"Lace making is two easy stitches, combined in different ways, to create
beautiful and inspiring pieces. Come learn how simple and fun the basics can
be and discover the joy in creativity, and the bliss in making a timeless
treasure!"
I understand Devon's concern, as I pondered it myself, so decided that telling
the fundaments and goal would be the truthful approach. Perhaps the word
"process" could be included, as with any form of needlework, it is a process of
varying lengths of time and technique that creates the end result.
When I started bobbin lace, I was struck by how simple the beginning of bobbin
lace are. As with knitting (example), one sees an end result, sweater, shawl,
whatever and then learns Knit and Purl, and later a YO is introduced. A YO is
essentially a K st. (if wrapped properly to give the largest eyelet), just not
entered into the st. differently, so evolves, as with bobbin lace stitches.
Too much info at the onset of the course can be intimidating.
Most people who look at lace feel that it looks very complicated, and the
fundaments of it are not. Most who are drawn to needlework will see (as they
would with a sweater) that it will take time, and the fear for the instructor
is that one may not realize that inches in knitting for example, may be only
one inch in bobbin lace.
I don't think that knitting instructors fear this "process" concern the same
way lace instructors may. We should not overcompensate nor apologize for our
lesser known art, thinking that effort/time keeps them at bay. Like teaching a
child, if one doesn't project their fear into them and just shows them a task
beyond their years, they just accept they can do it, or rally, knowing someone
believes in them and anything is possible, with practice and patience.
We are a "push the button/pop the pill" society in that we want results fast,
and bobbin lace will bring one's lack of patience to the forefront, and then
they will decide if the goal will make them overcome and endure, or
sample/taste and move on.
The beauty of lace and goal as something timeless (of which a sweater for
example, may or may not provide) may be enough of a "dangling carrot."
I honestly don't think that most going into lace will think it is fairly simple
(at least initially) and show up expecting that it will be fairly difficult. A
larger percentage (since most entering into this most likely will have at least
some needlework perspective) needs to know that if they can learn several
embroidery stitches and embellish a pillow, or two basic stitches and knit
(whether a small scarf or something more involved), that the repetition of two
basic stitches, changed in order, can result in something they can be proud of,
whether their evidence results in one inch, or large quantities in their future.
After all, they need to see if they enjoy the process, and the feel of the
bobbins and thread and sound they make, mental (and unconscious) pattern of
rhythm and keeping track is something worth their effort.
Lace to me has two seemingly opposite polarities. One is the mental challenge
(as in sudoku) but there is the part that is repetitive and could be almost
boring, if you know what I am trying to communicate. These, along with many
others I won't go into, can be what actually endear a student to lace.
Well, enough of that. <S>
Off to slay dragons...(can wound bobbins be considered a weapon? David and
Goliath comes to mind....LOL)
Best,
Susan Reishus
-
To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line:
unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to
[email protected]
