We start students with Torchon because it is very basic. The students learn the main three stitch formations, then learn to change from one to another in a pattern. Expand that to include formations like diamonds, spiders, adding gimp, fans, picots.... then they have a fairly good foundation to pick up another variety of lacemaking. Tape lace is narrow strips of what they have been doing... and they learn more shaping.
Each style of lace has a variation in working method. The learning continues with each experience. At some point, the student may find an affinity with a lace style or two. Others may keep exploring different styles. Each to his own preference for enjoyment. In past history, people learned the type of lace that was done in their village/area. They didn't have the wide range of types available. We are fortunate to have hundreds of books in dozens of types of lace, and can pick and choose what we want to do or learn. Different varieties of lace are still being rediscovered, studied, written about, and given back to the world. A note on color....We start students with colored threads so they can see the stitches and how they relate. Or at least, combine white and color. I find that I make lace in both white, black, or color, depending on the project and it's use. Roses are colored. A collar may be white so it will go on many different garments. The lappet style scarf I just finished is black. Alice in Oregon .. where intake for County Fair is tomorrow, and I'll be busy 12-14 hours a day all week. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lorelei Halley" <[email protected]> I think most bobbin lace students start with torchon because it is easy and contains most of the principles of working straight laces. - 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
