On Dec 28, 2007, at 18:39, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
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.
I absolutely agree with you on the earlier point -- that poor quality
equipment is likely to turn off lot of people. Fighting both -- the
mysteries of the first stitches *and* your tools -- is just too much to
ask of a beginner, especially of a young beginner.
But, as to the IOLI-sponsored "lending library" of try-out bobbins and
pillows... Have you sent any fairly sizeable packages by mail recently?
For anything larger/heavier than a padded envelope, the costs are
prohibitive. That's one of the reasons that small groups and individual
teachers tend to have a "lending library" of their own, for *local*
use. Shere'e did have *that* (for 6 people); it was the sudden tripling
of the original group that put her in a bind. Even if she had had a set
for 12 -- probably as many as any group or teacher, however ambitious
and hopeful, would be likely to keep on hand -- it still wouldn't have
been enough.
And, even if the cost of shipping was not "through the roof"... How
many sets should IOLI keep in its "lending library"? And, more
important, WHERE? Not to mntion who'd take charge of the operation.
Unlike the Lace Guild (UK) we don't have permanent headquarters or any
paid staff; even the book library and the video library had to be split
because most people like to have enough room in their houses to
actually live there too, not just serve as a warehouse. Would you like
to have some 200 or more sets of pillows and bobbins stored in your
house on the understanding that, any time someone asked, you'd haul 12
of them to a PO to mail off or pay extra to have them come and collect
the cargo?
It's a nice idea but it doesn't strike me as being particularly
practical.
--
Tamara P Duvall http://t-n-lace.net/
Lexington, Virginia, USA (Formerly of Warsaw, Poland)
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