In a message dated 5/8/07 5:25:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> At demonstrations, we often hear the references to tatting, and some clever > lacemakers who know how to do both tatting and bobbin lace can demonstrate > the difference. (I actually took my first tatting classes this winter just > so > I could speak more knowledgeably on the subject!) But having samples of > machine-made laces gives us the opportunity to educate the interested public > even more. > Dear Lace Exhibitors, At a museum exhibition of antique laces I curated in 1989 in New Jersey, there were some examples of machine laces (including chemical) in a case of small accessories. But, what was important (to me) was one large piece of chemical lace -- a Bertha collar from my collection. It actually has raised rose petals! I felt it important to include at the end of my gallery talks, since all the other showcased laces were made by hand. This brings up the value of having someone available to interpret laces at special lace exhibits. People's eyes are not educated to notice subtle differences. A gallery full of laces is just that -- it all becomes a jumble of patterns to most people. I had samples of how needlelace is made to discuss, and there was always a member of the Lost Art Lacers of North Jersey demonstrating the making of bobbin lace. Therefore, we were able to show the structural differences of laces. This sort of "treat" for the public takes a lot of coordination, but makes for a more successful event. In addition to the gallery, I placed laces in most rooms of the Federal period house museum to which it is attached - foyer, parlor, dining room, bedrooms - making it worthwhile for people familiar with the house to visit the "changed" rooms, much lightened by the addition of white linens and laces. Portraits of women wearing lace were borrowed from other museums in the area, and hung in strategic places. Flower arrangements for weeks of the exhibit were Queen Anne's lace. At a special tea, lace cookies were served. What fun! Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
