The stories about how people were introduced to lace are interesting, and here is mine.
I first saw bobbin lace at "Fortress Louisbourg", a reconstructed French fortified town on the east side of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. There was a pillow on display but no one was working on it at the time. I was fascinated and took several pictures. It was not until about five years later when I was living (temporarily, compliments of husband's employer) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.A. that I saw a notice in the local newspaper for a half-day lecture on lace. After the lecture and a small workshop (I still have the two inch piece I made) I signed up for classes. I never predicted the friendships and richness this hobby would add to my life and trips to conventions in North America, the Netherlands, Japan and France. Ilske, I was interested in your story about yourself as a child of three or four, sitting on the lap of your aunt and watching her make lace with her left hand only. About ten years ago I was demonstrating lacemaking at a crowded event with people constantly on the move past our booth. One lady visited for a long time and talked about doing various crafts but she had never seen bobbin lace being worked. She asked lots of questions and seemed extremely interested in learning. It wasn't until she was leaving that I noticed she only had one arm. I have often wondered if she followed up and investigated lacemaking further. It is always amazing what "handicapped" (I hope that is a politically-correct term) people can do and I am wondering if other Arachnians have seen or worked with lacemakers with one arm or, as in the case of Ilske's aunt, an arm that is paralyzed. Ruth Johnson Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Where I am feeling sorry for myself because I have a cold - poor me!) - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
