Hello All! Just returned from a weekend workshop in Smithville, OH with Deborah Beever--my first foray into Honiton. I'm in love! A friend called this "sprig lace" & it is oh-so-applicable to my favorite textile passtime--crazy patch. Learned a lot & had a blast. We met at the Smithville Historical Society building next door to the Mishler Weaving Mill. Each participant received a wash cloth that was described as softer than loofah & nicer to use so I will report on this after I've given it a try! Faye, one of the other students, gave us a guided tour of the facility including its vintage pre-Civil war looms. I'm not sure I have the name quite right--but one of the looms is a "barn beam rocker" or something to that effect. The Historical Society owns quite a few vintage buildings in town, including post & beam structures, & they offer tours & events. Smithville is near Wooster, the home of the Great Lakes Fiber Festival, so it would make a good stop if anyone wants! to attend the festival next Memorial Day. They weave dish cloths, placemats, rag rugs & other household items that are available for purchase in the gift shop. I was intrigued by samples of embroidered placemats that are textured. I'm not sure how to explain the process, but I purchased unlaundered/unsteamed mats that will be embroidered. When they are laundered, they "magically" develop a nubby texture because of the thread. Sure hope I get good results! Before crashing from the weekend, I decided to check the sites/blogs that I follow. Wouldn't you know-- http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/ has an article on Audrey Hepburn followed by photos of lace in new couture collections, Spring RTW. A lace Valentino gown featured appliqued velvet flowers & embroidered leaves, while Miu Miu showed a lace overcoat. I won't be wearing either to the grocery, but it's free to look! Have fun. Sincerely, Susan Hottle, Erie, PA USA
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