Re: [lace] San Francisco area lace options

[robinlace]

-Wondering whether anyone here has been to the San Francisco area
and can
give
some thoughts of visiting Lacis (in Berkeley) versus The Lace Museum
(in
Sunnyvale).
Oh, please don't make it one vs. the other. They are both
not-to-be-missed places. From SF it's a simple BART ride to Lacis (you
can see
it when you come up to street level) in Berkeley. The Lace
Museum is just a
few blocks from the train station. It was some years
ago so I don't remember
the details of getting there, but I believe I
took the train from the airport
(dropping my luggage with a long wait
till boarding). I think they offered to
send a volunteer with a car,
but you can basically walk cross-wise through a
large shopping mall
and the museum is just a short ways past that.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA robinl...@socal.rr.com 
 Parvum leve mentes
capiunt (Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Faery Lace?

[robinlace]

Kim touches on another point in this discussion.  We may not have fine linen 
thread because of extinction (perhaps brought on by war) of the extra-fine 
cultivars, but that's not the whole story.  We also don't have them because 
breeding new extra-fine cultivars isn't economically feasible.  Aside from 
hobby lacemakers, there's not a huge demand; not with so many other fibers to 
chose from.  

(1) The cost of breeding over many generations to produce the extra-fine 
fibers, 

(2) the cost of growing the more fragile plants (those fibers are what keep the 
plants standing upright), 

(3) the cost of trying to spin and weave on mass-market machinery (where speed 
trumps delicacy and fragile fibers can't take the stress), and 

(4) the delicacy of the resulting fabric (can't be machine washed or machine 
dried or machine dry-cleaned, and even hand-washing has to be extra-careful) 

all conspire to make extra-fine linen not so popular.  So if it can't be 
mass-marketed and it can't get enough public adoration to sell at very, very 
high price, it's just not going to bring in enough money to make it in our 
economic climate.  

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)


 Kim Davis  wrote: 
Regarding the thread, I am also interested in this topic.  I have heard a
few theories surrounding why we don't have it anymore.  The first was that
the fields were bombed by the Germans in WWI, and the strain of plant
destroyed.  This didn't make sense to me because we stopped seeing the fine
threads very much a good century before WWI. The French Revolution makes
more sense time wise.

However, it seems hard to believe that we could not cultivate this flax if
we wanted to.  I am eager to here what your agricultural searches turn up.

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Re: [lace] Cilaos needle lace

[robinlace]

I agree with Sue B., it's got to be a form of Teneriffe (Nanduti, Sol, etc., is 
there a single name to encompass the whole lot?).  Lots of local names for the 
same basic technique.  Lay threads radially across a circular "frame" (could be 
nothing more than a ring of pins, or could be an object designed and devoted to 
this function), weave and interlace threads, usually in a circular pattern, 
though and around the radials, then do an edging to hold it all together.  I 
don't remember ever seeing so many fine threads bundled together, though.  The 
thick, needle-woven rays on the outside of this piece are like the needlewoven 
boxes in hedebo and hardanger, but are also often found in the Teneriffe 
family.  Not usually so big and fat, though.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

 hottl...@neo.rr.com wrote: 

=
A friend sent me a photo so I posted it to Arachne Flickr. Perhaps someone 
knows more about this?  Cilaos is near Madagascar so maybe Sue Babbs is 
familiar with the technique?  Just when we thought we couldn't find any more 
lacy stuff to investigate this summer!!  Sincerely, Susan Hottle USA 

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Re: [lace] Lace and STEM

[robinlace]

One other tidbit of information:  When I demonstrate bobbin lace making, most 
of the men stand around waiting for their female companions to go on, but every 
once in a while one of the men gets all excited as I'm explaining the logic of 
the lace and it "clicks" for them.  Those men are nearly always engineers.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] mathematicians, IT engineers and lacemaking

[robinlace]

I'm not 100 percent convinced of a math/engineering link with bobbin lace.  
First of all, I noticed years ago a lot of other sciences in 
lacemaking--biology (my field), chemistry, psychology, etc.  Also science 
fiction fanatics who never went into science (or math, computers, etc.).  I 
think of it more as "inquiring minds" and "puzzle solvers" than a particular 
field of study.  The only rocket scientist I've met is a quilter, with no 
interest in bobbin lace.

Second, I consider myself strongly right-brained, although I have enough 
left-brain function to not be "out in left field" like a few severely 
right-brained individuals I've known.  Don't give me a verbal description of 
what you want me to know, the words get totally in the way of my understanding. 
 Give me a map or a flow chart and I've got it in a second.  I believe any 
field of information has an underlying logic structure; if you see that 
structure the field is easy for you, if you don't see it you have to really 
work at getting the hang of it.  I failed miserably the section of chemistry on 
enzyme kinetics, I could not solve a single equation, although I could follow 
any demonstrations and see why the did what they did.  I've met people who can 
not "get" basic probability, no matter how many people tried to help them.  
When I first met bobbin lace (torchon) it was so logical I picked it right up.  
To me it's all about finding paths, which to me is mapmaking and spatial !
 relations = right-brain functions rather than math and logic which are 
left-brain functions.

I second the suggestion that someone (not me) do a survey of  lacemakers with 
STEM interest and/or training (not everyone who's fascinated with geology gets 
a geology degree) as well as other fields of endeavor.  The results would be 
most fascinating.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] questions for you lace makers living in California in the 1980s

[robinlace]

My mom took a bobbin lace class in the mid-80's.  This was in the San Fernando 
Valley (NW Los Angeles County).  The teacher's name was Page, but I don't 
remember her last name.  The class was through a weaving store.  She must have 
been a good teacher because she let me sit in on one class when I was visiting 
from Santa Barbara.  It was the second class and I learned enough to go home 
and start making lace, and even designed a (simple) torchon pattern and made 
it.  That was my beginning, as well as Mom's.

On the other hand, we were only able to find two booklets and no books about 
bobbin lace, both of them Swedish.


Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)



 Sharon Ghamari-Tabrizi  wrote: 
He wants to take a class in lace making. It could be bobbin or needle lace
or both.

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Re: [lace] Arachne Anniversary-history

[robinlace]

Hi, Devon and fellow listmembers

I just tuned into this thread.  I joined Arachne sometime during its first 
year.  I remember when someone downloaded the membership list from 'the major', 
and found we had reached a membership of 400!  Most impressive, at the time.  
For a number of years, a member made anniversary bobbins and shuttles.  
Eventually it became too much of a burden and someone arranged for a bobbin 
maker not on the list (different one each year) to do the job.

As the century close approached, we discussed doing a millenium lace exhibit.  
It never got going.  But Arachne '98 did.  That was a face-to-face convention 
that Pat Hallam and Margaret (I'm blanking on her last name) were willing to 
put together.  We met at the U of Nottingham, had classes (like IOLI 
convention), a few vendors (different ones each evening), a tour of lace 
activity in the city (a remember the machine-knitted lace factory very well), 
and nightly raffles.  Another thing we did was try to raise funds for Luton 
museum to refurbish their famous Lace Dealer's Pattern Book.  We held a raffle 
among ourselves.  As I remember, they didn't need our contribution by the time 
we'd put it all together and I don't remember what the money went to.  Maybe 
just a donation to the museum?  Someone else may chime in on this.

We discussed whether we should be called arachnids (I absolutely refuse to be 
thought of as a spider!!), or arachneans.  There was also a thread back 
then about how many of us were in science or math, although I don't remember 
gaming or coding coming up much.

Back then I was a constant contributor to the discussions.  But life has gotten 
too hectic lately--I admit I often delete many of the Arachne messages and I 
rarely talk on the list any more, but thought I should put my 2 cents in on 
this one.  I feel like an old fogey sitting in my rocking chair reminiscing 
about the "good old days" and chewing my gums.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)


 DevonThein  wrote: 
I was at an Arachne gathering at the Salt Lake City IOLI Convention and I
realized that many of the  younger members were computer gamers and some of
the older members seem to have been part of the Dungeons and Dragons crowd. 

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Re: [lace] commemorative poppies for the Australian War Memorial in Canberra

[robinlace]

I didn't see anything in the instructions about putting stems on the 5,000 
(website figure) or 62,000 (Sue's figure).  Too bad they don't want bobbin lace 
poppies, too.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

 Anna Binnie  wrote: 
Just a little bit of background. In 2015 when local communities around 
Australia were producing poppies to commemorate the Centenary of ANZAC 
it was being said that the War memorial in Canberra wanted to collect 
all the poppies produced by the different communities and would plant 
them all in the gardens surrounding the War Memorial. Problem was that 
many of the poppies produced w62,000ere not on stems and could not be 
'planted' and since 2015 the poppies have played a major part in local 
commemorative services since. I know that locally at least one wreath 
layed and the ANZAC Centernary commemoration was made from hand made 
poppies. The rest were put into a huge display.

So I believe that the poor War Memorial in Canberra could not go with 
its original plan and so the request for more poppies. We have until 
next year so no real panic just pull out your red and black yarns and 
start knitting, crocheting etc.

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Re: [lace] Gon Homburg

[robinlace]

 Anna Binnie  wrote: 
I'm writing to publicly than Gon and her team of lace teachers and 
designers who over the last 2 years have produced an edging pattern, 
pricking and instructions every week! 


Gon, I want to add my thanks.  My printer died very early in your undertaking 
and by the time I finally got a new one set up I had lost track of the project. 
 Anna's letter reminded me to check it out.  What a marvelous collection you 
have put together!  So many types of bobbin lace, simple beginning patterns and 
more advanced.  This is a chance to explore all those laces, with clear photos 
and thread diagrams.  You and your team have put the world of bobbin lace into 
our hands and I can't wait to go exploring!

Thank you, all of you, for such a huge and thoughtful gift to us lacemakers!

Most sincerely,
Robin

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Lace survey results

[robinlace]

Apparently, only to some participants.  I've been waiting to see how my answer 
compared to others'.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

=
No, the results were sent directly to the participants, just recently.

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Re: [lace] Working an edging on a roller pillow

[robinlace]

-This is a small roller pillow so the amount that stays pinned is 1.5 " at 
most.  I did use a wooden roller for the finished lace & still managed to make 
a ruffle!  

