I used to try and encourage students to work out a pricking from a lace
photograph, simple torchon to start with and then progress further when
they had acquired more experience and design something themselves.
When I started lace classes in 1976, Tordis Berndt had Maidment and
the two Swedish books for us to use. The latter had photos, thread
sizes and bobbin numbers, *but* no prickings! Having to make your own
pricking from the photos, I feel made you learn more about how threads
moved than just working a piece with full instructions.
When the Book of Stitches arrived then the possiblities of different
fillings etc. opened up new avenues. Sometimes, ideas for a change will
occur when working a pattern, particularly in free lace designs i.e. to
change a stitch, add colour etc. The confidence to do this should come
with experience and a desire to spread one's wings and a willingness to
break all the 'do-nots' that were there at the time of the lace revival
in the '70s. Without this The Westhope Group,the 98 group, the use of copper
wire,
coloured threads in traditionally white only patterns , etc.could not
have come about.
Personally I prefer to use graph paper for geometrical laces as I can
envisage the movement of the threads better. Not being able to draw I
will trace a shape I like, mix and match with other shapes and then
think about the stitches which will give me the effect I'm looking for.
As others have said we work and teach as individuals and the reward is
when a student achieves the goals they have set themselves.
Sheila in Sawbo' where it is sunny but a cool wind, hoping it will be dry in
the Peak District for Easter
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