[lace] Re: Washing thread
Dear Linda, That's fascinating. For me, washing has always been one of the more tedious chores, so I am very impressed that you should do this. But I know what you mean about the finish added to some threads. As a youngster I had a brand new shirt, which brought me out in a rash all over. I was fine once it had been washed. However, I also note Jeri's comments (thank you Jeri), which are a good excuse for the rest of us (so inclined), to feel that we needn't wash our thread before using it. Thank you for replying, Jane, currently in Southampton but heading into the North Atlantic soon. PS, to save me sending two emails. Dear Miriam, Did the lady who works only in silk enjoy the Milanese course with Pat? Yes, I think so. It sounded as if it was a very good weekend. Best wishes, Jane Jane wrote: Apparently she had had some visitors from South Africa to one or her workshops and they told her that where they make lace (in South Africa) they are told to wash their thread! I am the one who loves washing. Washing thread is not common in South Africa most lacemakers just use the thread form the reel as it is. We all have our preferences and idiocyncrasies. I like to wash my thread before I use it, even very fine thread, if the item has a chance to be washed afterwards. Therefore I would skein it, wash and then put onto bobbins. I have a peg board in my sewing cupboard where I store the marked skeins. I have washed Egyptian cotton 180/2 just to see what will happen if I wash it this way. - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] washing thread
Dear friends, This is mainly addressed to our S.A members, but does anyone else know about this? Or do it? Apparently she had had some visitors from South Africa to one or her workshops and they told her that where they make lace (in South Africa) they are told to wash their thread! Firstly they have to skein it, then wash it and then re-reel it. They explained that their reason for doing this was to wash out the dressing in the thread, to make it softer, and to prevent shrinkage in the finished work. I've never heard of such a thing and I'm certainly not going to start - neither is she (especially as she mostly uses silk) but she would like to know if any other groups do this. If you are ever in SA again, perhaps you could find out if there are any lacemakers nearby and make some enquiries about this. Very curious, although I'm not planning to try it either. Jane, in a damp New Forest, UK - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] South Africa
The list seems quiet so maybe now is a good time to try posting this query - for the third time. For various technical reasons its never yet arrived... I am going to South Africa, specifically Cape Town, for 3 months next year. Does anyone know of any interesting craft / thread places to visit? I know we have some South Africans subscribed. I'd also welcome any general advice about living in SA. It sounds rather daunting on the personal security front (don't walk anywhere or cycle or catch the bus, don't go out in the evening) and I'll be taking my 4 year old son with me. Best reply to me off list, and many thanks in advance, Jane Ms Jane Read Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] spinning/knitting query
Just back after nearly three weeks away and I've not bothered to count up the digests waiting to be read. Can anyone help me with a quick query? I spent a couple of hours in Reykjavik, Iceland, during which time I located some wool for a colour match I'd searched the UK for and failed to find. Unfortunately the lopi wool turned out to be a discontinued dye and we couldn't find enough of it. Instead the shop manager offered me some unbanded disks of wool. This is what we use she said. Now her english was a million times better than my icelandic, but our conversation was rather broken and I'm not sure that I got the rest of what she said right. The disks consist of a single ply of wool that is untwisted, and the threads need to be plyed to obtain the weight I need (3ply). I thought she said it can be done as I knitted, with the three individual strands drawn through the centre of the three disks. But looking back on the conversation I seem to remember her pantomiming winding the wool round her hand. Now I've never seen such disks before (must have led a sheltered life!), they're about 1 deep and 5-6 across, but when I showed DH, he thought he remembered seeing his Mother with such things. She span, but passed away many years ago, and I can't think of anyone else among my acquaintance to ask. But I know there are spinners knitters here so my question is... Should I ply the strands and wind into balls before knitting, or do I do it as I go? Many thanks for any advice and please reply to me personally since its not really lace related. Oh, and apologies to those who are offended by non-strictly-lace queries. Jane (Back in hot muggy Southampton after 2 weeks at sea - and Jaquie - I didn't touch any knitting, lace or otherwise, while away!) Ms Jane Read Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Informal survey (knitted lace)
