Hi Devon & all, I’m not sure if this will make it to the list because I’m one of those hangers-on still using AOL, but on a somewhat off-topic point, I was taken by Devon’s comments about how fine some lace threads were. While visiting the V&A some years ago, the same thoughts occurred to me. As a spinner as well as a lacemaker, it also struck me that as fine as the threads were, they were also most likely at least two-ply, thus making the observation even more amazing. As far as I can find, the first machine spinning originated with the invention of the Spinning Jenny in around 1765, but some information suggests that the thread produced from these machines was coarse and not strong. In any case, earlier laces would then most likely have used handspun thread? What do others think?
Vicki in Maryland - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
