I've written recently about my efforts to learn Binche. I know there are several Binche experts in arachne, and many who have considerable experience with it. There is nothing useful I can say to them. But in case there are some others out there who are at my level -- just beginning and trying to learn on their own -- perhaps I can report on my small experience and say something useful.
The pattern I'm currently working on is the 2nd one in the Verbeke-Billiet SYLLABUS I. Michael Giusiana has similar patterns in his first Binche book, and he calls them Brick I and Brick II. I remember someone telling me that his version was easier and that perhaps I should try that first. The comment went right over my head. But now, having struggled through one whole side and having solved some of the problems, I do see that his versions are easier. They are completely regular and logical in the way the ringed snowballs and cloth stitch sections feed into each other. I'm wishing I had tried his first, it would have been easier. Also I have a self published booklet by Annick Staes called BINCHE and have worked some patterns from that also. She has her own version of this same pattern, and it also is easier that the Verbeke-Billiet one. The corner is easier and more logical, although not as simple as Michael's (a round edging with no corner). Having struggled through 1 side I now am better at reading the diagrams. The most important thing I've discovered is to work out small units within the design. Select small units which make logical units and go unit by unit. So, work a cloth stitch section but stop at the transition row. Get everything ready and then work the transition row. Then select a snowflake and work it as far as possible. Then find a diagonal row of snowflakes that feed into each other. And so forth. Finish the snowflakes and stop at the transition point. Identify the bobbins which will make the cloth section, then work the transition row and do the cloth stitch. Etc. The hardest thing is little sections of snowflakes in half stitch. Here too, the important thing is to work out a sequence in your own head which is logical and will help you keep track of what stage you are at in the snowflake. Units, transitions, units. Miraculously, after even one side of Verbeke-Billiet's hankie edging, I can now look at the other diagrams in Michael's Binche I, and I realize they actually are doable. They are no longer indecipherable tangles of worms. They too can be broken down into comprehensible units. This is fun! Lorelei Halley - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
