I have been fascinated by this thread, of course not as a lace maker but a bobbin historian.
My comments are totally subjective and I have not done any analysis of the correspondence, but some of the comments and advice related to spangles/ continental style bobbins /shape of pillows, and the such like. Many years ago this list helped me put together some thoughts on spangles, thread, pillows etc, since then i have from time to time looked at the issue of spangling. To âmeâ the evidence seems to be that the change over to spangles, for what ever reason occurred around the early 1800s. There seems to be a period of changeover, where you can clearly see that makers made bobbins both spangled and un-spangled. I was amazed to see a few comments on makers using continental bobbins as spangles did not seem to help their style of work or type of pillow. Excuse my ignorance but the issue of thread, which would have been relevant in the early 1800s, probably does not exist now(?). My own local friend, a maker of square shaft bobbins has a very good trade in these... not a spangle in sight! In the past, I have made the totally subjective statement that the spangling of bobbins was as much for reasons of prettiness, fancy and fashion, as much as it was for practical reasons. I am just wondering if, like so many things in this world, things come around in cycles? Will we ever see the demise of spangles? Will continental style bobbins ever return to England? >From the correspondence, the lace circle could possibly be in a turmoil, however, I am of the opinion that what you like, and suits your style does very well indeed. Please do not stick pins in my effigy, I am just chatting on. Remember, you are the experts, I am just a hangerâon. Just a more serious note that i am still, tracking an even earlier dated bobbin than the Salisbury museum bobbin. Even last night I had a 1763 dated bobbin picture sent to me... old but a long way to go to be the oldest. Enjoy your beautiful skills. Brian - 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/
