Dear Jean, I think you participated in the discussion about *arthritis* recently, so will mention to you that lacemakers I know use a pearl-headed corsage pin (approximately 2" long) to facilitate lengthening threads when the knot will not budge. It would give you something more substantial to grasp onto, and the pearl prevents it from slipping away from your thumb and index finger. It is long enough that you can rest your bent wrist (below smallest finger) on the pillow or roller for stability. It is visually pretty in your pincushion. Jeri Ames Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
In a message dated 4/25/2009 1:01:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: Of course, the length of the thread shortens as you work. It depends on the stitch as to whether all threads shorten by a similar amount and how quickly they shorten. The workers shorten very quickly and the passives slowly in cloth/linen (or whatever you call it) stitch. With half stitch they all shorten by a similar amount. I admit to being very naughty in lengthening threads with my (clean as I can make them) fingers because I find it very difficult to do it by just turning the bobbin or by hooking the thread with a pin.. Jean in Poole, Dorset, UK **************Check all of your email inboxes from anywhere on the web. Try the new Email Toolbar now! (http://toolbar.aol.com/mail/download.html?ncid=txtlnkusdown00000027) - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
