Yes, I know of Bucks thumpers. I have a couple that I use for gimp threads (though I think I drilled a hole, and added a spangle, to stop them rolling around.)
Devon's quote seems about right, I think - from my knowledge of history. >>> The rings of spangles, such a unique feature of East Midlands bobbins, may also have been aimed at stopping them from rolling uncontrollably about on the pillow wracked by their thread contortions. The extra weight would also help to pull the threads straight, eliminating minor kinks."<<< Midlands bobbins were much finer in the shank, and the beads added weight, where thicker bobbins did not need it. They also liked to decorate the bobbins with names, sayings etc. I don't know when that started - another area of research for you, Brian!!! :) But when a baby was born, or a wedding, or whatever, then, when the Bobbin Man came around, the name/s would be engraved on a bobbin. This meant that the lace pillow was also the family tree. I remember getting my grandmother to "read the bobbins" and tell us stories about whoever's names was on the bobbin she picked up. How I wish, now, that I had taken more notice! I only remember one story! Thanks to David Collyer, I now know that one bobbin's name is that of my Great Great Grandfather! (thanks, David.) Hanging bobbins are around, (I have one) and even Transportation Bobbins - according to Thomas Wright's "Romance of the Lace Pillow", - so souvenirs are nothing new!! Regards from Liz in Melbourne, Oz. [email protected] - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
