Jane Partridge wrote: Most of the lace I have learnt has been with a teacher, however, tatting was different, I couldn't pick it up from being shown. In the end, I had two different books on my lap, and used both at the same time to eventually find the explanation of what I should do in a way that I could understand. I think the same applies here - having a copy of Elsie Luxton's "The Technique of Honiton Lace" (Batsford, now Chrysalis) or Susanne Thompson's "An Introduction to Honiton Lace" (Batsford) - borrowed from a library if necessary, as at least the latter is out of print - may help tremendously when instructions are not seeming as clear to you as they could be.
Dear Wendy, I learnt to make Honiton lace using Susanne Thompson's books - I've never been to a class for bobbin lace. An Introduction to Honiton Lace covers the basics with step-by-step instructions for a number of patterns with plenty of diagrams. The instructions for each technique start off very detailed, and gradually reduce in detail - giving you time to pick them up. After each pattern, there is a chapter with more information about how and when to use the techniques introduced. This book is still in print, and copies are often available on Ebay. Her second book, Further Steps in Honiton Lace is in the same format, covering raised Honiton. This is the one which is out of print. I borrowed a copy from my local library for a year and worked through it gradually - but eventually managed to obtain a second hand copy. I find these useful to refer back to when working other patterns - the diagrams mean often just a glance at the right page is enough to let me know I was thinking along the right lines. I have Elsie Luxton's books - but they aren't as easy to follow, especially as I am a visual learner. The way Suzanne's instructions gradually phased out gave me the confidence to move on to other patterns without instructions and even design some of my own lace. Hope this helps, Karen Coventry, England - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