1.5" circumference?!  That's 1/2" diameter!  You know, you can push the pins 
down and leave them in till they come up on the other side of the roller.  It's 
not as convenient as taking them out before they go down into the box, but I've 
done it often enough when doing a simple edging (because it lengthens so 
quickly that the thread doesn't have time to get used to being in that 
position).  You can remove most of the pins before they disappear, just leaving 
the ones holding the sewing edge and an occasional one holding the head side 
(so it doesn't get tangled or rumpled on the way around).  If it's a narrow 
edging, it can just drape down the front of the pillow, or you can keep a cover 
cloth under the bobbins and over the finished lace.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] pillow infestation

[robinlace]

There are many strong aromatic herbs in addition to sweet bay that will repel 
insects, but:

-repelling is preventing something from settling in, not killing what has 
already made it's home; herbs that discourage colonization may not be as 
effective for chasing them away once they're down inside your pillow.

-it's a lot harder to kill mites than insects (they're distantly related)

-the smell in those aromatic herbs is an oil; while they might smell nicer to 
us and be safer for us than insecticide, that doesn't mean they're safe for 
lace threads.  I don't know which (if any) herb fumes can discolor thread or 
even weaken them.  Have you ever kept cinnamon or cloves for a very long time 
in a glass jar?  It gets etched by those lovely smelling aromatic oils!  I 
doubt this is a hot topic among textile conservators and it may never have been 
investigated.  Jeri, do you know anything about herbs and thread?

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Multi-part prickings tricky; skeins also tricky

[robinlace]

 Brenda Paternoster  wrote: 
Julie, it’s not clear what is meant by ‘skein’  I know from the
knitting/crochet forum Ravelery that there is a lot of confusion about that
word.  To me, in UK, a skein means a small hank, but a lot of Americans seem
to use the work skein to mean a centre-pull machine wound ball.


Back in the 1950s, nearly all knitting yarn came in elongate cylinders, about 
12" (30 cm) long and 3" (7-8 cm) wide.  Finer yarns made smaller cylinders but 
they were proportioned about the same.  Those were called 'skeins'.  Many 
cheaper yarns still come in that form.  You had to fish around inside to find 
the end of the yarn that was supposed to be used, and leave the label around 
the skein until it collapsed from loss of 'innards'.

As we started getting more varieties of yarns, we got more varieties of shapes 
of skeins.  We have balls (some but not all allowing center-pull), hanks (the 
English skein, I guess), cones (those used to be for weavers), 'cakes' (short 
cylinders, diameter greater than length) and what-not.  My experience is that 
'skein' refers to the fact that there is a specific quantity of yarn gathered 
together in an orderly shape, and the other terms refer to the shape of the 
skein.  Even hand-spun and other non-commercial or boutique yarns can be in 
'skeins' usually in the shape of hanks or cakes.  This would be because 
ball-winders make cakes and swifts make hanks, and those are the most 
commonly-available machines for winding skeins.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Wire lace mini discovery

[robinlace]

 Bespokethreadsandyarns bespokethreadsandya...@gmail.com wrote: 
Would a drop spindle or support spindle work? 


I don't believe it would have enough 'oomph' to twist up wire.  A drop spindle 
just has the momentum created by its own weight, which isn't much.  I think you 
would have to keep twisting the spindle with your fingers, like a support 
spindle.  

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] spiders in lace

[robinlace]

 Bespokethreadsandyarns bespokethreadsandya...@gmail.com wrote: 
Good to know flat spiders preferred. Can anyone remind me how not to have pin 
mark in center? Thanks

I was taught (and not by Tamara) to flatten the spiders, too.  But for me, 
flattening and removing the pinhole are the same operation.  When you remove 
the pin you have room to pull on the central pairs, bringing the threads into 
that center-most area, filling the hole and flattening the body.  Sometimes the 
next-outward pairs also need to be tugged a bit.  Just don't pull on the outer 
pairs any more than necessary, or it will bunch up again.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Picking up after a break - but where to start?

[robinlace]

 Linda Walton linda.wal...@cherryfield.me.uk wrote: 
At first I thought I'd go back to where I began and work through the 
exercises in torchon lace that I learned first, before I began to make 
my favoutite Bucks.  

I would suggest two options:

1.  Start with a simple/beginner Bucks pattern and see how it goes.  After all, 
why start with Torchon if Bucks is your love?  Many people first learned bobbin 
lace with Bucks, and you aren't learning, just remembering.  If it goes well, 
do as Clay suggests, jump a couple of levels and try that.  Keep jumping till 
you reach a challenge.

2.  If you want to start with something new, look at books or online.  Which 
lace style calls to you?  Contemporary?  Rosaline?  Paris?  Maltese? Normandy?  
Antique?  There are so many styles to look at and be inspired by!  Then see if 
there's an introductory book.  Contact Arachne, someone no doubt knows of a 
good book in that style.  Then, with guild libraries (such as The Hollies, for 
you in UK) and public libraries with interlibrary loan, you should be able to 
find something to get you started.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Review: Insertions Borders - 16th 17th C. Lace - Book 4

[robinlace]

 jeria...@aol.com wrote: 
Insertions  Borders - 16th  17th Century Lace - Book 4, by  Gilian Dye, 
published by Cleveden Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0-9553223-6-5, 60 pages,  soft 
cover, amply illustrated in color and in black  white.Dedicated to the 
memory of Vibeke Ervo, Denmark.
 
Thanks so much for the review, Jeri.  Not only was it very helpful in finding 
out about this book (on a subject of interest to me); somehow, I missed hearing 
about any of these books--I have Elizabethan Lace but didn't know she'd done 
more recent early lace books.  I need to get those!

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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[lace] lace rocks

[robinlace]

Some years back, Susan Hottle talked about rocks covered in lace.  Well, it 
seems to have gone to the 'big leagues'!  The current issue (Summer 2015) of 
Interweave Crochet has two patterns for Wedding Rocks.  This issue has a 
lot of wedding-oriented crochet ideas.  

One of the wedding rock patterns is to substitute for a ring pillow.  The rock 
is covered with crochet and a crocheted ribbon holds the wedding rings.  Not 
sure why someone would prefer a ring rock over a ring pillow, but for those who 
have been wanting one, the pattern is now available!

The other wedding rock pattern seems more useful to me.  If the wedding or 
reception is outdoors, the rocks hold placecards, napkins, or anything else 
that might blow off the table in a stray breeze.  This pattern is not fancy, 
but is, IMO, attractive.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Sweet Briar College to Stay Open

[robinlace]

 jeria...@aol.com wrote: 
Buried deep in today's Maine Sunday Telegram is an Associated Press news  
story:
*Settlement sustains women's college in rural Virginia*.
 
What wonderful news, Jeri!  Lucky for us you have such an eagle eye--thanks for 
letting us know.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Be yourself.  After all, everyone else is already taken.
source unknown (by me)

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Re: [lace] June 21 International Lace Day

[robinlace]

 laceandb...@aol.com wrote: 
If this is a new event/idea someone's come up with, why not have it  the 
same day as the already long established UK National Lacemaking Day, 2nd  
Saturday in September (this year the 12th) and make it International Lacemaking 
 
Day instead?  June 21st is already taken for Father's Day.


October 1 has been used as a US National Lace-in-Public day for more than 10 
years now.  I remember honoring it when I lived in Pittsburgh (moved away from 
there 10 years ago), but don't remember for how long before I moved away.  And 
June 21st is the Summer Solstice, is it not?  That's usually Earth Day in the 
US.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Prickings (why use plastic)

[robinlace]

 Alex Stillwell alexstillw...@talktalk.net wrote: 
but am puzzled why so many continue to use it on bobbin lace prickings. 

I usually cover my prickings with clear plastic, for several reasons:

1.  As others have said, to protect from moisture.  Those of us living in dry 
climates (humidity here can be so far below 1% that instruments register it as 
0!) sometimes need to rehydrate the threads, and don't want to risk the paper 
pricking getting warped.

2.  Many printers can't take heavy card stock, so my patterns are on paper (I 
prefer gray background).  I reinforce the paper, sometimes by putting card 
stock under it and plastic over it, with the plastic and cardstock sticking 
together beyond the edges of the pattern.  This method I use for yardage on a 
roller pillow, where I will be re-using the holes many times.  For a motif that 
I may make once or just a few times, I put plastic over and under the paper, 
without the card stock.

3.  The plastic makes holes sturdier, so the plastic makes finding a pinhole 
easier when there's a forest of pins or poor lighting, and the pinhole location 
remains accurate when you re-use that hole.

4.  I can mark on my pricking before I cover it.  I can edit the holes 
(sometimes some are missing, or sometimes I want to alter an element) and I can 
make sure the pattern name and creator are on the piece of paper with the 
pinholes.  I don't want to test every pen/pencil to make sure it won't 
smudge--I'll just grab whatever pen is handy and cover it with plastic.

These reasons are just off the top of my head, late at night.  There may be 
others that I don't remember at the moment, but those are probably minor 
reasons anyway.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Wool for a bolster pillow?

[robinlace]

 Susan hottl...@neo.rr.com wrote: 
My plan was to use wool feltI am referring to fulled wool that is 
typically used for wool embroidery, penny rugs etc.   Not too thick but with 
some body.  While wandering about the internet today, I found wool flannel  
wool challis.  

Hi, Susan

Challis and flannel are awfully thin.  My preference is for a sturdier, denser 
fabric like felted/fulled wool, or old army surplus and thrift shop blankets.  
It would take a lot of layers of challis or flannel to pad the pillow the way a 
couple of layers of blanket would.  And many layers of thin fabric have a 
pretty good risk of getting some wrinkles in the stack.  This makes a more 
lumpy surface and also can produce spots where pinning is more difficult.  

For the pillow surface, smooth is what I go for, not wool.  I don't want 
material that will hold onto the bobbins or the thread that runs from them to 
the pricking.  I don't want fabric with bits of fiber sticking up, to get 
tangled into the lace.  I want a relatively dense (threads per inch), smooth 
surface.  Cotton bedsheets are good, or calico (muslin, in England) quilting 
cottons.

Just my opinion,
Robin

Robin P.
robinl...@socal.rr.com
Los Angeles, California, USA

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Re: [lace] The new bobbin and Full bobbins

[robinlace]

 mary carey d...@hotmail.com wrote: 
Must try the narrow cling plastic used by machine embroiderers to stop their 
thread from unwinding while not in use.  Also used by overlocking/serging 
sewers is a type of mesh used on the thread coming off the spool.


Yes, that stuff (in the US it's called 'Wonder Tape') seemed like a great idea 
for bobbins but I did not find it useful.  I tried narrow strips to just cover 
the area near the hitch and I tried strips as wide as the neck is long.  
Neither worked well.  I think the issue is that the neck of a bobbin, even full 
of thread, is just not big enough around.  I couldn't get the tape to stick to 
itself on such a tight turn.  The tape is rather thick and may be too stiff to 
wrap around such a narrow cylinder.

