I have been using chopstick bobbins for many years. I bought a few packets of twenty from a Chinese supply store for a cost of approx. $1.20 for twenty. I cut them in half and then got really upmarket when I put a rubber band on one end. I didn't try whittling a neck on the bobbin and have never felt the need. The end with the square cut is the best as they don't roll as much. I could probably put a spangle on the round end but haven't bothered. Bobbins with spangles are very pretty and it is good to have them as well but I find, for myself, that the chopstick bobbins work really well as I have fairly large hands and the normal bobbin tends to get lost at time. I can certainly recommend them as an addition to your bobbin store. I also keep a number of them loaded with coloured thread to use for making samples when trying a new stitch. Although I learnt to make lace some years ago I still class myself as a beginner.
I am currently working on a piece from Miniature Bobbin Lace, Roz Snowden, P101 " Patchwork Tablecloth". I have blown it up from the 1/12th original size as my eyesight is not as good as it was. Each of the four quarters has 28 7x7 motifs with many different stitches. Needless to say my samples bobbins have been working overtime. I am learning many new stitches with the help of my friend/teacher and my samples bobbins. Lesley in Launceston, Tasmania where it is cold and foggy but will be sunny later on. - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
