You are confused, Clare? Me too! Do we have any Russian Lace experts? If you are shy about writing to the list, please write to me. We would like to know what books/authors have included Kopek/Whirlpool fillings as content. We'd like to see actual photos and other instructions for it. So far, all we have is one line drawing illustrating how the Whirlpool Filling stitch is made - in Bridget Cook's book. On page 19 of Cook's Russian Lace Making (English, German, Dutch, French) there are 2 paragraphs about the general topic of Russian Lace Fillings. The Whirlpool Filling explanation and illustration on page 21 is brief. No placement of pins is illustrated or even mentioned until page 22, which covers some variations. I am not commenting on the variations, because just getting basics is enough for most lacemakers reading this.Â
The one illustration shows 8 spokes reaching outward from the center. It does not illustrate how spokes are anchored at the perimeter. Then, it looks like a first stitch comes up in the center, goes over a spoke, then is taken back under that spoke and brought up and forward clock-wise to over the next spoke and back under, repeated for as many rounds as desired. This Whirlpool Filling calls for manipulating 2 bobbins in a most awkward manner that in no way resembles cross or twist stitches. How can this filling can be worked half way out to the perimeter of spokes using bulky bobbins? I think the spokes would be forced out of intended alignment. The one illustration shows two bobbins, but the way they are to be used will present a dexterity challenge to many lacemakers. I maintain that using one threaded needle will be easier. Tip: You can stitch with the eye end of a threaded needle to avoid splitting threads with the point. Because this is such an unusual filling, practice before using. Clare's finished example is at:http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/ To answer Clare's question: Yes, the Woven Spider's Web embroidery stitch is made with a threaded needle. It would be easier to hold one needle to make the Whirlpool Filling effect than trying to manipulate 2 bobbins over and under thread spokes. Jeri Ames in Maine USALace and Embroidery Resource Center In a message dated 2/21/2019 6:19:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: I'm a bit confused by your email Jeri, are you saying that the Woven Spider's Web is made with a needle? Kopek filling is made with a pair of bobbins. I don't know where the name Kopek filling comes from but I have only ever seen the filling used in Russian Tape lace and it makes sense for the Kopek name to have come from Russia. I have been told that Bridget Cook coined the phrase Whirlpool filling when she wrote Russian Tape Lace but I don't know if this is correct and if it is I don't know why she did that. Clare------------------------------ On Thu, 21 Feb 2019 at 17:46, Jeri Ames <[email protected]> wrote: Please tell us where the Kopek/Whirlpool name originated - (Author and Book Title, or Teacher). A sampler of my making dated 1974 contains the stitch called Woven Spider's Web.  This happens to be a stitch made with a threaded needle, with the eye end of the needle used to weave. It can be worked in-the-air (lace) or anchored on a pre-existing foundation fabric (embroidery). - 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/
