Yep, I have got Covid Stir crazy syndrome.
You may remember that after all my (our, I include Diana of course)) years of bobbin study I only recently was told that all early Downton bobbins were hand carved. From this I want to ask you all two questions please.
1. If you have any Downton bobbins can you look critically at them a see if there may be any carving signs on them. Mostly you will see this evidence in the neck area, but you might see them elsewhere.
2. When we think of bobbins being used from say (not being pedantic) 1500 onward s and the very few lathes available at that time[They gradually became more available until about 1750 ish, from then on all bobbins appear to have been turned] Do you think that all our early English used (East Midland) bobbin were hand carved? Are all hand carved bobbins "old" [i.e. pre 1750?] I think when i am asking these questions i am thinking that I am assuming "copies" of the bobbins being used as opposed to ornate hand carved bobbins.
Its a huge subject and for sure i do not have any formed ideas about this topic, but perhaps you may have, so please share them with us.
I am aware of a collector who is currently specializing in hand carved bobbins (EM) I wonder what she thinks.
I am probably crazy! Please take care of yourself and family. -- Brian Cooranbong. Australia - 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/
