Brenda I agree that terminology about bobbin made tape/braid lace is a problem. I wish we could all come to an agreement, but I think this will be an ongoing problem.
In the U.S. "tape lace" usually refers to bobbin made tape lace. And "braid lace" usually refers to a straight lace of the guipure variety, with braids/plaits as a grounding. My understanding is that British English uses "plaits" for a 4 strand bar made of a stack of half stitches, while American English calls this "braid lace". The result of this is that Americans don't have a convenient term for the mixed lace made of a machine made narrow tape held together by needle lace stitches. I've taken to calling this kind "Battenberg", although I am aware that that term may refer to only one specific stylistic variant of the "mixed tape lace". The problem would be solved if all Americans would adopt the British English terminology. But I think this unlikely. I suppose speakers of American English could use the term "mixed tape lace" to refer to the generic form, of which Battenberg, Princess, Branscombe are specific varieties. I do wish the English speaking lace makers of both kinds could arrive at some agreement, because IT IS DRIVING ME NUTS!!! I'm not shouting, I'm just expressing my frustration. Lorelei Halley - 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
