[lace] Cottier Bobbin
I was asked today to date a Cottier Bobbin, I.e. tell the person when it came on to the market in France. I had no idea and could not find out.. probably because I hardly even have any schoolboy French these days! Can anyone help please? PS It annoys me that I do not know this (not that I think I should know everything) but I cant ever remember reading about its manufacture and or marketing. Brian and Jean Lemin Cooranbong. Australia You can see my Lace bobbin stuff on: http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/webdocs.html and my Ukulele stuff on: http://ukulele3fingerjazz.weebly.com/ - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Demise of suppliers
One of the problems is that once you've got your basic pillow, sufficient bobbins and (usually too many) books (for you to complete everything in it you want to), really the only thing you NEED is thread. And that won't keep a supplier in business. They rely, not only on newbies, but those of us who already have the basic supplies WANTING extra pillows, patterns, books, bobbins and other equipment .. The there's the question are there sufficient young people taking up the craft and buying the supplies to replace those of us in our dotage who will eventually give up because we can no longer cope or go to join other lacemakers on a cloud. Jean in Poole, Dorset, UK - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] New Stamps from France
I went onto the website too, I have no French so it was initially a little daunting, then I noticed that I wasn't viewing the whole page so moved it around and found at the very top right four/five flags and clicked onto the UK one, and hey presto the pages were translated into English - no problem - the payment pages were in French only but it was all quite obvious as to what to do so all very straightforward - for a change. Nicky in Suffolk - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Sign of the times - call for action?
The 70s and 80s corresponded with a craft revival. There was a lot of weaving going on and some people crossed over between this and lace. Also, macrame was very popular. I think the multi element nature of macrame helped set the stage for lacemaking. Many of the vendors that have been active in the last generation, Kaethe Kliot, Robin Lewis Wild, Robbin Russ, Holly Van Sciver, were young then and entered the field of vending. I think that we are seeing the end of a movement that began in the 1970s. We were also going through the bi-centennial which gave a lot of opportunity to demonstrate lace, but with an emphasis on the historical aspect. However, we may be in another craft revival. I see young people doing a lot of knitting and other craft work. I am quite interested in the exhibition and symposium for young lacemakers that is to be held in Pavia next fall. Textile Support is a school that teaches fiber arts in Pavia. It is run by Anharad Rixon, the young scholar who wrote about her research into the composition of lace thread during the 17th century. I think this website is very inviting to young fiber artist types. _http://www.textilesupport.it/index_en.html_ (http://www.textilesupport.it/index_en.html) Apparently there is no shortage of young lacemakers (under 35) in Europe. After looking at the Textile Support site, my boss at the MMA went on the internet and found several places that seem to have the same kind of set up in New York. _http://www.makeworkshop.com/content/classes/classes_general.html_ (http://www.makeworkshop.com/content/classes/classes_general.html) _http://www.textileartscenter.com/immersion_vacation_ (http://www.textileartscenter.com/immersion_vacation) _http://lenacorwinstudio.blogspot.com/_ (http://lenacorwinstudio.blogspot.com/) Unfortunately, what I think is really needed to connect to young lacemakers is a young teacher with lots of energy who can tune in on what young people would find interesting about lace. Devon In a message dated 10/13/2011 7:28:28 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, lynrbai...@desupernet.net writes: Dear Clay, et al, Any lacemaker worth his/her salt is concerned about having suppliers in the future. Part of it is tied to whether or not a lace supplier can make a comfortable profit, whether the trip to a lace day is worth the effort in terms of amount of sales. This then is a function of the number of lace makers at lace days and there to buy supplies from, at a distance. If you check the membership numbers of IOLI, for example, the numbers have gone down over the last 10 years. Significantly. There was a point in the last century, (wow, doesn't that sound long ago?) when the number of lace makers jumped, or at least rose strongly. I remember writing to all the suppliers listed at the back of the books I had, for catalogs, in 1991, and finding that there were a number who were not really there. But no worry, because there were plenty of others. And then there was the online sales revolution. But that does not seem to have increased the number of lacemakers. An ancillary issue is the number of those wanting to buy supplies. The number increased greatly. I'd like to know why. For example, I've lived long enough to know that the number of fabric stores increases in times of poor economics, and decreases in times of plenty, over the last 40 years. Will that continue? What was happening in the '70's and '80's that increased the number of lacemakers, and can we do that again? We have been very fortunate in our vendors in the past, because among them have been, and are, people passionate about the art, seemingly willing to work hard merely for the love of lace, and these stalwarts have done immeasurable things to the benefit of lace as it is now. But in a hard reality, we will have more lace suppliers if there is a greater demand. The situation concerning vendors is merely a symptom of a greater problem, in my opinion. If there were an easy fix, it would have been done. Lyn in Lancaster, where it has been rainy and cloudy all day. But the weather was great in Ithaca, making camping during the Ithaca Lace Days a great pleasure. -Original Message- From: Clay Blackwell clayblackw...@comcast.net Sent: Oct 13, 2011 6:10 PM To: ARACHNE lace@arachne.com Subject: [lace] Sign of the times - call for action? Dear Lacemakers - In the past ten days we have learned of not one but two of our trusted and faithful lace vendors who have decided it is time to close shop. Lacy Susan has sold her business to someone in Colorado, and Tracy Jackson is hoping to sell The Lacemaker. That leaves only Holly VanSciver on the East coast who has historically traveled to lace days and also provided a web business for our convenience. I'm afraid that the demise of these other two vendors may put Holly over
