Jean Reardon mentions a frogging panel illustrated in the latest issue of 'Lace'. This is a copy of one of 56 small pieces in the Hardwick Hall collection. In the Hall's records these are described as 'oak leaves' with no reference to the original use which would have been as frogging on furnishings - probably either a bed or the corners of a heavy table-cloth. Half the pieces have a loop at one end, the others a toggle. It is worked with metal threads and a metallic strip.
I used bobbin lace tools and techniques to make my copies, but could not say for sure if this is how the originals were made in the 16th or 17th century. Instructions for making the panels can be found in '*Surface Decoration in Silk and Metallic Thread*' the third in my series of books on early bobbin lace. There is a very good chance that students attending the course at Hardwick will be able to see the original 'oak leaves' and other examples of the Hall's early lace. I'm looking forward to a busy summer sharing my love of early lace. In addition to the Hardwick course in June and the Lace Guild Summer School in August, I also expect to be teaching at the IOLI convention in July in San Antonio. I am replacing a tutor who had to pull out so the course was not advertised in the latest Bulletin, but details are now on the IOLI website - go to morning and/or afternoon classes on the convention page. In any of these courses I would be happy to help students work an 'oak leaf' Gil - 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/
