Hello All! I've just returned from the Lace Guild UK summer school in Wales--I'm half dead, but what a time was had by all! And I forgot how long it takes to read thru 10 days of e-mail!! There was an interesting needlelace class taught at Plas Tan y Bwylch (a student from Tokyo was thrilled!), but of course that's too late to help Bronwen. I did want to remind everyone (broken record that I am) that EGA remains a valid resource for us all. Frankly, I don't give a whit who is offering the course. If I'm interested (& can afford it!), I'm there. EGA seminar is in Pittsburgh (Oct 2-9) this year & there is a class on 17thC whitework & one on Russian drawn work. Next year, seminar is in San Francisco Sept 5-10, closer yet to CO. The 2010 class schedule will be posted for early registration during the Oct seminar & there are usually several needlelace classes offered each year. www.egausa.org, click on national seminar. Regarding untwisting threads, consider rechecking how the bobbins are wound/hitched. I'm left handed & have had plenty of aggravation in this department. Mrs. Read set me straight & what an improvement! No runaway continentals & far fewer un-plyed strands. I don't know how to describe what she recommended, but it involves laying the head of the bobbin on top of the thread & winding it 3 times before snugging it up. Simply magic! But, my Oliver Twist cotton thread took on a life of its own in the damp Welsh climate. I love this thread & have used it many times so I packed up several spools for the trip. "Sticky" doesn't begin to describe its behavior, making it difficult to tension properly. Has anyone else had this experience? I didn't get that reaction from silk thread, including OT silk, so I'm thinking it's the fiber rather than the dye? What can I say about Wales--worth the trip!! Friendly & helpful teachers, students & staff at Plas Tan y Bwylch made it a very successful lace week. I registered in Pat Read 's Milanese class & she did a splendid job of managing rank ! amateurs like me as well as highly experienced students. Non-class time included a presentation on the treasures of Snowdonia National Park & a fiber-licious event with Pat Gibson. Threads, wire, fibers, bobbins, books & equipment were available for purchase & books from the LGUK library were provided for reference or extended borrowing. There was also free time to visit the Plas gardens, woods, waterfall, lake, river & narrow gauge railway--all within walking distance. With our windows open to the valley, my rommmate Eve & I were serenaded to sleep by the sheep every night. I am so glad I was able to attend & hope more lacemakers will consider coming to summer school in the future. Special thanks to Sara Ruks & her husband Brian (sp?) for taking me under their wings & getting me to the Chester train station for my return to USA. Sincerely, Susan Hottle, looking over the mound of laundry, in Erie, PA
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