Re: [lace] Demise of suppliers
Haha Jean I love the bit about the only thing you need... Reminds me of the start of my daughters shoe fetish 3 years old and saw red leather fur lined boots in a local shop. The conversation went along the lines of I want those boots... I want never gets... says I. madam waited till Grandma came Can we go to shops Grandma?, of course Grandma says yes... Madam shows Grandma the boots Grandma I NEED those boots to keep my toes nice and warm, guess who bought the boots (BTW, Kyra is now 25 and owns around 200 pairs of boots or shoes...) Now are you sure you got the Need and Want the right way round??? Sue in East Yorks On 14 Oct 2011, at 08:07, Jean Nathan wrote: One of the problems is that once you've got your basic pillow, sufficient bobbins and (usually too many) books (for you to complete everything in it you want to), really the only thing you NEED is thread. And that won't keep a supplier in business. They rely, not only on newbies, but those of us who already have the basic supplies WANTING extra pillows, patterns, books, bobbins and other equipment .. The there's the question are there sufficient young people taking up the craft and buying the supplies to replace those of us in our dotage who will eventually give up because we can no longer cope or go to join other lacemakers on a cloud. Jean in Poole, Dorset, UK - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003 - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Sign of the times - call for action? (long)
As Jean said, there comes a point when you have the equipment and thread you need and don't really need any more... I don't think you can gain any real idea of the actual number of lacemakers based on Guild/Organisation membership - certainly one of the major problems facing any national Guild is that people share their magazines with others, thus removing the need for those people who, when asked at events why they are not a member, say our teacher brings the magazine into class so we don't need to join - thus for every member, there may be anywhere from two to ten non-members! This of course affects the members in that with less people subscribing, there are fewer of them to bear the costs of the services they receive, so subscriptions have to increase, and each time that happens, fewer renew their membership. There are then the problems (very evident at the moment for one lace organisation) of not having willing volunteers to serve on committees - this is widespread, and the committee I'm on needs six more people to be elected next year to be able to work at full strength. (There is NO danger of our closing, but a strong danger of committee members being overworked if we don't gain some new blood!). You don't need to be an expert, or even an expert lacemaker, to serve on a committee - it helps to have input from all walks of lace-life!) The biggest problem we all face is the lack of new lacemakers - in the UK the governments over the last 30 years or so have cut the funding for recreational classes - the brilliant idea of lifelong learning brought with it a need for everyone to have a certificate at the end of a course, and thus take exams with every course - which not everyone wants to do. So, Adult Education classes have dropped, to the point where, with the withdrawal of the City Guilds courses in Lacemaking (except for existing students, and the goal posts as to when that will finish entirely keep being moved) means there are no recognised qualifications to justify the classes being held. Many teachers have now moved to running private classes, but this makes finding classes more difficult for those who would have looked down the Adult Education prospectus in their local newspaper, so they don't know where to look for classes. When lacemakers go out and demonstrate, they frequently do so in needlecraft circles - and Organisation stands are taken at needlecraft shows - they totally ignore the fact that many people are interested in more than one range of activities - I have demonstrated with success at papercraft shows because we are the something very different - to be effective you need to be out where everyone can see, in shopping malls, zoos, stately homes, as well as craft fairs - with full details of all classes/groups meeting within the distance of which people are likely to travel to the place where you are. This of course takes research - it is no good handing out a teacher's name and address if they have or are just about to give up classes, or their class is full with a long waiting list. Data Protection laws also mean that you need permission to give out the information. Don't be misled into thinking that it is only worth getting young people interested - many of the newly retired may have 30-40 years to take up a new interest, and you are never too old to learn, and to pass your skills on to your children and grandchildren. Gain a young person, and they may lose interest due to other pressures on time and finances. Gain an older person, and they may spread the interest throughout their family! If you are the teacher/group member who takes your magazine in to share with others, consider what would happen if everyone did that - there would be insufficient members to keep the organisation active - so only show it once, explain the benefits you are gaining from your membership and give them a form so that they can join too! If they use the patterns in your magazine, remember both you and they are probably breaking copyright law! In message 18852739.1318548487564.javamail.r...@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net , lynrbai...@desupernet.net writes If you check the membership numbers of IOLI, for example, the numbers have gone down over the last 10 years. Significantly. There was a point in the last century, (wow, doesn't that sound long ago?) when the number of lace makers jumped, or at least rose strongly. -- Jane Partridge - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Sign of the times - call for action?
