Yay, JEAN!!!
You have expressed exactly what I tell everyone when I'm
demonstrating!!! And... the fact that you have disabilities to factor
in doesn't change things at all!!! I always tell people that, for me,
making lace is about the journey, not the destination. I enjoy the
process. With some laces, the process is very complex, and appeals to
one part of me. In some cases, it's rote, and I can make a lot of lace
in relatively little time (the old "inch an hour" description!). But
either way, it's the process that appeals to me, not the anticipation of
a finished piece of lace. Once in a blue moon, I will actually finish a
piece, and then it's a time of monumental celebration - a major "rush"
when the pins are all removed... But that's not the primary reason I
make lace.
So... here's to all the lace travelers (and wanderers!) in the group!!
Clay
Jean Nathan wrote:
I handle bobbins by the spangle. The pins aren't vertical and I'm
happy if I hit the hole - they go into the pricking at any angle so
long as they go in. I can't feel the tension, so I judge by eye. I
can't draw a design with a pencil because the dots would be all over
the place even on graph paper. I use a computer to solve that. Pricked
pinholes aren't always exactly on the dot, but they're near enough -
and, no don't suggest someone does it for me; there's nothing more
depressing for a person with a disability to have to ask for help.
I've only had 4 spangles break in 12 years, and I always carry half a
dozen spare bobbins in case of any accidents, as well as spare thread.
I'm slow - it took me 18 months to complete one of Christine
Springett's small torchon fans. Many would have given up, but it's the
process I'm interested in, not necessarily the finished item. The
tension might not be perfect, but I don't give a fig about anyone who
things my lace isn't top quality. I'm not making it for them - I'm
making it for me. I managed to get good passes for the UK Lace Guild
Elementary and Intermediate Torchon assessments, so it can't be that bad.
Not everyone can hit a musical note perfectly, but they can still
enjoy singing. Not everyone can make perfect lace, but they can still
enjoy making it.
I'm sure the perfectionists among you will cringe, but if it was that
important to me, then I'd get rid of all my lacemaking stuff and give
up - something I have no intention of doing. Unfortunately, those who
don't have dexterity problems will never be able to understand the
problems, and I hope you never experience them .
Jean in Poole, Dorset, UK
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