Just my experience, maybe others had more luck.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Updated Card Exchange

[robinlace]

 Jenny Brandis je...@brandis.com.au wrote: 
Well folks it has been a while coming but the 2014 Arachne Card Exchange
site at http://brandis.com.au/arachne/2014/index.html  is as complete as I
can make it. There are 15 cards I have not received scans for - so if you
are the recipients I would really appreciate you taking the time to scan the
card you got and forwarding it to me for inclusion. 


Wow, that is such a collection of creative inspiration!  Thank you, Jenny, for 
making the ornaments available for all of us to see.  Thank you, too, to the 
organizers.  And a big thank you to all the people who participated and then 
let us see what wondrous things they'd done.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
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Re: [lace] Happy Christmas

[robinlace]

 Sue su...@talktalk.net wrote: 
Of course I have a question for some of you with the knowledge.  The pattern I
bought and used was taken from the Lace Dealers handbook (now have I got that
quote right?) and I am going to send her the paperwork to keep with the clock
for the future.   But of course she will ask me to explain that more and I
cant.   Does that mean it was a pattern in a book which people might choose to
have made for a particular reason.   What I think I probably need to send her
is a potted history not books and loads of stuff, just enough to make it
interesting.


Hi, Sue

Sounds like the clock was a wonderful work of love and family.  How wonderful 
that your lace was the right size for it.  Sounds like a beautiful design.

The Luton Museum's Lace Dealer's Pattern Book is a series of pages to which 
snippets of lace are attached.  The dealer would show these pieces, produced by 
the women that worked for him, and the customer would pick the one she wanted 
and tell how many yards (or pieces, if it's a motif).  Then the dealer would 
order that amount from the woman who specialized in that pattern.

There are other lace dealer's pattern books around, in museums and private 
collections (I've even seen some on auction at ebay).  The one at the Luton 
Museum got some fame when it was raising money to have the book refurbished.  
They wanted to remount the lace pieces on archival board.  Arachne was one of 
the donors, by holding a raffle of prizes donated by members.  After the 
re-mounting, the museum had a book made of photographs of the pages.  

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Every week an edging or an insertion

[robinlace]

 Gon Homburg gon.homb...@planet.nl wrote: 
This afternoon the 4th every weeks edging is published on the website 
www.kloskant.com Click on the left Every week an edging or insertion and you 
come to the right page and find the new edging.
It is another Schneeberg edging and this one is my design.

Thank you, Gon, for your generosity.  This week's edging is particularly 
beautiful!  I look forward to trying it soon.

take care,
Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
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Re: [lace] lace jewelry the sales website

[robinlace]

Is this the same Belgian jeweler who has come to IOLI convention a few times?  
Gorgeous fillagree work.  The lacemaker on the website looks familiar.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

 Lyn Bailey lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: 
This jewelry was designed by a jeweler in Brussels who went into a museum 
and saw some Duchesse lace and was inspired.  She has many lace related 
pieces.  The French pillow Lorelei posted is probably one of the more 
expensive pieces, but some of them are actually somewhat affordable.  Less 
than some lace books that are for sale.

http://www.duchesslace-jewellery.com/collection-c1/lace-world-c10

Here is the link to the facebook page for the creator of the filigree 
jewelry
www.facebook.com/duchesslacebymyrnalim

If that link doesn't work, add thehttp://   in front of it.

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Re: [lace] lace jewelry the sales website

[robinlace]

Is this the same Belgian jeweler who has come to IOLI convention a few times?  
Gorgeous fillagree work.  The lacemaker on the website looks familiar.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

 Lyn Bailey lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: 
This jewelry was designed by a jeweler in Brussels who went into a museum 
and saw some Duchesse lace and was inspired.  She has many lace related 
pieces.  The French pillow Lorelei posted is probably one of the more 
expensive pieces, but some of them are actually somewhat affordable.  Less 
than some lace books that are for sale.

http://www.duchesslace-jewellery.com/collection-c1/lace-world-c10

Here is the link to the facebook page for the creator of the filigree 
jewelry
www.facebook.com/duchesslacebymyrnalim

If that link doesn't work, add thehttp://   in front of it.

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Re: [lace] Fashion Passion

[robinlace]

 Sue Harvey 2harv...@tiscali.co.uk wrote: 
I went on Saturday with other members of Norfolk Lacemakers to demonstrate at 
Norwich Castle in the Fashion  Passion show which was a platform for all 
things fibre and fashionI feel the day was a great success for us as we had 
many enquiries about learning lacemaking and we handed out a lot if flyers so 
hopefully our numbers at the club will increase.  They hope to make this an 
annual affair as it was such a success.

Sounds like it was a perfect day of lace demonstration--it had all the elements 
of a satisfying day.  Congrats, Sue!

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

'Tell someone you love them today.  Then tell them in German, because life is 
also terrifying and confusing.' -rubber stamp from Riley  Company

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Re: [lace] Salamander group

[robinlace]

 Joy Beeson joybee...@comcast.net wrote: 
 What do you think of this?
I agree that attempting to keep all salamander postings in one thread 
will make the discussion easier to read -- and easier to avoid for those not 
interested.


Not planning to join the salamander-makers, but my suggestion is that they put 
'salamander' in the subject line (before the more specific subject of the 
message).  That way, those who don't want to read them can easily recognize the 
unwanted messages.  Some people should be able to set up a 'rule' to remove the 
messages from their list.

Personally, I don't see a problem with salamander messages in the Arachne list 
any more than any other thread.  But labelling the salamander messages should 
be a reasonable compromise.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Salamander group

[robinlace]

Does anyone have a picture of this wondrous salamander?  I'm intrigued at how 
much excitement it's produced, and I'm fond of salamanders.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)


 Beth Marshall b...@capuchin.co.uk wrote: 
How much work does the Salamander take? And how big is it (cm or inches)?
I haven't touched my current WIP for months (quite possibly over a 
year), too little time and energy left after work  gardening, but the 
Salamander is gorgeous enough to tempt me into starting a new project 
for the winter evenings...

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Re: [lace] Baby piece

[robinlace]

 jvik...@sover.net wrote: 
HI All,  I'm thinking I have seen a tape lace rocking horse by Janice
Blair.  I may be dreaming but Janice can tell us.  What a lovely idea!

There's also a Russian tape rocking horse by Bridget Cook.  If I remember 
correctly, she published 2 Russian books, the second with a Russian co-author.  
I think the rocking horse is in the second one.  Can't remember the title of 
either one, though.

Hope this helps,

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] IOLI Convention 2015

[robinlace]

-Did everyone like the fact that I included a more detailed class 
description,
photos and supply lists, where available, online last time?  If so, I will do
it again but I have not received much feedback on that.  

HI, Janice,

Okay, I didn't get to go to convention and don't expect to get there in the 
next decade or so, but here's feedback.  YES!!  I always got frustrated with 
lack of info, especially a picture of the lace, in general if that's all they 
have, but of the project(s) is even better.  If I don't know the lace, my 
decision will be based on whether it looks interesting or pretty.  If I know it 
just a little and some of the stuff is definitely not my cup of tea, my 
decision will be based on whether the project is ugly (to me) or not.  Even if 
I'm very familiar with the lace but the project looks exciting, I'll take the 
class for the fun.  I've decided against a lot of classes because there wasn't 
a picture, and was sorry when I finally saw it on a student's pillow or at the 
teacher's showcase.

Then there's the supply list--as soon as I find out what classes I got I want 
to start gathering supplies.  But I can't till the list comes out, sometimes 
not till June!  I think the supply list would also help me decide on a class, 
especially if I have to fit a pillow in my luggage when they say minimum 24 or 
some such.  And do I really want to bring a thousand bobbins wound with frog 
hair for a class project?

I think you've been doing a marvelous job (not that I'd expect less than that 
from you) as teacher coordinator.  I'm sorry to hear you're not planning on 
another term.  Whoever follows you will have big shoes to fill.

take care,
Robin

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Coats Clark S975 Piper's silk

[robinlace]

Hi, Susan!

Have you considered YLI #100?  It's quite thin and comes in a nice variety of 
colors.  And has that silk sheen, too.  It's soft, unlike linen, but still has 
good stitch definition.  Sometimes it can drop the hitch, mostly because it's 
slick, but I don't have trouble when I use a double-hitch.

just a suggestion,

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)


 hottl...@neo.rr.com wrote: 
=
Your point is well taken Adele.  I've already got plenty of problems with the 
'lace' threads!  lol  Besides I could always make something in white/ecru  dye 
it to my satisfaction later.  Tatting cotton  Oliver Twist are too beefy for 
Honiton so finding a colored fine thread is high on my 'to do' list.  I plan to 
try the Italian thread I purchased last year (Tre Stelle) when I get a free 
moment.  I very much appreciate this thread discussion because I don't know 
what I don't know.  Trying to get my learner's permit here!  Sincerely, Susan 
Hottle, Erie, PA USA

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Re: [lace] Coats Clark S975 Piper's silk

[robinlace]

Hi, Susan!

Have you considered YLI #100?  It's quite thin and comes in a nice variety of 
colors.  And has that silk sheen, too.  It's soft, unlike linen, but still has 
good stitch definition.  Sometimes it can drop the hitch, mostly because it's 
slick, but I don't have trouble when I use a double-hitch.

just a suggestion,

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)


 hottl...@neo.rr.com wrote: 
=
Your point is well taken Adele.  I've already got plenty of problems with the 
'lace' threads!  lol  Besides I could always make something in white/ecru  dye 
it to my satisfaction later.  Tatting cotton  Oliver Twist are too beefy for 
Honiton so finding a colored fine thread is high on my 'to do' list.  I plan to 
try the Italian thread I purchased last year (Tre Stelle) when I get a free 
moment.  I very much appreciate this thread discussion because I don't know 
what I don't know.  Trying to get my learner's permit here!  Sincerely, Susan 
Hottle, Erie, PA USA

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[lace] Re: Lace with and without an end use

[robinlace]

 Lyn Bailey lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: 
But I know of others who just 
like to make lace, and perhaps no actual contemplated use is necessary. 
What kind of a lace maker are you?  

This is the process vs. product argument again.  I'm an unrepentant 
process-oriented person.  I have no particular use for lace.  I don't wear it 
and don't care if any hangs on my walls.  However, I love the doing of it.  I 
love crossing and twisting.  I love seeing something beautiful forming before 
my eyes.  Most of all, I love solving the puzzle of how a pattern is made.  I 
couldn't care less about finishing it.  My friends acknowledge me Queen of 
Unfinished Projects.  It is -extremely- rare for me to finish something unless 
it's for a gift.  And I have to admit, a few times I have failed to finish a 
gift (about THAT I'm ashamed, but not about unfinished things that aren't 
gifts).