I don't think it is totally a dwindling interest in lacemaking. It is also the economy. The overall trend is up in needlework that requires less monetary investment and provides more actual creative activity and satisfaction (or bang for your buck, as we say in the US). An analogy is the surge in lace and sock knitting, where $20 can have you into a project and knitting for a long time. vs. a sweater where the old $60 investment is now $120-350, so people go for one skein projects that are more intense. Many people stashed out with patterns, prickings, thread and other things in the last decade and are now culling back and using up what they have, and watching to see what the economy will do. There are some who don't spend because they cannot as their income has been compromised, and those who have the same flow but save to be cautious (though affected a small percentage by food and gas prices). I have had a some friends who spend more when there is a recession, as they feel a moral obligation to help the economy, but I see both sides. Along with OOP books being so high priced and fewer new ones to choose from, people could get stilted at the onset, to at least some degree. The challenge I see, is for lace suppliers to be out in the marketplace so people remember them and sell product (for touch see) vs. being accessible for those who want to order online or via the phone. I have had much frustration in not being able to reach vendors as they are gone so often to market, and admit I gave up on one vendor for that reason. When the consumer weighs the financial investment to go to fairs and view books personally, the math comes out better to order and take the risk, as there are other places one can unload, whether a local guild or online sale. That doesn't cover attending fairs to learn, see others, and the creative satiation, but one quickly realizes that we need to subsidize our authors and vendors. Frankly, I believe a monopoly would not serve well for many reasons. There are lesser known vendors who are still there to serve us (whom have also discussed quitting). This may end up further subsidizing the downloadable or digital market, as constricted accessibility forces people to become self-reliant for writing and designs and then will be forced to self-publish, as has happened in lace knitting. I have tried to support smaller vendors as their prices were often fairer and their customer service and sharing, exemplary. Sadly, the writing is on the wall unless the word gets out to the media about lacemaking. The lace fashion trend is there, but people don't seem to even know about bobbin lace, for instance. Many things will shuffle out with changes going on more intensely in the world. I went into an area variety type store that had everything imaginable, and only spent $60. I thought the owner would hug me. We don't realize how difficult it is out there financially, so help when you can. I have lived the life of self-employment where you have to be at trade fairs, and in the meantime people need you to be in the office and no staff good enough to be able to replicate what you do. You become torn and financially, physically, mentally and emotionally drained. Please purchase what you can, when you can. I think we need not only to make lace, but take it out in the public (such as wearing it) so people see what is possible to make/do. The kindness and customer service from Lacy Susan and Lacemaker USA, will leave a big void. Best, Susan Reishus - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Cottier Bobbin
Jacques Cottier was an early 19th century manufacturer of lacemaking equipment in France. He published a book called Manuel Pratique pour apprendre soi-meme a faire la dentelle aux fuseau, which helped advertise his equipment. That went through 4 editions, 1902, 1904, 1908, 1913. He is most well known for his 'encapsulated' bobbin where you screw off the bottom portion of the bobbon and put in a small spool of thread (which he conveniently sold). The thread comes out to the shank through a tiny hole. The bobbin is illustrated in detail in his book. Not terribly practical. A complete set of these with the original pillow sold a few years ago, it looks very impressive all put together. Cottier was also one of the early 19th century promotors advocating the 'lace by numbers' system that quickly made its way into the Torchon Lace Company literature for the Princess Lace Machine in the USA. Laurie http://lacenews.net - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Cottier Bobbin
There's a great site for information on Cottier at http://dentelle-et-papillon.over-blog.com/article-les-fuseaux-cottier-46874641.html Laurie http://lacenews.net - Original Message - From: Laurie Waters lswaters...@comcast.net To: lace@arachne.com; Brian Lemin brid...@bigpond.com Cc: Laurie Waters lswaters...@comcast.net Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 7:18 AM Subject: Re: Cottier Bobbin Jacques Cottier was an early 19th century manufacturer of lacemaking equipment in France. He published a book called Manuel Pratique pour apprendre soi-meme a faire la dentelle aux fuseau, which helped advertise his equipment. That went through 4 editions, 1902, 1904, 1908, 1913. He is most well known for his 'encapsulated' bobbin where you screw off the bottom portion of the bobbon and put in a small spool of thread (which he conveniently sold). The thread comes out to the shank through a tiny hole. The bobbin is illustrated in detail in his book. Not terribly practical. A complete set of these with the original pillow sold a few years ago, it looks very impressive all put together. Cottier was also one of the early 19th century promotors advocating the 'lace by numbers' system that quickly made its way into the Torchon Lace Company literature for the Princess Lace Machine in the USA. Laurie http://lacenews.net - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] briefly, and deletable without reading
I wanted to thank people who provided me with helpful information (and some personal/moral support) over 4 years ago. My divorce is now final (yes, over 4 years). I look forward with excitement to my first lace day attendance in a long time. May not make Chesapeake, but looking forward to doing what I can to promote the craft. With sincere regards and respect, Carrie Salafia -- Carrie carolyn.sala...@gmail.com - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Need and Want, was Demise of suppliers
