Brian, Are you aware that Marta's article was written while she was researching Ipswich lace on a broader scale and that she published a full treatise/book entitled, "The Laces of Ipswich: The Art and Economics of an Early American Industry, 1750-1840" (Paperback, 176 pages, January, 2003) ? (She also married after the original articles were published and her book is published under her married name, Marta Cotterell Raffel.)? If memory serves, our local guild (Chesapeake Regional Lace Guild-CRLG) awarded a grant to her to assist her in her original research and we were privileged to have her give a lecture?at one of our Lace Days before the book was finalized. ?Members of our guild created replica Ipswich-style pillows and bobbins and periodically demonstrate Ipswich lacemaking?at the newly reopened National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.? If you aren't aware, I believe the bobbins were made of bamboo or something very similar and are v ery simple.? The proportions and shape remind me a bit of some I have seen Puerto Rican lacemakers use.? Think of a plain dowel with a straight cut in for the neck....all else is straight and plain.? I do believe the Ipswich bobbins' necks, both actual and replicas, were carved or cut in?by hand, not turned on a lathe.? About 8 years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Whipple House in Ipswich, Massachusetts which houses some samples of the original laces, as well as a number of other very interesting items.? It is?well worth a visit.?
Vicki in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA -----Original Message----- From: Brian Lemin <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sat, 24 Jan 2009 1:55 pm Subject: [lace] Ipswich bobbins? Do any of you or your friends actually have an Ipswich bobbin? They seem to be like hens teeth!? ? If you do have such a bobbin I will write you such a sweet and appealing letter for a picture. :) Just a happy snap or two will do.? ? If you want to know more about Ipswich lace then this is the only article I know of, but there is a museum there to visit.? ? # Cotteral. Marta. M. (1996) The Laces of Ipswich, Massachusetts. The Bulletin of the ILOI 17:4. Summer 1996-97. (:14-16)? ? ? A good article that includes quite good information on the bobbins together with a couple of photographs featuring the bobbins.? ? >From Brian and Jean;? in Cooranbong. Australia?? - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
