Hi Spiders: A couple of things to add to this discussion.
Regarding bobbin weight: different woods have different weights and wood that is old enough to have completely dried out can be surprisingly light. So just because a wooden bobbin is big doesn't necessarily mean it is any heavier than a spangled Midlands bobbin. (Does anyone know if any researcher ever weighed a selection of Midlands and wooden bobbins of various sizes? I'd like to know the results)
Regarding the bulb on the continental bobbins - I have a devil of a time picking up the little Honiton bobbins. I can't easily get enough purchase on the bobbin to lift it, partly because my fingers are large and partly because I have dexterity problems. I use Binche bobbins for Honiton because the bulbs raise the bobbin shaft up so that I can pick it up more easily. I'm not suggesting the bulb developed because historic lacemakers had huge fingers, but bobbins with bulbs do require less dexterity to pick up and if your fingers are stiff with cold it might be a factor.
The comment about machine-spun threads is interesting, and fits in with this quote from the Coats & Clark website:
"Before Elias Howe's invention of the sewing machine in 1846, thread was usually made of three cords and was used for hand sewing. The thread had a glazed finish and was too wiry and uneven for machine use... " If Midlands lacemakers were using this wiry thread, that might explain the spangles quite satisfactorily.
(you can read the more about the history of this cotton thread at: http://www.coatsandclark.com/About+Coats/History/ )
Adele North Vancouver, B.C. (west coast of Canada) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