Dear Jean, Sue, et al, I must side more with Sue on this. Lace is, in general, superfluous. (Won't that get a lot of responses!) You can't put it on to make you warm, alone it doesn't cover your nakedness, You can't use it to dry things, or use it to cook, or in the garden, or eat it, unless you make it to sell, and then feed yourself, and who does that in these times? It does, however, engage the mind, creates things of beauty, satisfies the soul, create intellectual inquiry, and helps find friends with a mind like your own. As a group, lacemakers are a highly, highly intelligent bunch, although I say it as shouldn't. The only place where Jean's idea actually works, in my opinion, is in thread, if you work only in white. One spool of Egyptian 60 lasts a long, long time. I have a pound of Fawcett linen 40/2 that I bought in the '80's, and it appears almost full, although I have used it a lot. Suppliers carry things for lacemakers because they can be useful. Those plastic things that can be used for coasters, with a place for a scrap of lace can spur one on. I need a use for my lace, and that can be hard to find. Books, now there's my downfall, especially egregious since lace books usually are not cheap, and go from there to incredibly pricey. And you can't say, well, I can get it out from the library, or borrow it from my friend. Perhaps I should look into the lending capacities of my local group, or IOLI, but I am an information and book junkie, and need such things on my own shelves. I reread. That and fabric is where I am a true packrat. A savvy supplier angles things so the teacher also has a new book, and also carries all the other books of that author/teacher. I know such a situation increases sales to me. A savvy supplier also keeps an eye out for things from other disciplines that can be useful to the lace maker. I wonder if there is a way to parlay the current revival in knitting to recruit new lace makers? Lyn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US, where it's still cool, 66F, 17C, grey, damp, raining. A good day to sit, eat chocolate, and make lace. -Original Message- From: Sue Duckles s...@duckles.me.uk Sent: Oct 14, 2011 7:25 AM To: Jean Nathan j...@nathan54.freeserve.co.uk Cc: Lace lace@arachne.com Subject: Re: [lace] Demise of suppliers Haha Jean I love the bit about the only thing you need... Reminds me of the start of my daughters shoe fetish 3 years old and saw red leather fur lined boots in a local shop. The conversation went along the lines of I want those boots... I want never gets... says I. madam waited till Grandma came Can we go to shops Grandma?, of course Grandma says yes... Madam shows Grandma the boots Grandma I NEED those boots to keep my toes nice and warm, guess who bought the boots (BTW, Kyra is now 25 and owns around 200 pairs of boots or shoes...) Now are you sure you got the Need and Want the right way round??? Sue in East Yorks On 14 Oct 2011, at 08:07, Jean Nathan wrote: One of the problems is that once you've got your basic pillow, sufficient bobbins and (usually too many) books (for you to complete everything in it you want to), really the only thing you NEED is thread. And that won't keep a supplier in business. They rely, not only on newbies, but those of us who already have the basic supplies WANTING extra pillows, patterns, books, bobbins and other equipment .. The there's the question are there sufficient young people taking up the craft and buying the supplies to replace those of us in our dotage who will eventually give up because we can no longer cope or go to join other lacemakers on a cloud. Jean in Poole, Dorset, UK - - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Need and Want, was Demise of suppliers
As a 20-something, I frequently see people in my age group knitting. However, they're not knitting sweaters or stockings, they're knitting plush dolls inspired by video games and TV shows. If you see a 19 year old knitting a orange and yellow hat, she is not just making a new hat for the winter, she is making a Jayne Hat as inspired by a character in the sci-fi western TV show Firefly. Several other knit projects I see *frequently* are stuffed animal style Metriods, from the classic 80s video game of the same name, and SackBoy dolls, as inspired by the more recent Little Big Planet. In my own experience with bobbin lace, I have started to make lace gears, which I aim to assemble in a Honiton fashion to create clockwork-inspired edgings or fan leaves for a Steampunk costume. Lacemaking, for me, and knitting for my peers, is about creating art relevant to my other interests. Hanky edgings and doilies are as much of interest to me as a pair of plain stockings are to a young knitter: beyond the learning phase, absolutely none. To appeal to a younger demographic, emphasize butterflies and angels. Once one has the skills to design and make a butterfly, they can then go on to create pretty much anything. On that note, teach design along with the lacemaking itself. No young person I know would be satisfied just knowing how to follow existing patterns, or recreating old lace. Teach what's needed to modify, combine, and create new patterns, and we will. -Katelyn Schreyer On Oct 14, 2011, at 10:24 AM, lynrbai...@desupernet.net lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: Dear Jean, Sue, et al, I must side more with Sue on this. Lace is, in general, superfluous. (Won't that get a lot of responses!) You can't put it on to make you warm, alone it doesn't cover your nakedness, You can't use it to dry things, or use it to cook, or in the garden, or eat it, unless you make it to sell, and then feed yourself, and who does that in these times? It does, however, engage the mind, creates things of beauty, satisfies the soul, create intellectual inquiry, and helps find friends with a mind like your own. As a group, lacemakers are a highly, highly intelligent bunch, although I say it as shouldn't. The only place where Jean's idea actually works, in my opinion, is in thread, if you work only in white. One spool of Egyptian 60 lasts a long, long time. I have a pound of Fawcett linen 40/2 that I bought in the '80's, and it appears almost full, although I have used it a lot. Suppliers carry things for lacemakers because they can be useful. Those plastic things that can be used for coasters, with a place for a scrap of