No lace - I'm taking a scientific research cruise out into the North Atlantic next week so no time for crafts. However, I thought I'd try taking some knitted lace to sea with me, just in case we spend days hove to in endless gales (again). I've not done any before so may not get very far. Anyway, if you've not already discovered it, there are some fabulous designs at this site http://www.heirloom-knitting.co.uk/ including a beautiful scarf pattern that is free. Its designed by Sharon Miller who has published at least one book. The design is charted and looks straightforward in principle. I have been knitting lately, and am interested in knitted lace. Does anyone have a recommendation for a beginner's book on knitted lace? Jane Read Honorary Secretary Challenger Society for Marine Sciences Room 256/21, Southampton Oceanography Centre Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace-chat] Cows
See http://www.cowparade.net/ for all you ever needed to know (do you really want to know?) about this international project!! Jane Jane Read Honorary Secretary Challenger Society for Marine Sciences Room 256/21, Southampton Oceanography Centre Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Re: Masters thesis
Since Tamara isn't here to explain. Michelle Chase emailed arachne back in Feb to tell us about her planned thesis and book and to request patterns. As far as I can make out, her message did not give rise to any correspondence on arachne - but presumably Tamara got in touch with her privately. I'm not sure if I should do this, but below I've copied her message from lace digest volume 62. Hopefully this will answer various queries. Also, in the UK theses have very limited circulation, mainly because of the cost of printing and binding. Its quite possible to get a spare copy from a student simply by accepting it unbound. Whether Michelle would be willing to do this, I don't know. The best thing would be to ask her personally. Jane Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 00:35:11 + From: Michelle Chase [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [lace] Request for Patterns I am a member of IOLI and the Golden Bobbins chapter of the North Carolina Regional Lacers, and I am writing a masters thesis on American lace making. I plan to write a short book on the history of lace making in America, with chapters on bobbin lace, needle lace, crochet, knitting, and tatting. In each chapter, I will recount the history, stories of lace makers both historical and contemporary, resources for further study, and patterns for that type of lace. If any American lace makers would like to submit an original design, I would be very grateful for the opportunity to include it in my thesis. If I use your design, I will of course acknowledge your contribution, and I will send you a copy of the book when it is finished. I am working on the research and writing now; I must submit the finished project in early April. I would appreciate any help with this- you may email me off list at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thank you very much, Michelle Chase Ms Jane Read Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Myth or Mystery Exhibition
Hi Sue, Thank you for your reassurances. I've had several messages and found them all very comforting. But what a rollercoaster for you! And I'm sure you are just as disappointed about your second piece not being displayed as I am about mine. There's just as much hard work and care goes into every piece of lace. I guess I'm very naive. Or perhaps it was just that I finished my lace only a few days before it had to reach the Hollies and there was no time to spare. But I don't have any photographs of it, just one scruffy, out of focus, picture to fulfill the entry requirements. My catalogue should be arriving this weekend. I hope its got lots more photos so I can see more about the exhibition and entries. Best wishes, Jane My winning piece is being displayed but not my Wood Nymph. I went from elation to depression, as I opened first one envelope from the Lace Guild and then later the other from Coventry council. I am trying to find out how ot post pictures of mine at the Arachne webshots page. Why don't we all add our photos of the Myth or Mystery pieces to the site? At least that way we can all get them seen by the lace community around the world, many of whom will not otherwise see them Sue Ms Jane Read Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Myth or Mystery Exhibition
