"I think little girls often overlook what their mothers do and want to copy their grandmothers."
My young daughter says it skips a generation, from gifts to overt kindness, etc. I think it is similar to one not being recognized for their gift in one's "hometown," but may well be, nationally or internationally. It probably falls into the category of taking things for granted, since it is so close. We also typically get something more unconditional from grandmothers. My mother wasn't interested in much of what my grandmother did (who basically did and excelled in everything). After my grandmother passed, she now wishes she had learned more though she was taught the basics, and I think it was intensified with my keen interest in all things needlework, textile, and design. My mother didn't teach me anything other than to thread the sewing machine, and how to properly set a sleeve. If things are too easy, we don't appreciate them as much. This is similar to my not sharing books anymore, as they never come back. It isn't that they really loved the book so kept it, but rather that they didn't value it enough...not enough to even return it. If someone really values something, they will put effort into obtaining it, and investing (time, money, energy) is a true indicator. That took me a long time to learn so rather, I give the information on how to obtain it, and leave it up to them (which is harder with lace books). That brings up the subject of propagating interest in lacemaking. Look at how many generations let it fall to the wayside and only when it is in threat of becoming almost extinct, do some rally to perpetuate it's survival. For instance, knitting was often seen with condescension in the latter part of last century, but a trauma in the US began a resurgence in interest to perpetuate things that could be considered nesting, valued tradition, taking things into your own hands and making something of it, etc. (though some of it was because celebrities were doing it), and women then embraced what their grandmothers did. I think a lack of textile selections for sewing, also pressed people to knitting, bobbin lace, and other media. The perk of lacemaking is, once you have the tools, the actual cost of thread (and for some, patterns) is low compared to escalated prices in other things (like a knitted sweater costs going from about $30 to about $300). I think that this will help lacemaking endure. We do run the risk of it taking more time, so people who want a quick fix may fall to the wayside (with our push-button society), but for those who want a lot of satisfaction with minimal financial investment, it is hard to beat. So perhaps we don't endear the younger generation to lacemaking by making it too easy and spoon feeding them, and giving them time and tools. Perhaps it is the antithesis of that - that it is hard, and we wait until they ask us. I have found in teaching over the years, that you get a very different pupil when someone asks, vs. quickly volunteering. I wait until they ask, consider it while they wait, and then tell them if they really want to learn, I will teach them, but first they have to go get the supplies and then let me know that they are ready. If they have put time into ferreting out what they need, they are more likely to stay with it as they have invested in many ways. It comes from GRAND women sharing their expertise, and they don't have to be grandmothers, or even mothers, just sharers. Some write books instead, so the information goes further. One can always learn from that, any time, any place, anyone. Best, Susan Reishus www.SusanReishusDesigns.com - 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/albums/most-recent
