I used this approach in a blurb for a textile festival and I think the 'puzzle' part was off-putting. There were no takers except 1 person who had already tried bobbin lace and wanted to attend a class of any kind of BL. I thought the target group would be attracted to puzzle-solving. Then looking at the other classes offered, I was wrong about the target group, they were wanting an experience and to have something in hand when finished. 'Instant bobbin lace' ???
"If you like puzzles, you'll love bobbin lace. Have other textile > techniques > ceased to thrill? Is needlepoint boring? Like Sudoko in thread, bobbin > lace > is a challenge. Working with four threads simultaneously, you will find > out > why the laces of the previous centuries exceeded any other textile in > beauty > and complexity. Bring your thinking cap!" Note, we don't work with 4 threads simultaneously. When you examine the movements, they are one thread over another (or one thread under another <g>); often with one in each hand (so - working with two threads at a time is true - but that doesn't need to be mentioned until the class). Another note re previous messages in this topic: "cross" "twist" and "stitch" mean differently to the non-lacemaker! we should avoid using craft jargon in an introductory blurb. I suggest not a good idea to complicate the blurb with outside references - Sudoko is not related to bobbin lace, and someone who likes Sudoko puzzles might dislike bobbin lace (I for one dislike Sudoko...) - unless you want your class to be comprised of those who like doing both :) Bobbin lacemaking is unlike any handcraft I have encountered. I had to learn an entirely new approach for my own way of thinking. It wasn't a needle-and-thread craft; a hook craft; a looping craft with shuttle or knitting needles. It is unique in that respect, but it does use thread, and nice tools, and it produces a woven textile. It should not be difficult to learn the basics, from there the choices are endless. Further detail might or might not be necessary, but the newcomer could be interested in the choices, such as the myriad of traditional laces from many countries,contemporary designs, original designing, small items such as ornaments, lace to wear, lace to look at, lace and lace tools to collect, or just to have an understanding of this beautiful craft... > units. In some ways, I guess it depends on whether you are addressing > your > blurb to an audience of low self confidence, or one of high self > confidence. > > This is the catch, so yes, it depends on the target group and probably not just a little bit of luck ;) -- Bev in Shirley BC, near Sooke on beautiful Vancouver Island, west coast of Canada - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