In the Arachne archives there should be an essay I wrote about product vs. 
product people.  If anyone really wants to read more of my opinion, I'm sure 
it's in there somewhere.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Question about lace coasters

[robinlace]

 J D Hammett jdhamm...@msn.com wrote: 
Framecraft (sold by several lace traders) does small ceramic and glass pots

In the US, Nordic Needle http://www.nordicneedle.com/ and other embroidery 
suppliers sell lovely wood boxes with inserts in the lid for pictures, 
embroideries, or lace bits.  The different boxes have take different size areas 
for the work, so you can find uses for a variety of pieces.  Just thought I'd 
add to the list of places to look.


Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] lace bobbins?

[robinlace]

 Jenny Brandis je...@brandis.com.au wrote: 
Are these actually lace bobbins? What would you use them for?


Boy, those are strange!  No way they're lacemaking bobbins, but I have no idea 
what they could be for.  I wonder what that red stuff is poking out of the 
holes in the central one.  That might be a clue to their use.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Freehand Lace with 6 pairs or less

[robinlace]

 jeria...@aol.com wrote: 
A large fully-dressed  pillow with many bobbins and dense 
pattern is discouraging and elicits the usual  I don't have the patience!.  
 

This is not necessarily so.  I've started using a wider torchon pattern (50+ 
pairs) for demonstration and I've had great reactions.  I can show them that, 
no matter how many pairs there are, I'm only using 2 pair, one coming from 
above-right and the other from above-left to meet at the pin.  Then I drop one 
pair and pick up the next one.  The usual reaction is, Oh, I see!  I then go 
into CT makes this area, CTC makes this other area, and CTCT makes this.  
People don't sign up for a class, but they leave with a smile and a feeling of 
understanding what we're doing. 

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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RE: [lace] Fine pens

[robinlace]

 Jean Nathan jean...@hotmail.co.uk wrote: 
I use rOtring technical pens, around GBP8.50 (around $13) each so not a cheap
pen and intended for technical drawings. Guess I'm just ham-fisted.

Okay, if you're using a technical pen (the point is a metal cylinder with a 
wire that shakes up and down to clear out the drying India ink) and it's 
getting too broad too fast, it's probably how you're holding the pen.  
Technical pens were designed to be held exactly vertical while drawing.  If you 
tilt the pen they way you'd hold a pencil or regular pen, you will damage the 
cylinder's edge.  

Try it with a new crayon--it goes from a circular tip to an oval when you press 
hard while coloring.  If you keep moving the crayon around in your hand, you'll 
wear down all sides of the tip and make a dull, rounded tip.  But if you hold 
the crayon still in your hand it will wear at an angle and you'll have that 
ellipse of a point.  This is what happens with a technical pen.

Hope this helps.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] New at www.LaceCurator.info: Crocheted Maltese Lace

[robinlace]

 Elizabeth Kurella ekure...@gmail.com wrote: 
It seems to me that crocheting lacemakers are more likely than any other
lacemakers to produce crocheted variations of many other lacemaking
techniques.  I’ve seen crocheted Cluny, reticella, point plat, Gros Point,
Battenberg, filet and others.

Personally, I've always half-wondered if it isn't low self-esteem.  Crochet
was for many years very commonly done and had no real glory.  So many people
turned up their noses, Oh, that's just crochet!  So people imitated other 
laces to prove that they can do beautiful and special things with their 
technique.  I know I'm not expressing it well, but I have a feeling it's
about the attitude of crocheters and how their craft was looked down on.

Then there's the problem that so few people knew the other lace techniques 
so why not crochet the designs?  All you need to know is the one lace
technique and you can do any kind of lace in the history of humanity!


Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Music to Make Lace By

[robinlace]

Cool!  I've never heard this before, but I always liked Baroque (especially 
Bach) for studying. I always wished the UCLA Biomed library would pipe in 
music--as soon as I entered the stacks my thoughts turned to Bach.  Something 
about the smell of the old volumes triggered that association.

Thanks for the info!

For lacemaking, however, I learn toward New Age stuff--George Winston, Lanz  
Spear, Kitaro, Nakai, that sort of stuff.  Tranquil  serene.  Native American 
flute museic is also really good.  For me, making lace is meditative, unlike 
studying.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

=Liz Baker wrote:
I have read this thread with interest as for many years, teachers and trainers 
have been encouraging their students to play Baroque music low in the 
background when studying for exams.  Much research s done in the 90s on 
accelerated learning and it was found that the beat of Baroque music was 
similar to that of the of heart beat during light exercise.  When students 
revised or did activities with this in the background they retained more 
information than without.

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Re: [lace] Arachne photo (names)

[robinlace]

Here's a start on the names.  Others can add to it to complete it.  I apologize 
in advance for the unsure labels.  Many of you I know but I'm tired today and 
blanking on names.  The rows are not tidy, so I've included color of clothing 
after the bottom row.

Bottom (L to R):
Penny B., Sylvia F., Robin D., unsure, Betty M., Devon T.

Second row:
unsure (white), Liz L. (navy), unsure (white)

Third row:
unsure (lavender), unsure (brown) 

Fourt row:
unsure (pink), unsure (green/white), Lorraine W. (black/white)

Fifth row:
unsure (green/white), Robin P. (lavender), unsure (white), unsure (rust/white)

Top row:
Jean L. (purple?), Janice B. (black)

Thanks for posting the picture, Robin!
 

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Arachne photo (names)

[robinlace]

Here's a start on the names.  Others can add to it to complete it.  I apologize 
in advance for the unsure labels.  Many of you I know but I'm tired today and 
blanking on names.  The rows are not tidy, so I've included color of clothing 
after the bottom row.

Bottom (L to R):
Penny B., Sylvia F., Robin D., unsure, Betty M., Devon T.

Second row:
unsure (white), Liz L. (navy), unsure (white)

Third row:
unsure (lavender), unsure (brown) 

Fourt row:
unsure (pink), unsure (green/white), Lorraine W. (black/white)

Fifth row:
unsure (green/white), Robin P. (lavender), unsure (white), unsure (rust/white)

Top row:
Jean L. (purple?), Janice B. (black)

Thanks for posting the picture, Robin!
 

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Old lace magazines

[robinlace]

 Barbara Engle katstit...@gmail.com wrote: 
-At half past 85, I am still teaching a bit and, being in good health, not 
ready to clear out,  but one day my kids will want to know what to do with all 
the goodies.  We need regional clearing houses...any one have any ideas??? 

I've been planning to donate my lace supplies/equipment to my lace group with 
the instruction that they can use, share, sell, etc. as needed.  I figure the 
members will know people who need things.  Some of it can be kept for lending 
newcomers, some can supplement the library or create funds for supporting the 
group's activities.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Bibilla

[robinlace]

 Tregellas Family endso...@internode.on.net wrote: 
 I've had a note from Elena letting me know that her Bibilla book 
has just been published.  For a preview check out this web page.

http://www.sallymilner.com.au/book_detail/book/337


Oh, how exciting!  I've been not-so-patiently waiting for this book to come 
out, since I took Elena's bibilla class at the IOLI convention last summer.  
Her flowers are gorgeous and I can't wait to get the book.  I wonder if any 
copies will make it to this year's convention (starts a week from today, so I 
doubt it).

THanks for the great news.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] New at LaceCurator.info

[robinlace]

 Elizabeth Kurella ekure...@gmail.com wrote: 
Also a new swan added to the collection in COPY THIS!  But is it a swan?  The
long neck says yes, the beak and body….?  (scroll down on the Copy This  Swans
webpage -- it's the last swan on the page.)

Doesn't look like a swan to me.  My first reaction was Loon.  They have the 
long, low body and the long, pointy beak (and long neck) just like the lace 
birds.  Swans are nearly always shown (in my admittedly limited experience) 
with the wings fanned up over the body, like your other swans.  I don't know if 
loons have symbolic significance in art, but your birds look so much like loons 
to me.

just my opinion,

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] New at LaceCurator.info

[robinlace]

 Ilske Thomsen ilske.l.thom...@t-online.de wrote: 
I agree the last one hasn't the beak of a swan. It looks more like the beak of 
a pelican but isn't broad enough.

Pelican was my second guess, too.  I've seen pelicans in lace that have similar 
bills (even though the real thing has that big pouch under its bill) but this 
bird just seems to say 'loon' to me.  There are grebes that look like miniature 
loons, but they're small and thin.  And I've never heard of grebes as symbols.  
I do believe there's some symbolism to loons, even though I can't remember 
what.  As for ducks, no way.  There's no species of duck anywhere in the world 
that has anywhere near that long a bill.  

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Who's Who in Lace

[robinlace]

 Bev Walker walker.b...@gmail.com wrote: 
Your name comes to mind! and I hope others will respond :)

I agree with Bev, that Clay's work creating and continuing the Sweet Briar 
retreat warrants inclusion as a modern lace mover-and-shaker.

Also past and present officers of the major lace organizations, such as IOLI, 
the English lace guild, etc.

I would also add Liz, creator and keeper of Arachne.  Without her, 
international communication among lacemakers would have been considerably less, 
especially when the internet and world wide web were new.  I realize there are 
now other such internet lace groups, but I have no knowledge of their 
organization.  Others can nominate Who's Who? membership from those.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Easiest for who?

[robinlace]

 alexstillw...@talktalk.net wrote: 
Unfortunately, although I can knit and have done
fairisle, the wrong hand is dominant and I feel like I am fighting myself.
Like you, the experience means I hate it.

Interesting result!  I'm a lefty and my mother's righty.  She taught me most 
things for lefties, but I wasn't able to get the hang of knitting from her.  I 
figured it out in my late 20's, right-handed.  It doesn't bother me to knit 
wrong-handed.  I chose to learn guitar right-handed, too.  But tatting?  I 
can barely do it left-handed but right-handed is a lot worse.  


-I have taught myself to crochet and tat right handed and can teach them
successfully to right handers.  When I teach a left-hander I feel confused
about what to say regarding the words left and right and end up just working
slowly saying ‘do this’. It works but it would be better if I could add
the commentary.

This would be because the movements are no longer properly associated with the 
words.  It's like seeing a three of hearts playing card with the little hearts 
painted black.  People will, when faced with this, often call it a three of 
spades.  Some get so disoriented by the discrepency that they can't even get 
the number right.  

