--- Carol Adkinson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Is the needlelace > pillow absolutely necessary?
The answer is NO. We did not use pillows in the needlelace class I took. I can see the advantage when working larger pieces, but small projects can be held in the hands. You need a base to give support to your project. This would be at least two layers of fabric. You also need a pattern, and it's helpful to have a smooth surface for the top layer. The pattern can be drawn on plain fabric, or (in reverse) on the back of clear plastic top layer. This plastic should be soft and flexible. At least two layers of fabric are desired so you can clip between the layers to release the finished needlelace from the working sandwich. If the fabric is quite soft, more than two layers may be needed to provide the support. However, the whole sandwich needs to be flexible enough to bend over a finger so the working area is 'raised' a bit for easier stitching. The modern plastics give us an advantage over the past needlelacers. We can find pieces that are smooth enough for the needle to qlide over, yet still be soft enough to bend and fold, and to baste through when setting up the foundation threads. Experienced needlelacers may have other suggestions or favorite materials that work for them. I have had only one class, and am definitely a novice in the art. Make up a small project, tuck it in your purse, and have a great trip. Alice in Oregon -- cloudy with threat of rain - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
