Hi Julie, It’s a long time since I worked any Hollie Point but I used Madeira Tanne 50 for the best sample I made (I’ll send you a scan privately). In that one I had about 8 rows and 15 stitches in a 0.25 in square. By comparison a piece of Hollie Point in the Glasgow Museums Collection had about 10 rows and 22 stitches in a 0.25 in square - more stitches closer together, although I was getting close. I can’t remember what size needle I used. I do remember that I could only work that tightly with good light and sometimes needed a magnifying glass too!
You do need to use short lengths of thread for needle lace - the length of your forearm is a good guide. Any more than that and the threads will start looking sad before you get to the end. When Hollie Point was made I expect linen was used rather than cotton but I’ve never seen any made with silk. I’ve always found that linen available today isn’t good for needlelace as it tends to fall apart quickly. Perhaps the quality was better in the 18th/19th century. Jean in cool but dry Glasgow - 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/