lace can spur one on. I need a use for my lace, and that can be hard to find. Books, now there's my downfall, especially egregious since lace books usually are not cheap, and go from there to incredibly pricey. And you can't say, well, I can get it out from the library, or borrow it from my friend. Perhaps I should look into the lending capacities of my local group, or IOLI, but I am an information and book junkie, and need such things on my own shelves. I reread. That and fabric is where I am a true packrat. A savvy supplier angles things so the teacher also has a new book, and also carries all the other books of that author/teacher. I know such a situation increases sales to me. A savvy supplier also keeps an eye out for things from other disciplines that can be useful to the lace maker. I wonder if there is a way to parlay the current revival in knitting to recruit new lace makers? Lyn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US, where it's still cool, 66F, 17C, grey, damp, raining. A good day to sit, eat chocolate, and make lace. -Original Message- From: Sue Duckles s...@duckles.me.uk Sent: Oct 14, 2011 7:25 AM To: Jean Nathan j...@nathan54.freeserve.co.uk Cc: Lace lace@arachne.com Subject: Re: [lace] Demise of suppliers Haha Jean I love the bit about the only thing you need... Reminds me of the start of my daughters shoe fetish 3 years old and saw red leather fur lined boots in a local shop. The conversation went along the lines of I want those boots... I want never gets... says I. madam waited till Grandma came Can we go to shops Grandma?, of course Grandma says yes... Madam shows Grandma the boots Grandma I NEED those boots to keep my toes nice and warm, guess who bought the boots (BTW, Kyra is now 25 and owns around 200 pairs of boots or shoes...) Now are you sure you got the Need and Want the right way round??? Sue in East Yorks On 14 Oct 2011, at 08:07, Jean Nathan wrote: One of the problems is that once you've got your basic pillow, sufficient bobbins and (usually too many) books (for you to complete everything in it you want to), really the only thing you NEED is thread. And that won't keep a supplier in business. They rely, not only on newbies, but those of us who already have the basic supplies WANTING extra pillows,
Re: [lace] Sign of the times - call for action? (long)
On 10/14/11 7:53 AM, Jane Partridge wrote: (There is NO danger of our closing, but a strong danger of committee members being overworked if we don't gain some new blood!). Which leads to another vicious circle when one member can't take it any more and drops out, which increases the strain on the others . . . -- Joy Beeson http://joybeeson.home.comcast.net/ http://roughsewing.home.comcast.net/ http://n3f.home.comcast.net/ -- Writers' Exchange http://www.debeeson.net/LakeCam/LakeCam.shtml#content west of Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.A. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Demise of suppliers
On 14 Oct 2011, at 08:07, Jean Nathan wrote: Then there's the question are there sufficient young people taking up the craft and buying the supplies to replace those of us in our dotage who will eventually give up because we can no longer cope or go to join other lacemakers on a cloud. Personally I think that that is the main issue, and I think that it's probably true world wide and not just here in UK, or US where this discussion began. The older ones stay with the craft until they are either unable to continue but there are very few new, younger lacemakers taking their places. Back in the 70s when I started learning BL we were glad to get hold of any sort of bobbins or thread and there were very few books published. Then the boom years came in the 80s and 90s with suppliers and bobbin makers galore, but gradually many of them decided they had had enough. Some of the businesses were sold as going concerns but but usually when that happened the new owners were not able to carry so much stock, and so the choices became more limited. Also the traders, like their customers, are ageing. I know that there are several UK suppliers who are near, if not past, pensionable age. With the current economic woes of the world and the fact that getting up early, driving for a couple of hours, shifting a van load of wares into a hall, greeting customers and then shifting most of it back to the van and driving home again knowing that the stock all has to be put away again for mail orders to be dealt with is physically demanding, and it wouldn't surprise me if the UK were to loose some of the long established lacemaking supplies business in the next year or so. I don't know what the answer to this is, although it is true that adult education has also declined significantly over the last few years which means that it is harder for a beginner to find the tuition they need and so goes on to learn some other craft that is more accessible. My only regret after the years I spent teaching in adult education is that not a single one of my students went on to become lace teachers themselves. Brenda in Allhallows www.brendapaternoster.co.uk - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Lace newbies and continuation of textile arts
I came into lace making accidentally by purchasing a bag of bobbins at a thrift store several years ago. I didn't know what they were, but they were cheap and looked interesting. I thought I could use them in dollhouse miniatures. Then while browsing on ebay for something else sometime later, I learned what they were. It was still a while after that before I was exposed to the craft itself. Our local library has an online listing of many local groups, and Lacemakers of the Ozarks is one of them. Most of the meetings are at one library branch or another. I visited a meeting with my bobbins, rented a pillow made of covered builders foam for a small refundable fee, and learned the basic stitches. They teach beginners for free and seem to truly love and embrace anyone who wants to learn. Some of the lace makers go to local fiber arts fairs, re enactments, period demonstrations, etc. They are always willing to show and share. This year there were quite a few very impressive bobbin lace pieces in the fair, and demonstrators took shifts at the exhibit. By the way, I was 55 when I made my first cross/twists. I have replaced builders foam pillows with real lace pillows and my collection of lace books has grown. I am