I have a question regarding needle lace, but first a quick intro. I've been lurking on this list on and off since 1995. I consider myself primarily a bobbin lace maker, but these days I seem to spend more time tatting than making bobbin lace. Recently though I've decided to take the plunge into needle lace. I am trying to teach myself from Valerie Grimwood's book.... I also have Lovesey's book, but do not find it as good for a total beginner.
Thanks in advance for any answers to my convoluted questions. I am sure I will have more questions once I actually start the pattern. Taking a leap and working on a pattern with no pattern notes is a lot more daunting than it should be! Mica Upstate NY ============================================= Hi Mica, I myself have only done a few attempts at needlelace, but as to your concern about cutting the thread, consider these points. 1. They only have to be construction grade, eventually, all the of the base threads will be covered with buttonhole stitches, so the number of ends or cuts does not make a lot of difference. 2. While it is convenient to have a more continuous frame of threads, it's not critical. You mentioned tatting, and while hiding ends are a larger issue in tatting, the framework in needlelace is much less of a technical issue. My basic approach is a pretty simple minded divide and conquer method If a double thread approaches a "Y" in the pattern, take the thread on the side of the new branch out and back from the end of the branch. This could include a multiple branched branch - just one thread out and then double back to the starting point of the single thread. When I meet the end of a doubled loop (as from the above simple or complex branch), take the current thread through the loop to anchor it. Then baste before and after the loop and the loop itself. Baste at will, it all comes out. Don't try to figure out the whole path from the beginning. It's not worth the effort. As you get more experience and have solved different paths, it gets easier. RELAX! And enjoy your new art! Patty - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
