proposed we ought to make it more visible, such as making lace at the mall, just as folks old and young take their knitting (except lately I haven't seen anyone knitting - but I did find a new yarn shop!). So that plan is still evolving. I think if I cruised the aisles at Michael's I could find everything I need to start lace - with some imagination and adaptation - then post the exercise as a blog (and *then* take the lace to the mall...).
In the meantime I was invited to present lacemaking to the day group of a weavers and spinners guild. I was advised that this group is 'older' - and it was apparent that I was the entertainment, to present for just a half-hour. Nonetheless, I packed a travel pillow, some bobbins and pins, made a mental note to put thread into the carryall too, and dashed out of the house for the day ahead. It means not being back at the house for another 10 to 12 hours as I live rather far from anywhere in particular. It also means if I've forgotten something, I have to make do or do without. On this day by the time I'd reached the point of no return I realized I'd forgotten the thread and even a pattern. And I noticed the travel pillow looked druffy... During the day, bought a cheap pad of graph paper and some tape from a stationers' - the tape to nip up the dust off the pillow, and the paper to make a simple lace pattern, and a stop at a serger store for a good pair of Henckel's, and a stop at Walmart to buy tatting cotton and silver embroidery floss ( = gimp). My idea was to show them how a project is started, and describe the several 'stitches' - I also had a binder/scrapbook of finished laces, and some antique examples (and some tatting). We were six, of varying degrees of elder-ness vis-a-vis hearing, vision and stamina (myself included LOL) and while at first they expressed awe and amazement, and said how difficult - when I explained cross and twist, and showed them the path of a weaver pair - they were soon nodding heads in understanding (well, most - one was nodding off - and yes I think I was talking too much). Another time this group would benefit from a 'have-a-go' opportunity. Another angle - take lace where it is wanted! bye for now Bev in Sooke BC (on Vancouver Island, west coast of Canada) Cdn. floral bobbins www.woodhavenbobbins.com - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