For many years I wore my watch on my left hand so I could wind the stem.  I got 
tired of it getting in the way when I reached for something and put it on my 
right wrist.  I didn't notice the relationship at first, but I did notice I was 
having a lot of trouble touch typing.  I got tired of looking at the wrong 
wrist to tell the time, and put my watch back on the left and this time I 
noticed that my typing was back to normal--my brain unconsciously associated 
the feel of the watch with left/right hand.  When cues are out of synch, your 
brain gets confused.  

When I took a knotted needlelace workshop from Gretchen Allegier, lefties were 
in the majority--8 of 11 students!  She did great 'switching gears' for us 
lefties, but then had trouble teaching the righties.  We'd gotten her all 
turned around and right-handed work looked somehow wrong to her.  (Don't 
worry, she got straightened out after class!)

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] RE: participation in Lace conferences - flights

[robinlace]

- Original Message -
From: Witchy Woman wytchy...@sbcglobal.net
Check out flights that have more than one stop, with one stop being your actual 
destination..  Sometimes you'll find that booking a 1 stop flight from 
Cleveland to 
San Francisco is a lot cheaper than a flight from Cleveland to Salt Lake City. 
--

There's a problem with that--if you don't complete your flight all the way to
San Francisco, the airlines often cancel your ticket.  In other words, you won't
be able to board your return flight at Salt Lake City.  An alternative would be
to book two one-way flights, one from home to San Francisco, the other from Salt
Lake City to somewhere beyond home.  However, one 1-way ticket can be a lot more
money than a round trip!  Two 1-way tickets would be ridiculously expensive.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Participation in IOLI (and other) conferences

[robinlace]

 Earl  Ruth Johnson ejohn...@magma.ca wrote: 
...so could we consider holding conferences in the off-season
months of April, May, October or November?  Yes, schools and universities are
in session but it seems using school classrooms. cafeterias, and dormitories
is not a popular idea.  In off-season months those us of “a certain age”
are usually free of competing holiday activities and visitors. -  

One difficulty here is that there are a whole lot of teachers, school librarians
and university faculty who make lace.  None of those can go to a convention
during the school year.

I agree that we can never please all, but they're actually a large group who 
would be left out.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Conventions

[robinlace]

 Charlotte Moore nhsmo...@cox.net wrote: 
I agree. Having regional meetings would be an excellent idea. If conventions 
are so far from lace members and basically only certain sections of the country 
are well represented then they are the ones making decisions. I like the idea 
of proxy voting. That way all members have a voice in decisions.

Wait a minute!  Sure, there were more Portland-area attendees at the Portland 
convention than at the Minneapolis convention (and so forth), but these 
conventions are most assuredly not regional in terms of representation.  There 
are many, many people who show up at convention after convention.  One of the 
reasons I enjoy going to IOLI convention each year is to renew friendships with 
people I only see at that venue.  At the IOLI AGM there is ample representation 
from members around the world.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Conventions

[robinlace]

 Elizabeth Ligeti lizl...@bigpond.com wrote: 
However one big difference is that the 12 hour classes are held on 2 full
days - not 4 half days.
This means that people can go for a shorter time and get in their whole 2
day class without the expense of a full week...[snip]...
This might be something to think about another time, - some people could
perhaps, manage half a week at Convention, and the Aussie way would give
them a full 2 day class.

Actually, this was tried in 2004, with the IOLI convention at Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania.  Some people loved the new version.  Some tried it and 
didn't like it.  There was also a small but very vocal group campaigning
against the new format, who 'boycotted' the convention.  It was this 
convention that inspired the bylaw change to make the IOLI board more
directly in control of some aspects of convention.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] IOLI Convention

[robinlace]

 Bronwen of Hindscroft welshw...@gmail.com wrote: 
Many SciFi/Fantasy Conventions are much less than $150, and have the
programming (classes) as part of the entrance fee.

Now, there are a few differences though:-

Another difference, I believe, is in the size of registration.  Those
comic and scifi cons have huge numbers of fans sharing the costs of
the convention.  This lowers the cost per person on the overall expenses.  

I think, also, that the vendors pay more, and there are more sponsors,
and so forth to help with the expenses.


Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] IOLI Convention (Karen's questions)

[robinlace]

 Karen Thompson karenhthomp...@gmail.com wrote: 
Should the tour day be kept in the middle of the week where it requires
extra nights and meals whether you want to participate in a tour or not?

Many of us use Wednesday to catch up on 'homework' so we're ready to go 
farther at the next day's classes.  Recent conventions have also had 
Wednesday mini-classes that are fun and interesting.  This gives us a
break from our other classes and provides four options (tours, mini-
classes, homework, or just relaxing) for attendees.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Question - good reference books for needlelace

[robinlace]

 Chris Brill-Packard cbpu...@yahoo.com wrote: 
I am looking for the idea
of books that a needlelacer might go back to over and over as they try to
learn new stitches and the techniques.-

Hi, Chris
I don't consider this a beginner's how-to book, but my very most favorite 
needlelace reference is Catherine Barley's.  It has chapters on a variety of 
types of needlelace, with clear directions and great eye-candy for inspiration.

Just my opinion, of course.  Usual disclaimers.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
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Re: [lace] eyesight

[robinlace]

 David C COLLYER dccoll...@ncable.net.au wrote: 
Having read that I am wondering whether you might find a Magvu 
easier. This is a magnifier which sits about 10cm out from your eyes 
and can go over glasses and you can still watch TV over the top of 
it. It comes with X2 and X4 lenses. 

These are a lot like Mag-Eyes, sold in the US.
http://www.mageyes.com/Hobby.htm

There's a strap around the head, and the lenses hang in front.  
The lenses can be tilted out of the way up or down.  Since they
magnify the view, it's like holding the object close to the face.
You might find that you can see what's on the pillow while the
pillow is far enough away to work on it.  I've seen bobbin 
lacemakers using the Mag-Eyes, and my father used them for his
jewelry-making, but I haven't used them myself.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] Lace and bad eyesight

[robinlace]

 Lyn Bailey lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: 
-At a lace day in Ithaca, perhaps 10 years ago, I heard of someone 
buying supplies for a blind lacemaker, who could do it all, except make a 
pricking.  Obviously her prickings were actually pricked, not prick as you 
go.  But I didn't ask questions, and I don't know how successful she was. 
There may need to be adjustments.  

Hi, Lyn

It's a little scary hearing about someone legally blind driving, but I do 
admire your father's 'can do' attitude!  I have a blind friend who makes great 
bobbin lace.  Yes, someone pricks her pattern for her and she uses it upside 
down so there are bumps where the pricker needle went through the paper.  
That's how she finds the pinholes.  Very fine laces with pinholes crowding 
together (the kind where you can't see the lace till the pins are pulled out) 
are beyond her, but as long as she can get a finger in to the back-most empty 
pinhole, she can do it.  Someone usually describes the lace to her, like 
there's a trail following that arc of pinholes, and so many pairs come into it 
along the swing, and then at the nth hole two pairs leave toward the right to 
plait out to those holes that loop out from the trail.  I'm always amazed 
at how much detail she can keep in her mind's eye, till it's time for a 
description of the next region.  She's blind from infancy and she knits!
  and does other great things, too.  And teaches knitting (and taught 
blindfolded bobbin lace at the lace group meeting a few years ago.  I was 
sick that day, but those who tried it had that much more respect for her 
accomplishments!

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] anniversary logo

[robinlace]

 Carolinadgg carolina...@aol.com wrote: 
This put my mind to think about designing something in Witchstitch  lace  (
also  called Hinojosa lace) I shared it with the list and this was the result:

Hi, Carolina
I remember this spider.  It's really quite nice.  It is abstract enough that I 
can enjoy it (I am a biologist but I loathe spiders).  Thanks so much for 
posting it, the first time and now again.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Parvum leve mentes capiunt
(Little things amuse little minds)

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Re: [lace] 20th anniversary

[robinlace]

 David C COLLYER dccoll...@ncable.net.au wrote: 
Personally I think a 20th anniversary on the Internet deserves 
something a lot more substantial than merely a nice cover cloth.
- a beautiful bobbin by Stuart Johnson
- a panel made by all of us (perhaps in each continent)

I'm concerned about the logistics of a panel, passing from person to person 
around the world, never getting lost in the mail and never getting stuck at the 
home of someone who meant well but now just can't seem to find the time and 
eventually is too embarrassed to admit she still has it (remember the recent 
post about bookmark/ornament exchanges that ended up 1-sided?).  One way this 
might be avoided is if we settle on a size and everyone can make squares (or 
rectangles, hexagons or whatever shape is decided) and one person or close-knit 
group is in charge of receiving all the pieces and attaching them like quilt 
blocks.  The final size and shape is determined by how many blocks they 
receive, and there's no worry about how much of the panel each person does (did 
we run out of volunteers before the panel was complete, or did we run out of 
panel space to work on when there are still people wanting to participate?).

Just a suggestion--

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] washing silk

[robinlace]

- Sue Babbs sueba...@comcast.net wrote: 
I was wondering if one could get an enzyme based solution to remove the food 
stains.  

NO!  Sorry for shouting, but I've seen what enzyme soaks can do to bones and 
flesh, never mind delicate fabrics.  First of all, an enzyme is a molecule that 
facilitates a chemical reaction in another molecule.  After the reaction, the 
enzyme lets go and grabs another target molecule, facilitates that reaction, 
and so on--the enzyme never gets used up and can go on, and on, and on

I saw photos of a fish-skeleton collection that had been cleaned of muscle and 
tendon with an enzyme soak.  The clean bones were thoroughly washed/rinsed 
afterward, but it's impossible to get every single enzyme molecule out, so it 
keeps on chewing away.  WHen it ran out of muscle  tendon, it continued, 
breaking down minute bits of protein in the bones, destroying them.  The 
skeletons were piles of bone-dust with a few sticks of bone still not 
digested.

Second, most of the enzyme fabric cleaners target protein and break it down.  
Silk (and wool, for that matter) are protein!  The cleaners usually say not to 
use them on wool or nylon (nylon is not protein, but it has the same linkages, 
which the enzyme breaks down into hydrochloric acid.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] linen christening gown

[robinlace]

 hottl...@neo.rr.com wrote: 
When I checked Hedgehog Handworks the finest linen thread offered is 100/3.  
Wm. Booth, Draper offers 90/2  it says on his site that it is suitable for 
sewing handkerchief weight linen.  

