Jenny, Christine Springett published a fantastic booklet called spangles and superstitions which is worth reading if you can get hold of a copy. Her introduction talks about the movement from fine thread to corse and the idea that then it was needed to have more weight for the domed pillion.
I use different forms of bobbin depending on the work and pillow I am using. If I am making lots of sewings I tend to choose a flat pillow and continental bobbins however I don't find continental bobbins work well FOR ME, on a domed pillow. For that I prefer midlands. If I'm not doing any sewings I may use spangles with dangling bits and I often use these when demonstrating as they are a good talking point however I tend to use standard midland spangles of a ring of beads, Whilst I can't talk for others here is what I do with spangles (and having just spangled a number yesterday its quite fresh in my mind) I tend to go for a particular size and weight of spangle of spangle because I tend to buy my bobbins from a particular set of makes so the weights are consistent. Over all, the total weight of my bobbins when spangled are the same. I was recommended to buy bone bobbins a number of years ago by a lace maker who made floral Bucks. Because bone weighs more, you can get a thinner bobbin for the same weight as a thicker wooden bobbin and this means that it is easier to put lots of bobbins on your pillow because they take up less room. I tend to go for slimmer bone bobbins because then with a standard spangle they weigh the same. For example I prefer Stuart Johnson's slim bobbins that he makes with the crystals on them to his thicker bobbins because they weigh and handle differently, Whilst any of Chris Parsons' bone or wood work well for me including his pewter inlay ones. If I'm given a bobbin or buy one that weighs different to my normal bobbins then I adjust the weight to match by using heavier or lighter beads as needed. For example` Chris Parson's pewter inlay bobbins; I've put lighter beads on these because the bobbin itself is slightly heavier. When I started making lace, I tended to work with heavier spangles and over the years have gone from a 7 bead spangle to a 5 bead. I also prefer a particular length of bobbin for working and of course`, have favourites that handle best. If I was less lazy on a sunday morning I would get out of bed and go and weigh my bobbins, Perhaps something to do this afternoon. L Kind Regards Liz Baker Have a look at my bobbins on my website; http://thelacebee.weebly.com > On 19 Apr 2015, at 01:43, Jenny Brandis <[email protected]> wrote: > > So, What do your bobbins weigh? Does your tension change if you use a > different style of bobbin? > > - 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/
