Waste not. Want not. You can save the curly threads, as Alice suggests, in a jar. If you do store thread on bobbins, it is possible that wooden bobbins are off-gasing acid, which would weaken thread. Do those of you who use bone bobbins have the same problem? Be careful of your storage methods. Plastic bags are not recommended, for example. Beware of paper products made of wood pulp - tissue, card for wrapping threads, labels, etc.
You can chew a small wad of thread to use to remove a fresh blood stain from lace. It must be your own blood. In thinking about uses for leftover lace threads, I am reminded of Alexandra Stillwell's instructions for a Church Doll, on page 23 of her most recent book "All about making - Floral Bucks Point Lace". A cotton wool ball is suggested for shaping the head, but you could use a wad of left over lace threads for this purpose. I'll share more about this. A Handkerchief Doll Kit, made by Historical Folk Toys (search for their website) of Charlotte North Carolina, was purchased in Winterthur Museum's shop last October. I found the background information of interest for my collection, and you might, too. Here is information from the kit: "During the (American) Civil War and at other times when supplies were scarce, dolls were made from handkerchiefs. Also known as church dolls, they were one of the 'Sunday toys' that children were allowed to play with only on Sundays. Some mothers would put a sugar cube or other candy in the doll's head for a young child to suck on to keep the child quiet during the long church service. The doll would not make noise, either, if it was dropped. Other names for the handkerchief doll are 'church baby', 'pew doll', 'pew baby', and 'prayer doll'." It seems to have been a practice to use such quieting dolls for centuries, also for transporting babies to escape certain death at the hands of various pursuing aggressors. It is reasonably certain the first settlers to come to America also would have used something like this doll, especially for a teething restless child. It was usual in early New England to spend every Sunday, nearly all day, in church. Quiet children was a requirement. I am descended from several Pilgrim families who came to North America on the Mayflower in 1620. Some precepts of their religion were still practiced when I was a child. Noise, noisy games and noisy sports were forbidden to me on the Sabbath. Much has changed in 70 years! Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center --------------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 1/28/2015 11:56:28 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Do what works for you, but don't worry about throwing out some very curly threads. If it really bugs you, you can put them in a jar instead of the bin and use them to stuff a pincushion when you accumulate enough. I have a couple friends who do that. Alice in Oregon - 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/
