The issue of equipping a class of people who probably only want to get their feet wet in bobbin lace is a dicey one. They don't want to spend a lot per bobbin and probably won't take the class once they hear what the start-up cost is. If you use cheap and less than optimal bobbins, the chance that they will want to continue is less. When I was teaching my daughter to make lace, I gave her the same high quality equipment I had, because I found using cheap bobbins to be so frustrating it made me not want to make lace, and I didn't want to throw any extra impediments in her way. I think it would be worthwhile considering whether the IOLI should keep a "lending library" of bobbins, and possibly foam pillows. The students could put a deposit on them and at the end of the class the students could decide to buy the bobbins from the library or return them. The IOLI might be able to negotiate a good rate on a large quantity of decent bobbins and foam pillows, and the teacher, usually someone unable or unwilling to bankroll 12 dozen bobbins and twelve pillow, wouldn't have to. Also, you wouldn't have to make the equipment. I think there is nothing that turns people off lacemaking more than making the equipment. My motto is: Make lace, not equipment. Just a thought, Devon PS. Glad you have solved the problem for this time, Sheree, but this issue comes up constantly and I am sure there are many girl scouts that go untaught for exactly this reason. (I have let the cup pass, myself, a few times because of this.)
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