I should think that whether bobbins are spangled or not depends very much on the type of pillows we use for our lace. Spangled bobbins are fine on a flat or domed pillow, but they would be unsuitable (or very uncomfortable) to use on Maltese and Spanish upright bolster type pillows. They would also be very unpractical for use on the Italian tombolo for working Pizzo di Cantu which has lots of sewings. The use of the wrong type of bobbins will not contribute to the result of the lace, but more to the speed at which one would work the lace. At least this is what I have gathered throughout my years of experience with lace. I always maintain that one will achieve a better result with the use of the correct tools (even in home DIY!)
Karen in Malta -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Micki Cameron Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 11:19 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [lace] Midlands bobbins - spangling I have been trawling the internet a bit to try and find out more about spangled bobbins and their history and besides uncovering tiny bits of new information, I haven't really come across anything to indicate why there is a difference between continental bobbins and midlands bobbins. I know that both types of bobbin have means of adding weight to the bobbin, either by a heavier bottom or by spangling and that the spangle stops the bobbin rolling around on the pillow. What I don't get is the following: presuming that some continental laces came about because of English lacemaking where spangled bobbins were used, why did they (continental lacemakers) decide to stop using spangles and go with the heavy bottom variety of bobbin instead? And who had the thought initially that using a threaded circle of beads at the bottom of a bobbin would be a good idea in lacemaking anyway? I have to add that this journey of seeking information is a rather enjoyable one, i had a look for the Springett's booklet on spangles and superstitions too, but apparently it is out of print. Any feedback on the book and its contents? Micki - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