I believe Bart  Francis have some ultra-fine linen thread, finer than 90/2 or 
100/3.  But I may be cnfusing it with their ultrafine cotton.  I remember 
seeing it/them at an IOLI convention a couple of years ago.  Check their 
website.

Robin

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Making lace in public places

[robinlace]

- Lyn Bailey lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: 
When we are at home, it is easier to make lace at home than lug the stuff all 
over, but clearly from the responses, making lace in public seems to draw 
questions from onlookers.  How much interest could we get for lacemaking if we 
simply spent some time in our home town making lace in a public place?  I don't 
think anyone knows the answer, but it might be interesting to find out.

Some of us have found out.  I've worked on my lace pillow at the mechanic's 
while waiting for my car to be serviced and at work at lunchtime (taught two 
co-workers for awhile from that).  I've heard of others who have done similar 
things.  October 1st has been make lace in public day for some years now.  
Friends and I have made lace in knitting shops, embroidery shops, and malls 
(just a person or two, sitting on the mall's seating with a small pillow in the 
lap) on that day.  Pittsburgh Lace Group demonstrates every year at Phipps 
Conservatory (a giant Victorian-style greenhouse open to the public) and the 
Pittsburgh Folk Festival.  They often demonstrate at other craft-oriented shows 
and historical festivals in and around Pittsburgh.  That's all local 
lacemaking, and it generates a lot of interest and does get a few new members.

Here in southern California, groups demonstrate and teach at the Scandinavian 
Festival (California Lutheran College), Huntington Gardens, Descanso Gardens, 
Los Angeles Country Fair, and many places I don't remember.  Those are 
official demonstration activities, but just bringing your pillow to someplace 
you will be sitting awhile also works.  My own fascination with bobbin lace 
began when I saw a woman making it in front of a store.  It took a few years to 
find a class (by then I had moved), but I searched until I found it!
 
Even if a lace pillow doesn't travel all that well, it does travel.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Yarn bombing and lace equivalent

[robinlace]

Several years ago an arachnean posted a link to photos of a tree that someone 
had covered with crochet doilies.  Anybody remember where?

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] celtic knots pattern in bobbin lace wanted (sort of)

[robinlace]

 martina.dewi...@web.de wrote: 
for a dear friend I would like to make bobbin lace in celtic knots pattern. I 
have seen this 
some years ago on the Deutsche Klöppelkongress (the annual German bobbin lace 
congress). I have consulted the internet, but can't find any pattern for 
this.-

There's a design I've long wanted to do.  It's actually a cross stitch pattern 
in Ulrike Voelker's (then Lohr) box of dragon designs.  I think it would work 
up wonderfully in a Russian-style tape--it's of several snakes intertwined.  
Each one a different color (or all of them white with different color center 
gimp).

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] twists

[robinlace]

 Sue Babbs sueba...@comcast.net wrote: 
I was really just intrigued that the inclusion of half stitch made the 
bobbins unwind, which they hadn't done on the earlier strip on either side 
of the pattern-

It sounds to me like you use slightly different movement to work CTC and CT.  I 
know, I do.  When I do cloth stitch, it's actually 5 movements for me:  C, T, 
C, push 1 pair aside, pull 1 new pair in, repeat.

When I do half stitch, I get closer to throwing the bobbins and it becomes 3 
movements:  C, T-and-drop (one pair aside), pull another pair in, repeat. 

The difference in handling could very well cause a difference in how much the 
threads twist and/or in which direction they twist.  I just don't know how much 
or in what direction, never having examined the result.  I'm always checking 
for over/under twisting, and rolling the bobbins that need fixing, so I don't 
pay attention to what might have caused more or less of it.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

Sue

sueba...@comcast.net

This sounds like the problem may be due to the pillow you are using.  Are 
you
using a cookie pillow with a high dome that would cause bobbind on the left 
to
roll to the left, those on the right to roll towards the right. 

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Re: [lace] Lace at Museums

[robinlace]

 dmt11h...@aol.com wrote: 
In fact, one of the most  
gratifying things has been to see younger people who are seeing museum quality  
lace for the first time and are amazed at the artistry and craftsmanship. It 
has  been very enjoyable to see people viewing the exhibit and becoming 
excited  about something they had never seen before. 


Devon has a point.  Most people only know what they see for 25 cents/yard at 
Walmart.  How can they appreciate lace with that as their only standard?

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] more Honiton

[robinlace]

 Lorelei Halley lhal...@bytemeusa.com wrote: One thing
to remember is that when weaving a cloth stitch area, whichever bobbins serve
as the weavers will dominate the color appearance.  So if you have one or 2
passive pairs that are green, in a flower, they may not matter much.  So long
as your weaver and 2 edge pairs are petal colors (because these 3 take turns
as weavers) it won't matter so much what color the others are.  (There is a
piece at the Art Institute of Chicago which has plaid flowers because of this
fact.)-

It's not necessarily true that the weaver dominates the passives.  It depends 
on 
tensioning.  Whichever threads get pulled more tightly will be straighter, 
causing 
the threads going the other direction to be wavy (go up and down to get around 
the 
straight-line ones.  The wavy threads are more visible while the straight-line 
threads are pushed down below the wavy ones.

If you pull tightly on your passives and just ease the worker around the pin, 
the
passive colors will be less noticeable.  On the other hand, if you tug firmly 
on 
the worker/weaver at the pin while very gently straightening the passives, the 
passives will go up and down while the worker goes arrow-straight.  The passive 
color will then be dominant over the worker color.

Now, with Honiton-size threads you're not really tugging anything all that 
hard, 
but you can still exert some control over which threads (worker/weavers or 
passives)
dominate.

Another way to control whether passive color or worker color dominates is to 
vary
the thickness--a slightly thicker worker will dominate a slightly thinner 
passive, and vice versa.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] spectacles

[robinlace]

-- Alex Stillwell alexstillw...@talktalk.net wrote: 
In Britain all opticians will accept unwanted spectacles and they are recycled
to poor communities 

In the US, I believe it's the Lions that do the same thing.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Sue's Clock

[robinlace]

Thanks, Bronwen, for the link.  We technophobes thank you.  Sue, the lace is 
beautiful!  WHat a clever idea and a great execution.  I had no interest in a 
lace-faced clock, but now you've got me inspired.

Thanks, both of you, for letting us see it.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

 Branwyn ni Druaidh welshw...@gmail.com wrote: 
=
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2189969880048870129rTJsii

That link should take you to the finished piece.

Bronwen

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Re: [lace] Re: [lace] macramé

[robinlace]

Gorgeous works!  I'm so tempted, although I can't make myself spend USD 95 for 
a pair of earrings.  THanks for the URL.  

The amulet bag I fell in love with all those years ago was lacier than this 
artist's work.

Robin

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

 Sue Babbs sueba...@comcast.net wrote: 
I am organising the teachers for the North Suburban NeedleArts Guild for 
this guild year, and one of them (Joan Babcock) is teaching micro-macramé 
and makes fascinating necklaces:

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Re: [lace] macrame

[robinlace]

 jvik...@sover.net wrote: 
I'd also like to draw your attention to Le Macrame by Th. de Dillmont.
THe book is from 1922 and is on the Professor's site.  I don't have that
URL at my figertips either.  The book does have two sculptural flowers
but the rest are borders or insertions - just incredibly gorgeous things!!
 It's in French but the diagrams look pretty good for non-French readers
like me.  The variety is amazing and the combinations seem endless.

There are some great new booklets on macrame (mostly in Italian), with gorgeous 
lacy edgings and sometimes medallions.  I've been looking into this since the 
mid-90s, when I saw an amulet bag in macrame, made with (probably 8 or 12) 
pearl cotton.  

Then there's the book that will soon (I hope!) be published by Marji Suhm on
Greek fingerlace.  It's a Greek version of macrame-type lace.

Robin

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] lacy art at Versailles

[robinlace]

- Bev Walker walker.b...@gmail.com wrote: 
Contemporary artist Joana Vasconcelos has some cheerful lace-like
installations shown at her website (note the lace piano!):
http://www.joanavasconcelos.com

I really liked the giant wrought iron lace tea pot.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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[lace] re: Rosalibre comments

[robinlace]

First off, Jeanette is much too modest.  I've seen pictures of her designs and 
they're beautiful and very creative.  

As for publishing designs, there's a problem:  imagine being given a pricking 
of a complex Milanese picture such as Pat Read or Louise Colgan have created, 
with no knowledge whatsoever of the techniques of Milanese.  Or a lovely Beds 
pattern with no guipure experience.  Now what?  Cathy invented RL with a number 
of unique techniques, and if you haven't learned RL already you won't know what 
to do with the design.  When I have taught original patterns I have referred 
people to Cathy's book.  This is done just like the  in pattern yyy (or 
it's just like that with the following differences).  Since it is/was Cathy's 
lace revolution and she taught for just a few years, only a modest number of 
people are privy to those secrets at this time.  Publishing a simple daffodil 
flower would require publishing a whole lot of accompanying information on how 
to do it, which could easily infringe Cathy's copyright and/or take up far too 
much space in a magazine.  Tamara was asked to !
 publish some of her RL but refused for this reason.  So the only people who 
could use the published design are the ones who already know RL, and that won't 
widen the knowledge base.

I have taught RL to each of the 3 lace groups to which I belong, because that's 
teaching friends.  I was asked once to teach at a more formal workshop (the 
Winter Lace Conference), but because the techniques are her invention, that's 
getting into infringeing on Cathy's intellectual property (morally, if not 
legally).  I am not comfortable with that.

No matter how much a few of us enjoy it, I'm afraid Cathy's revolution may be 
a quirky lace that fewer and fewer people bother with.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Rosa Libre

[robinlace]

 Jean Nathan j...@nathan54.freeserve.co.uk wrote: 
For some obscure reason Rosa Libre popped into my head this morning. Doesn't 
seem to have been any mention of it since 2008. Is anyone making this type 
of lace?-

There are still a few of us playing with Rosa Libre.  I was told (but haven't 
checked the accuracy) that Cathy Belleville seems to have left lace altogether. 
 It's such a shame as she was such an excellent teacher and designed some 
beautiful lace (not just in RL).  I know that Arachneans Tamara Duvall and 
Jeanette Fischer have designed pieces (especially Jeanette), as have I.  I 
think at least Jeanette is still designing RL (and so am I).