now retired and hope to continue to learn and make lace along with all the other things I've always wanted to do. Ironically, I've kind of over scheduled my retirement! I don't think there is any set age or time of life for learning a new hobby/craft/skill. But the excitement passed on by those who teach and the thrill of completing a project eggs one on. To me it seems the way to advance the interest in any craft is to get out there and demonstrate where ever it can be done. Excitement and enthusiasm is contagious. Seeing a lot of bobbins on a pillow can be very intimidating, but being shown it is just a variation of some simple moves makes a person think anyone can do it. Granted, there are a lot of other things to remember besides cross/twist. Once one becomes interested, a desire for books and supplies naturally follows. Sometimes borrowing a book or a magazine leads to the purchase of the same. I agree that lace making books are expensive and sometimes hard to come by. My sister is interested in learning now, too. She is also in her 50's. Liz in breezy, cool Missouri, USA - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Sign of the times
I have been following the thread with regards to losing lace suppliers and wanted to put a suppliers point of view across. I started designing torchon lace patterns a number of years ago and as I already had an online craft shop I found it very easy to add my patterns to my shop. Attending lace days was similarly easy to arrange as I was already involved in organising a lace fair. Lace fairs are very hard work but they can be a source of delight when you get repeat customers saying such nice things about your patterns. I tend to design small patterns which can be made up quickly by me (I never sell anything unless I have made it myself) but they show how lace can be used in the 21st century. I am very grateful for all the positive feedback that I have received and the regular customers who purchase from me. I try and promote lace wherever I am and yes it may look like I'm trying to sell my patterns but if I don't then I can't continue. I did offer to do an interview with a lace site but I have never heard anything else since which means I don't get coverage, which in turn means I don't get new customers, no new customers then I have no business. Catch 22 situation for everyone. Being a lace supplier will not make you rich in money but the joy I know that people get from making my patterns makes me very rich indeed. I have been concerned about the lack of younger people making lace for a number of years. I tried to address this with my lace group but didn't seem to get anywhere. Without younger people coming up then there will be no lace group which will be a real shame. For some reason the lace group committee have not demonstrated for a number of years which means we are a hidden craft. If lace stops being made then it will be a great shame. We need more people who are prepared to promote lace and not keep it hidden. Lou Woo -- The Craft Corner http://www.the-craft-corner.co.uk/ - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Cottier
Just a note: the Cottier book is on the Arizona website. It was posted in August of this year. Just put Cottier in the search block and it will come right up. Enjoy! Tess (tess1...@aol.com) in Philadelphia for a bit, enjoying old friends, my mother lace group, and all that a large city offers. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] new old books on Arizona
If you go to this month on the Arizona web site, you will see that John has been busy! There are six or more new books, all from archive.org, and more will be coming as I send them to him and he does the hard work of putting them up on the site for all of us to see. Thanks, John! Tess (tess1...@aol.com) - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace]
Hello everyone I have been trying to upload a picture of a pendant which I was going to ask if anyone knows what it is. It is a teardrop shape with black lace inside. Its all changed since the last time I uploaded the MP3 case. Any ideas very welcome. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] RE: Demise of suppliers
I am going to put my two cents worth in here. I am a fairly new lace maker having only started a year and a half ago. I am 47. I first heard about lace from a book back in secondary school but didn't have the time to pursue it then. I discovered it again when I came across an ad for Lace at Sweet Briar in VA, two years ago. I contacted Clay and she sent me the broshure. I managed to talk my mother ( 69 at the time) into going with me since she was looking for a new craft. Imagine my surprise to learn while in those classes that there was a lace guild right there in town. I had lived there 15 years and never heard of it. I think part of the problem is the way we are advertising ourselves. The newer generations are looking for it to be online or on billboards/flyers they can see easily. They don't look things up at libraries anymore or any of the older methods. And don't count out the older generation; like my mother, they may be tired of their old crafts and want to try something new. The group has been great and we do have several ladies newer to lace than me. I mainly teach the next generation (my son) lace and our guild has changed the by laws to include children his age (10). With the younger children I think you need to approach the scouts or schools to gain an entry becasue so many kids are over scheduled that if it isn't spnsored by one of those groups, they don't hear about it. Also, with my son, he wants to do patterns that apeal to him. He likes the snakes, and I have made him spider and dragon patterns to do but he will not be caught doing a butterfly or flower. Maybe we need a book tailored for boys as I have not seen any out there. I have decided to take Katelyn's approach and make him patterns from his cartoons and action games. These interest him more even though they are only motifs, and have caught the attention of some of his friends. I think it is more a progression of lacemaking than anything else. If we draw them in with stuff like this, they will become interested in the older designs as an extention. I think it is the only way to increase our numbers and keep out suppliers. Amber L Forest, VA - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Sign of the times - call for action?