My congratulations to the winners also - fabulous lace! I emailed arachne on friday and the message seems not to have gone through. Perhaps its just as well as I was rather upset and it probably sounded horrible! I know there were lots of entries this time, There were 266 entries in the competition - about 80 of them have not been displayed. Is there anyone else on Arachne who's work failed to make the exhibition? You'll know because you will have received a letter telling you. Has anyone heard how the work was chosen for display? Or rather why particular pieces were rejected? Weren't they good enough? Didn't fit the theme? Too big/too small/wrong size? Was it on the basis of the Judges opinion? Or was it done by a Committee? The letter I received offered no information about why my work had been rejected. I've had work in the Lace Guild Exhibitions on and off since the early '80's and I've never heard of lace being rejected before, so the letter came as a real shock. For comparison, over 260 pieces were entered in the 1993 John Bull Competition, Lace and Nature. and I believe the ones that couldn't be displayed will be on show at The Hollies from mid July. Jane (Partridge) is correct - according to the letter the work is being put into storage at the Museum until it can be returned to The Hollies for display from 16 July. Although this fact has not previously been advertised so I don't know who they expect to visit. After so much work it is such a disappointment. Those visiting the museum please take time to look at the photo album. It represents one third of the exhibition entry. Jane - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace-chat] Government / St Trinians
Someone is pulling your leg - Gerald Hoffnung used this in his 1950s Oxford Union Address which I have on tape. Hoffnung was the guy who did those drawings of the nasty little St Trinians Girls. Huh? I thought Ronald Searle instigated St Trinians with his cartoon sketches. Loved them and Searle received some sort of honour (forgotten what!) in this years New Years Honours list. Jane Ms Jane Read Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Doreen Wright
Thank you to those who responded to my query about Doreen Wright. I greatly enjoyed reading your stories and some really made me smile; Brenda's desk! and Aurelia's australian student! They reinforce the impression I have of a real character. While I'm most interested in making lace, I enjoy knowing a little about the people who made it, it makes the craft come more alive. I agree with Jeri that we should keep information about our big names - and the Lace Guild was trying to do this, publishing interviews in the Lace magazine. But sometimes I wonder, what was Miss Channer really like, and Thomas Lester - all those fabulous designs! and so on. Jane Ms Jane Read Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Doreen Wright
It is with great sadness, we tell you of the death of Mrs Doreen Wright this afternoon. I was very sorry to hear about Doreen Wright - and a little surprised that there has been no more comment about her. I never knew her, except as the founding chairman of the Lace Guild (and I was only a teenager at the time so not very interested in such things). But does no one else on the list remember her? and is prepared to share an anecdote? I was always told that she was quite a character! Jane Southampton, UK - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Adhesives for fans
I get sooo behind with my digests While not suggesting for a moment that she would remember what adhesives fan makers used before synthetic adhesives, many years ago Pat Read recommended gum arabic to me. It was in powder/granular form and had to be dissolved in water before use. Perhaps Jane could tell us more. I can't help much - Mum is on holiday and incommunicado, so I can't ask her. My understanding is that gum arabic is a traditional paste used for paper and fabrics. A search on the internet tells me that it is an exudate of acacia trees. It was a water soluble gum used in adhesives, ink and marbling paints. As an adhesive it was valued for its ready solubility in water, readiness for use, cleanliness and ease of application. However, it is too moisture sensitive for archival work. These days it seems to be used more in the food processing industry. It is an emulsifier used to stabilise flavours and essential oils, and is used in confectionary, such as wine gums, pastilles and marshmallows. - so, your useless information for today. What used to be used as glue, is now eaten as food. Cheers Jane In an excessively hot and humid Hampshire where I've had headaches for several days PS Nearly forgot the obligatory lace content: Several weeks is a longish project Interesting viewpoint Indeed. I'd say several weeks was an incredibly short project. Over the last six years I've averaged one piece of lace per year. I only have one piece of work on the go and they've all been pretty small. Its a question of how much time available and currently there isn't any. Ms Jane Read Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Lace Guild Magazine / census
My Lace magazine has arrived and, Oh! I know its silly but I'm so chuffed. The first tag of the lace census is pictured and its *my* design! (well, half of it anyway) This was my first ever Milanese design, and the first ever piece of Milanese that I made. I know it has been around some time (Lily, Read Kincaid no 1), but its so nice to think that the design is still liked. Thank you, Marie Kell, for using it and putting it into the Lace Census. Now, if I can only get on with my tag. I've 3 new designs to try out, but 2.75y toddler wants to paint. Sigh. Jane Ms Jane Read Southampton Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, U.K. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel: 02380-596432 - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED]