Can we please hear from anyone who's been doing anything in RL, to see what's 
happening?  I would love to see pictures of anything you've done that deviates 
from, or expands on, Cathy's book.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] pin under 4 edge

[robinlace]

Hi, Kim

Is it not also possible that the technique was developed for the same purpose 
as it's used for now?  It makes large, square holes with a straight edge, ideal 
for sewing the lace onto fabric.  I was under the impression that the really 
early laces (such as in Le Pompe and Shepherd's book) were sewn onto garments 
as surface decoration.  Stitching over the 'bars' between rows would attached 
the lace invisibly and the lace would have a very clean and smooth edging.  
Just a thought.

Robin

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

 Kim Davis k...@wirelace.net wrote: 
I am interested in the why part of it.  The problem of the curling up edge is 
one possibility.  Another possibility is the exchange of workers.  Yet another 
possibility is how the actual stitches came out of plaiting.I have a piece 
of lace that was made during the revival period which has a pin under 4 edge, 
and I am looking back to see if this was true in others as well.  I suspect it 
came out of the plaiting techniques used at that time.  

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[lace] Re: Thin Bobbins - There Is Never Enough Room

[robinlace]

 Susan Reishus elationrelat...@yahoo.com wrote: 
Possibly a gourmet cooking shop may have tighter grained skewers than the 
dollar store.  If you are really into this, why not consider buying bamboo 
double pointed knitting needles from eBay.  They come in 5, 6, 7 or 8 lengths 
and cost a bit more but you may be surprised at the prices.  These have been 
finished for knitting, so may be worth the savings in time and 
frustration.-  

Double-pointed knitting needles in fine sizes makes sense.  But why not go for 
wood ones instead of bamboo?  Then there's no worry about the fibers that 
bamboo can give off.  Double-points generally come in 5 (12.5 cm), 6 (15 cm), 
and 8 (20 cm).  The long ones could be cut in half for 2 short-ish bobbins so 
they would be less expensive than the shorter ones.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] There's never enough room

[robinlace]

 David C COLLYER dccoll...@ncable.net.au wrote: 
A thin wood dowel ought to work just as well as coathanger wire and 
As soon as I read that I immediately thought of those cheap wooden meat 
skewers. I recall in my early days when I didn't have enough bobbins I used 
them with just a rubber band wound round the head and no spangle at all. It was 
a pain though. However, if I glued a small metal nut on to the end, they could 
work. The only disadvantage I can see with such think bobbins is that they'd be 
a pain to wind.

I was thinking of the skewers, too, but opted for a more general description.  
But they would be a lot easier to wind than your coathangers.  Both are hard 
because they're very narrow, but that's what you want.  On the other hand, it's 
really hard to get thread to stick to metal for winding smoothly and 
reasonably tightly, while the skewers are usually bamboo (at least in the US) 
and hold the thread well.

Robin

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] There's never enough room (collapsible boxes)

[robinlace]

 lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: 
The last time this issue came up, I was discussing some sort of tray as Shirley 
and Liz mention, but I wanted sides that came up for storage to prevent rolling 
off, and came down when I wanted to use the bobbins, so they could just be put 
on the pillow and treated as some sort of cover cloth on the pillow, then the 
sides come up again for storage.  Any ideas, anyone?  I like the cloth idea 
especially, much less chance of breaking the thread on an edge.-

Instead of trying to construct a box with sides that fold down, how about a lid 
that a box comes down onto?  There are plenty of plastic boxes out there with 
snap-on lids.  Some of them are of non-brittle plastic so you could probably 
carve one side's edge off.  Then 3 sides of the box fit into the groove in the 
lid and the 4th side has a shallow gap that the threads feed through from the 
bobbins inside.  I suggest you keep an eye out for shallow, soft-plastic boxes 
of appropriate dimensions.  

Second option:  Big cardboard rectangle to support the bobbins, covered with 
fabric with a seam around the cardboard (acts as hinge for sides and keeps the 
cardboard in place).  Three sides have a narrow rectangle of carboard and the 
fabric from the base extends over these cardboard walls.  Put laces or velcro 
hook-and-loop fabric or button-and-loop at the corners of the side pieces.  To 
create a tray, fold the sides upright and tie/hook them together.  To turn it 
into a cover cloth, untie/unhook the sides and they'll flop down.  I don't 
know how clear this is.  I could draw something and send it to you if you're 
interested.  It's beyond my ASCII-art abilities.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] There's never enough room

[robinlace]

I'm not good at thinking up new ideas but I'm better at tweaking and 
critiquing.  

First off, the magnetic sheet doesn't need to cover the pillow, just the apron 
where the bobbins lay.  This means there's no issue about pinning through the 
magnet.  

Second, the bobbins just need some part that'll be attracted to the magnet.  If 
you're putting a rectangle on the bottom end to prevent rolling, the rectangle 
could be metal or have a metallic piece (or a snippet of magnetic sheet 
material like the apron) on one side of it.  No reason the rest of the bobbin 
has to be metal.  A thin wood dowel ought to work just as well as coathanger 
wire and be easier to make up.  And wood will grip the thread beginning, making 
them much easier to wrap.

The newer international bobbins that some US suppliers carry are quite a bit 
thinner than the earler versions.  Like the earlier ones, they have a square 
section but it's not much thicker than Midlands bobbins (but don't need 
spangles).  Granted, you're looking for something thinner than Midlands, but 
these are thinner than other continentals and take up a lot less room than 
spangled bobbins.

An alternative magnetic bobbin is carriage bolts, if they come in a thin enough 
size for you.  Carriage bolts are longer than most bolts, have a head (where 
the screwdriver goes) to keep the thread from pullling off the end, can have a 
nut screwed onto the bottom (instead of your rectangle), and have a short 
section without threads on which to wrap the thread.  Being metal, though, 
they'd be just as difficult to wind as coathanger wire.

I got a Christine-style pillow from Kathy Kirchner (Michigan, USA) a few 
years ago.  I don't know if she still makes them, but if real Christine pillows 
are hard to find and are desireable, people could check with Kathy.  She has a 
website but I don't know the URL.

Last, a modification of Clay's wings.  How about a transparent shelf 
(plexiglass?  Perspex?, some other plastic?) above the work area?  If the 
supports for the shelf are 'way out to the sides, you could have a double 
decker work area (maybe in addition to Clay's wings for storage?).  If you're 
watching threads instead of bobbins (as we're supposed to), the fact that 
bobbins upstairs hide the ones downstairs may not be a problem.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] A bird of a different feather!

[robinlace]

 jeria...@aol.com wrote: 
It seems that  many threads (wools for needlepoint and knitting, etc.) hold a 
lot of  moisture when wet and take a long time to dry.  It was reported that  
nests need to be dry, and the making of them from dry grasses, weeds, and twigs 
 is safer for baby birds, because the natural materials dry quickly.   

But wool *is* natural!  Wool, cotton, alpaca, silk, etc. are things birds can 
get in the wild.  And they do take it in the wild, even off the animals.  
Acrylic, polyester, nylon are synthetic and hold less water.  So how is wool so 
horrible?  

Many of these statements about what's safe or not for wildlife are not based on 
facts.  They are things that someone thought about and figured would be bad.  
They sound reasonable, but there have not necessarily been any tests to see if 
there is any lower nest survival.  That means I, too, don't know the truth, of 
course.  No data means *nobody* knows either way.

Robin P.
former collection manager, Section of Birds
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

now:  Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] chicago convention

[robinlace]

IOLI (International Old Lacers, Inc.) has an annual convention, usually in 
early August.  It is put on by a local lace guild each year.  This summer it's 
being hosted by guilds in Minneapolis/ St. Paul.  Last year it was in Portland, 
the year before in Los Angeles, etc.  It's not a trade show, organized by a 
convention-organizing company in the same city year after year.  It was in 
Rockford (not far from Chicago) a few years ago.

There may be smaller get-togethers in the Midwest US, but I don't know about 
any.  Someone may chime in with more info.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

 c s cskn...@gmail.com wrote: 
I was wondering if Chicago had a convention/show like St. Paul?  Or any other 
miswest shows?

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Re: [lace] Lace trimmed shoes

[robinlace]

 Linda Walton linda.wal...@dsl.pipex.com wrote: 
At that time I'd nver heard of lace making, it was just another factory-woven 
fabric to me; but now I can see all sorts of possibilities for adding lace 
decorations.  Maybe someone else will be inspired?

Which brings us back to the recent thread of what to do with lots of Honiton 
motifs!  It would be a lot easier to fasten small motifs to the existing shoes 
than to make a properly shaped shoe upper in lace to be tucked into the join 
between upper and sole.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Starting a Scroll

[robinlace]

 pene piip p...@eggo.org wrote: 
Please can anyone direct me to a book that shows how to start a scroll.

Pat Read has instructions in her first book on Milanese Lace (can't remember 
the exact title but some Arachnean can, I'm sure).  Do different bobbin lace 
types use different methods of making scrolls?

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Pronounciation of lacis

[robinlace]

Most of the people I've talked to in the US say the word 'lacis' is of French 
origin and should be pronounced LAH (as in 'do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do) SEE (as 
in 'I see you').  But most of those same people generally say LAY ('lay down on 
the bed') SEAS (the plural of 'oceans') when talking about the store.  

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Heads of Honiton bobbins

[robinlace]

 Manuela Condrau m.cond...@gmx.net wrote: 
I notice that many suppliers these days carry bobbins with heads in the shape 
of a sphere. I wonder what is the advantage of a sphere. Does anyone have 
experience with those? Anyone who can tell me pro and con of flat vs. spherical 
heads in a Honiton bobbin?


I have not used Honiton bobbins but I would be suspicious of the sphere-headed 
ones.  With Midlands and Continentals I find the best heads for holding the 
thread are ones that are fairly flat on the bottom (the side facing the neck) 
of the cap.  The ones that are more tapered, close to parallel with the neck, 
tend to allow the hitch to loosen (lengthening the tether) or even come off 
altogether.  I would think a spherical cap would be more like the tapered cap 
than like a flat one.

On the other hand, don't tapestry bobbins (for tapestry weaving) have a 
ball-shaped top?  If it works for them, maybe it's okay for Honiton, too.  I 
just would not buy them for fear they would be unreliable.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Re: Spencer

[robinlace]

 Susan Reishus elationrelat...@yahoo.com wrote: 
If you put chemise into the search engine of google, you get lots of long
slips and dresses.  

That reminds me--remember the Google Ngram?  We talked about it awhile back on 
Arachne.  Google analyzed the word content of a huge library going back into 
the 1600's.  Has anyone tried searching that for words like spencer, 
chemise, and camisole?  You could find the earliest uses of the words and 
how they were used in whatever time period is of interest.