I've been reading the messages about the demise of Lacy Susan and The Lacemaker Shop. I'm particularly sad about The Lacemaker Shop because it's about an hour away from where I live. While it's nice to order things like thread and bobbins online, I hesitate to buy books sight unseen. Every time I went there I ended up spending about double what I had planned, because I was able to look at the books, and always found at least 2 or 3 more than I had on my list. The thing that frustrated me most about the store was that it wasn't open very often. I had thought about organizing a field trip with a few people, but it was a bit frustrating to try and find a day that she was open that was convenient for everyone. She travelled to various lace days and SCA events. A good part of her income came from these events. If it were a few years down the road I would have seriously considered taking over her business. But life is a little too complicated now. I hope whoever buys it keeps it in the area. Peg in Fairview Park OH, where it's a cool fall evening ~~~ G: What is it you want? D: Freedom... to want nothing... to expect nothing... to depend on nothing. from THE FOUNTAINHEAD by Ayn Rand - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Cottier Bobbin
Laurie, You are right. I have now bookmarked a translation web site. Thank you for your links. - Original Message - From: Laurie Waters lswaters...@comcast.net To: Brian Lemin brid...@bigpond.com Cc: Laurie Waters lswaters...@comcast.net Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 12:32 AM Subject: Re: Cottier Bobbin Take a look at http://dentelle-et-papillon.over-blog.com/article-les-fuseaux-cottier-46874641.html And there is absolutely no excuse for not speaking French anymore. Just go to Google Language and copy the text in. Voila! Laurie - Original Message - From: Brian Lemin brid...@bigpond.com To: Laurie Waters lswaters...@comcast.net Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 7:26 AM Subject: Re: Cottier Bobbin Well, thank you for such a detailed reply. I presume it is reasonable to think that it was not produced until the early 1900s? Most valuable information. Thank you Laurie. :) PS as I did my Google search I am reasonably sure I saw an eBook available for free download of one of his books. I presumed it was in French so did not pursue the entry. - Original Message - From: Laurie Waters lswaters...@comcast.net To: lace@arachne.com; Brian Lemin brid...@bigpond.com Cc: Laurie Waters lswaters...@comcast.net Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 12:18 AM Subject: Re: Cottier Bobbin Jacques Cottier was an early 19th century manufacturer of lacemaking equipment in France. He published a book called Manuel Pratique pour apprendre soi-meme a faire la dentelle aux fuseau, which helped advertise his equipment. That went through 4 editions, 1902, 1904, 1908, 1913. He is most well known for his 'encapsulated' bobbin where you screw off the bottom portion of the bobbon and put in a small spool of thread (which he conveniently sold). The thread comes out to the shank through a tiny hole. The bobbin is illustrated in detail in his book. Not terribly practical. A complete set of these with the original pillow sold a few years ago, it looks very impressive all put together. Cottier was also one of the early 19th century promotors advocating the 'lace by numbers' system that quickly made its way into the Torchon Lace Company literature for the Princess Lace Machine in the USA. Laurie http://lacenews.net __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 6542 (20111014) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 6544 (20111014) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] suppliers supplies
Hello All! The scheduled loss of The Lacemaker shop in Cortland is a downer of immense proportions not just for lacemakers. Tracy is an outstanding resource for all sorts of fascinating techniques: bobbin lace, needlelace, tape lace, Viking knitting, tatting, crochet, lace knitting, embroidery, Chinese braiding, nalbinding, sprang, kumihimo, beading--and the list goes on and on. In addition to carrying the equipment, supplies books, she has generously shared her skills, knowledge trouble shooting prowess. You can buy things on the internet, but you can't buy the ideas, encouragement feedback--they are priceless. Tracy has been my teacher, mentor friend in lacemaking other textile adventures for more than 10 years. From my private emails, I know I'm not the only one addicted to the merchandise, events creative camaraderie at the The Lacemaker so it's hard to imagine what will happen in the upcoming vacuum. I'm sure many of you have a lace-bond with your ! favorite supplier, but I would say a visit to Cortland was different personal--sort of like having Lace Day a workshop anytime the shop was open. What a shame we've come to the end. Sincerely, Susan Hottle, Erie, PA USA, wishing her the best while feeling sorry for myself - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Cottier bobbin
Laurie, Of course the link you gave us has its own translator button on. Very nice touch. The page is most informative including a great X-ray picture which I found very interesting. I am still looking for a date when the bobbin was first invented or marketed. Clearly he displayed it at the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition but I presume it was around before then. Brian and Jean Lemin Cooranbong. Australia You can see my Lace bobbin stuff on: http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/webdocs.html and my Ukulele stuff on: http://ukulele3fingerjazz.weebly.com/ - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Need and Want, was Demise of suppliers
