Hi Susan, I can identify with your friend who is just starting, and is drawn to Bruges Flower Lace! I think we are all drawn to beautiful laces and would like to just jump right in and do it!
However, I think that it is important for a beginner to start with the essential elements and become comfortable with them before advancing to more complex work. Make sure she is proficient at winding her bobbins neatly, in the correct direction, and with a proper hitch. Make sure she can make linen stitch and half stitch with the correct tension on all threads. Introduce her to the various ways of forming edges. Make sure she knows how to read a diagram, preferably in the Belgian Color Code. To test all of these skills, take her to the wonderful world of bookmarks, where new skills can be presented in finite projects! It is important to let her go at her own pace. Don't insist on perfection at every step! Don't hold her back to the point of discouraging her! If she catches on quickly, she may be able to advance to the Belgian Flower lace sooner rather than later! Her lace won't be perfect, but the most important thing is that she is enjoying it, and over time her lace will become more and more beautiful! Congratulations on inspiring a new lacemaker!! Clay Sent from my iPad > Since my friend is just starting out & was drawn to the Bruges laces, must > she start with Torchon? Should I encourage exploration? Sincerely, Susan > Hottle, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA > > - 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/
