I was thinking that the *first* pattern somebody had was copied via rubbing from someone else's pattern, which can be done in a comparatively short time. Once the lacemaker is at home with their rubbed pattern, they can make subsequent patterns by the more accurate but more time-consuming process of pricking through the rubbed pattern. Sending a rubbed pattern would also be something a non-lacemaker could do for a friend, back in the days when most people didn't travel.
Adele On 2014-04-23, at 9:05 AM, [email protected] wrote: > I am not sure that I buy the heel ball theory, because wouldn't that > result in the footside switching every single time the pattern was copied? > In > that case, wouldn't every country make lace with footsides on the right and > left interchangeably? I think the fact that they were copying with heel > ball, which might result in reversal, and yet the footside was always on > the > left indicates a conscious decision to always put the footside on the left. > > I am inclined to agree with Jane that right handedness has a lot to do > with the general preference for right handed footsides. > > Devon - 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/
