Tess's comments on the differences between boys and girls in making lace, and the differences between men and women watching lace being made prompt me to relate my experiences when demonstrating spinning. If a boy is interested, he wants to know first how the wheel works. Some boys work it out for themselves, others ask. Then they may or may not want to have a go. Girls usually want to know what the yarn can be used for, where I get the wool from to spin. Then they often want to have a go.
Returning to lace - I once demonstrated lace making at my niece's junior school. One boy was really keen to have a go. His teacher was not far away, and was obviously keeping an eye on him. I can't remember what piece of lace was on my practice pillow, but he sat down, listened, learned and made lace! It was an immediate feeling for process. Some time later, we had to persuade him that perhaps someone else would like to have a go, and reluctantly he left. His teacher came to me and said that the boy was her most difficult pupil, and she had never known him either to sit still for so long, or to be quiet for so long. Unfortunately I didn't live close enough to pursue the lesson, but I hope that his teacher did pick up on what helped that boy to concentrate on learning - I feel sure she did. Kathleen - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
