I learnt to sew and do some basic embroidery when I was around 5, so by the time I had to take needlework in high school (6th and 7th grades it was compulsory for girls), I was fairly competent, much to the chagrin of my teachers, and my personal frustration with them.
I also learnt to knit at about 5, and have knitted more than my share of sweaters over the years :-) I also learnt to crochet, and I'm not great at it, but I can get by. It's not my favourite thing though. It took me 2 attempts (as a pre-teen and mid teen) to learn tatting, and whilst I'm not a competent or skillful tatter, I can do enough to have a little on the go for a change or something portable. When I started lacemaking at the age of 12, almost 32 years ago, I learnt along with Mum, who re-taught herself from Margaret Hamer's books (they were about all she could get at the time in Oz). She found a teacher, and is still in touch with her and some of the ladies she learnt with. From what I remember, 1 of them only knew honiton, and had never made anything but honiton. It may be that learning Torchon first is one of those 'traditions' that goes with particular regions or types, and is perpetuated by how and from whom people learn and subsequently move around. Just a random Sunday thought. Cheers, Helen in Denver - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