Dear Katelyn, et al, That was a really helpful post. The essence of the fascination of bobbin lace is moving bobbins around the pillow, and all of a sudden you get something breathtakingly beautiful. That's the common factor. But the anime and costume connection makes sense for younger lacemakers. Design capabilities would then be essential. Thank you. Hadn't thought about it that way. Butterflies are easy, they're all over in pattern books. Angels are much fewer. Lyn in Lancaster, PA, US, where the weather should clear by tomorrow. -Original Message- From: Katelyn Schreyer krschre...@gmail.com Sent: Oct 14, 2011 12:07 PM To: lace@arachne.com lace@arachne.com Subject: Re: [lace] Need and Want, was Demise of suppliers As a 20-something, I frequently see people in my age group knitting. However, they're not knitting sweaters or stockings, they're knitting plush dolls inspired by video games and TV shows. If you see a 19 year old knitting a orange and yellow hat, she is not just making a new hat for the winter, she is making a Jayne Hat as inspired by a character in the sci-fi western TV show Firefly. Several other knit projects I see *frequently* are stuffed animal style Metriods, from the classic 80s video game of the same name, and SackBoy dolls, as inspired by the more recent Little Big Planet. In my own experience with bobbin lace, I have started to make lace gears, which I aim to assemble in a Honiton fashion to create clockwork-inspired edgings or fan leaves for a Steampunk costume. Lacemaking, for me, and knitting for my peers, is about creating art relevant to my other interests. Hanky edgings and doilies are as much of interest to me as a pair of plain stockings are to a young knitter: beyond the learning phase, absolutely none. To appeal to a younger demographic, emphasize butterflies and angels. Once one has the skills to design and make a butterfly, they can then go on to create pretty much anything. On that note, teach design along with the lacemaking itself. No young person I know would be satisfied just knowing how to follow existing patterns, or recreating old lace. Teach what's needed to modify, combine, and create new patterns, and we will. -Katelyn Schreyer - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Christmas Lace Card Exchange
Hi everyone, Yes it is late coming. As no one else has jumped in to run the exchange this year I am volunteering with Jenny Brandis's help. She will archive the pictures and any pricking you are willing to donate on her site. As we are starting so late, our time table is a little skewed and making time will be shorter. Anyone interested in participating in the exchange has until October 31 to send me their name, address, and where they would like to send/receive a card from. If you are willing, or want, to do more than one include that information also. I will match everyone up and send out your addresses to each other no later than November 2nd. Please try to complete your lace and have it in the mail by December 5th. Please ensure that you send a photo of your lace to me or Jenny so we can post them on her site. If there are any question. feel free to ask. Amber Lackey Forest, VA, USA _lackam@aol.com_ (mailto:lac...@aol.com) - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] More Determined
Hello to One All! The idea of the demise of lacemaking hurts me to the core. It makes me all that more determined to get on 'Project Runway' . What would happen if they get a designer that can spin the yarn, weave the fabric, make the outfit AND make the lace to go on the outfit! I've been dubbed 'Nevada's Renaissance Woman' by The Nevada Arts Council. When I auditiomed for season 6 of PR Tim Gunn said 'I love your background! I love what you're wearing! I just want to see more!' I was the ONLY designer that got in to the panel with 1 design! (What I was wearing.) You had to have a minimun of 3 derigns to get to the 'green' room. What would happen to our 'love' if a designer was making it on TV? For the love of all things fiber related. Susie Rose (Finlay) - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Sign of the times - call for action?
I noticed a few comments about a bobbin lace surge in the 80-90's, perhaps starting in the 70's. I don't remember an upsurge in doing domestic things like working with threads and textiles (though the weaving and macrame comments were true in the 70's...a bit of a spin off from the hippie movement). I think it has much to do with the economy. People began spending money as they had more, and there was a lot of indulgence and paying high prices for things in the 80's and 90's. The recession curbed some of that and people began to cull back. Knitting escalated after 9/11 as a sort of nesting and prioritizing old values thing, as people sought more security and things that lasted or were evidence of time invested and perhaps would become a legacy of their life and work. Movie stars who knit helped make it socially acceptable, as I remember being scoffed at when knitting on planes when I was in my 20's in my silk dresses and heels, off to something important, asking me why I was doing old ladies work. I don't understand why lace isn't grabbing a hold like knitting, except that bobbin lace isn't as portable. A large percentage of knitting and crochet's popularity is because of toteable projects, as many are on the move so much of the time. Of course now hands are busy with mobile devices too. Needle lace would fill that bill, but is fairly involved and delicate work, and I note that a lot of creative work that is toted is bulky yarn types of things...quick satisfaction in an evening or a few meetings or perhaps bus rides. We are a push-button world and want quick satisfaction. Yarn shops have few sweater sales, but loads of one or two skein projects. I also think that many people make things more for gifts than for home decoration or personal attire, so that also requires something faster. The point made that lace is old fashioned is valid, as I make lace, but it isn't something that fits my decor, nor apparel style. Some does have to be re-styled to what fits within one's life or taste (or trends), Trim for christening gowns, hankies and garters for brides, are rare events. Quilts make for a fun application, but wearable forms such as jewelry (and there are a few incredible books out there), would make things more inviting, perhaps. Also, the trend is to wear simple wash and dry attire that is quite casual and not condusive to lace. Though lace is fashion forward still, one often needs large pieces for a garment, vs. using it as embellishment. Best, Susan Reishus PS: Can we PLEASE remove complete repeats of referred to posts? Digests recently have only about 25-30% new content - the rest is lengthy repeats of the old and a fight to try to ferret out the new. It is so nice when there is only a cut paste or comment to start, so we know what is being referred to. Thanks. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