Just a thought.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] pillow question

[robinlace]

 Sue hurwitz...@btinternet.com wrote: 
I am considering whether to buy another 18 domed one to replace all three old 
ones but when looking in the UK I only found one of the three sites I looked at 
with 18 domed, most of them were various sizes of flat round.   I Cant Manage 
With The Staw Pillows which are just too heavy for me to lift about or to rest 
on my legs which I need to put up part of most days.

I have several options to propose, but they're about relatively easy ways to 
make your own instead of buying another on that will go squidgy (love that 
description!).  The hardest part is getting a circular wood base.  If you have 
someone that can cut a circle, then thin plywood will work well.  Or if you can 
get someone to make an octagon, that works as well as a circle but is easier to 
cut.

1.  My first 'cookie' pillow was made on a plywood base.  Place fabric over the 
wood, staple it down most of the way around the wood.  Then use polyester 
stuffing (the material sold in bags for filling soft toys) to fill it.  Grab 
big handfuls of the stuff and push it to the far edge, keep adding and adding.  
When you get it filled halfway across the base, push a whole lot more and 
continue stuffing.  When you're sure it's full, push it in some more and 
continue stuffing!  When you can't stuff any more, staple the rest of the 
fabric down.  It's still a whole lot easier than straw stuffing, and can be 
done in a couple of hours.  And if it gets soft in the center, undo a few 
staples and add more polyester stuffing.  You can also add a layer of felted 
wool (in the US there are stores that sell Army-Navy surplus that sometimes 
have old wool blankets that can be felted) and another layer of cloth, if you 
want more support for the pins.

2.  Another easy cookie pillow is made from circles of the fiber-type carpet 
padding.  In the US it has become hard to find, most carpet stores using foam 
bits that have been pressed into a sheet.  But if you can get the fibrous type, 
cut 3 or 4 circles of it, the largest at least an inch (2-3 cm) wider than the 
base.  Make an upside-down pyramid (smallest circle on the bottom, biggest on 
top) onto the base, cover them with felted-wool blanket and staple this to the 
wood base.  Cover with cloth.

3.  There is something called industrial felt.  It is a wool felt that is 
about 1 (2-3 cm) thick.  I've not made a pillow out of it, but it takes pins 
like a dream.  Friends have used it for block pillows.  I believe you could use 
this for the upside-down pyramid pillow.  

4.  Personally, I strongly prefer block pillows over cookies.  Some block 
pillows are square or octagonal, which makes them very much like a cookie 
pillow.  But, as someone has already pointed out, it's easy and inexpensive to 
replace one broken-down block instead of a whole cookie.  If you're going to 
buy a new pillow, I'd recommend getting a block pillow.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Pigeon english

[robinlace]

 Jo yhgr@xs4all.nl wrote: 
One of the common mistakes by automated translators it to confuse battles and 
stitches, which is the same word in dutch

That is so funny!  I sometimes feel like I am doing battle with my threads, so 
maybe it's correct.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] single bobbin unwinding

[robinlace]

 Nancy Neff nnef...@yahoo.com wrote: 
I've searched the archives but haven't found the answer to this particular 
question: I have about 140 bobbins on my pillow, 120/2 thread, and of the 140 
one bobbin particular keeps unwinding


Are they identical bobbins?  If you use Midlands, I'll bet they're not.  If 
you're using continentals, they still might have slight variations.  Maybe you 
have one that doesn't hold thread well.

There are certain Midlands bobbin makers that I love and others that I don't 
buy.  The reason is because of the different shapes of the head.  Some shapes 
hold the thread well, others let it play out like a rock climber heading 
downward.  The difference among Midlands bobbin makers is quite strong.  
However, I would expect some continental bobbins hold a little bit better than 
others of the same style/nationality.  Within, for example, Swiss bobbins, 
there's definitely differences in head shape.  Single-headed bobbins might have 
less variation in thread-holding, because they're often just a disk on the end 
of the neck.  However, if the disk edge is squared off (the top and bottom 
round surfaces meet the side with sharp corners), it may hold thread 
differently than if the edge is rounded (not a sharp corner between side and 
top/bottom).  Some can have slightly rougher finish or slightly sticky (there 
are Dutch bobbins, turned body with a big round ball on the end that are qui!
 te sticky), which could affect the thread-holding power.

If you're using seemingly-identical bobbins, I would mark the problem one with 
a tiny bit of paint or nail polish near the bottom tip.  Then you could see if 
you have trouble with it on future projects.


Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Another crochet hook correction

[robinlace]

 laceandb...@aol.com wrote: 
The smallest standard hook I have seen here is a 0.4mm, the new one with the 
plastic handle is labelled as a 0.35mm, but is about the same as some 0.4s, and 
bigger than some of them.  

It's not the hook itself that determines the size (hence the problem you've 
recently had with SMP hooks).  It's the diameter of the shaft, above the hook 
that determines crochet loop size.  And 0.05 mm is a _very_ small length (about 
1/500th of an inch, for Americans--find a ruler that shows 16ths of an inch, 
divide that into 3 pieces and imagine 1/10th one of those!) so 0.35 and 0.40 
could be pretty hard to tell apart!

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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[lace] Re: lace groups and meeting rooms

[robinlace]

 lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: 
Speaking of meeting rooms, how does one go about finding one?  

Churches vary; they don't all charge exhorbitant fees.  One of the groups I 
belong to meets weekly in a church basement.  A member of the group is a member 
of that church and they have it for free.  They make a donation at the end of 
each year, but it's never been something the pastor asked for.  The group used 
to meet monthly in a different church for an annual fee of USD 50.

Many towns (or neighborhoods in cities) have community centers, or rooms in the 
public buildings.  Citizens of those towns/neighborhoods are allowed to use 
them for free.  The group that meets in a church basement uses the Borough 
building for workshops.  The police department and city offices are in the 
building.  A sewing group I belong to meets at a community room at the local 
pound (city-run animal shelter), but they're considering moving to a community 
room at a fire station.

A weaving group I belong to meets at a local college, in a classroom; another 
lace group meets in another church.  I don't know what financial arrangements 
either of them have.  They are both large-ish groups so they may be able to pay.

I also belong to a small lace group (9 members, usually 4-6 come to any 
meeting) that meets at members' homes.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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[lace] Re: educating and gaining new lacemakers (was: training the DH)

[robinlace]

 lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: 
Going to New York is 3 hours by train, but again, you have to drag all the 
stuff around as you walk around, no lockers anywhere after 9/11, and I make 
sure to travel as lightly as possible, editing the contents of my handbag, 
even, so instead I bring socks to knit.  Sad, but true.-  

So knit lace-pattern socks (or other small lace accessories, like scarves)!  
Who says lace always has to mean bobbin lace?  Getting the lace mentality out 
there is what's important, not which type of lace you get them started with.  
Knitting has become so popular that lace knitting is a good transition to other 
laces.  While most (by no means all) lace groups seem to be mostly BL makers, 
most of the groups seem to have members who do other types of lace (instead of, 
or in addition to, BL), especially tatting and knitting/crochet.  Get those 
other lacemakers into a group and *then* work on getting them interested in 
your favorite lace (I address this to all lacemakers, whatever their favorite 
lace is).

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Varied and sundry (Cheer detergent)

[robinlace]

-- Jean Nathan j...@nathan54.freeserve.co.uk wrote:
What is particular about Cheer that it will avoid bleeding?

Cheer brand laundry detergent makes the claim and (I assume) Sue has tried it 
if she endorses it.  I'm sure whatever allows the company to make this claim is 
part of its proprietary formulation and we may never know what it is.  We also 
won't know if/when they decide to change it, which is why I'm sure it won't get 
an endorsement from Arachnean textile watchdog, Jeri Ames.  Even if it's been 
tested for safety and effectiveness by professional textile conservators 
(unlikely), there's no knowing how long it will remain safe and/or effective.

[I'm really not calling you a dog, Jeri, honest!  But you're the one with the 
most conservation knowledge on the list and the one that usually has to 
reiterate your warnings.]

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

 

=

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Re: [lace] Colour run

[robinlace]

-Having never yet made anything that actually had to fit clothing yet I 
have no idea where to start.  Maybe a paper pattern shape drawn with some seam 
allowed extra?

I would make the lace a pattern that is forgiving of size/shape (not a 
pictorial motif that absolutely has to fit perfectly or it'll look funny), 
something like an overall design.  I'd make it a little larger than the 
opening.  Then I would add a seam allowance to that.  This gives you lots of 
freedom when fitting the finished lace to the opening.  I wouldn't try to sew 
the lace exactly at the edge of the fabric, but would allow it to go underneath 
a short ways before sewing.  It will look more like an undergarment than 
something stretched across the opening.  (IMO)

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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[lace] RE: Knitting charts (was: Manos lace weight yarn)

[robinlace]

I've only used charts for lace knitting and cables (fisherman knits).  Many of 
those patterns have no pattern work from the wrong side/return row, you just 
knit where there are knit stitches and purl above each existing purl stitch.  

Often lace charts that have just purls on the wrong side will omit the wrong 
side rows altogether, which means you don't have to worry about reading the 
chart backwards.  This is a good kind of pattern for beginning lace 
chart-users.  The chart will show odd-numbered rows (the numbers usually at the 
right end of the row) and will probably have a note that even-number rows are 
not shown. 

One quirk of knitted lace is that there may be different numbers of stitches on 
each (pattern) row, and this has to be worked into the grid of a chart.  A 
triangle shawl will always have at least one more increase (yarn-over) than the 
number of decreases in each row that is widening.  The extra increase(s) are 
usually near the edge, so the graph just widens.  However, sometimes there are 
increases deep within the pattern, and then the rows below may have a gray 
square to indicate there is no stitch there (until you get to the row with the 
increase).  It's not difficult to follow these, just pretend the gray squares 
are not there.  It's just a matter of getting used to it.  

If the number of stitches per row varies for just a few rows, the chart-maker 
may not use gray squares to fill in the .  But this means that the extra 
stitches stick out to the ends of the chart and the stitch in column ten of row 
X may not be exactly above the stitch shown in column ten of the row above or 
below it.  In other words, what look like columns of stitches in the chart are 
not in columns on the fabric.

Another quirk of some charts is when there is a repetitive set of stitches.  A 
stole may be, say 56 stitches wide and 506 rows long, but the chart may only 
show 16 stitches and 16 rows, with a box around the middle 10x10 stitches/rows. 
 This means that there are 3 rows before getting into the lace patterns, then 
500 rows of pattern (50 repeats of 10 rows), then 3 rows after the lace 
pattern.  In the central 500 rows, there are 3 stitches before the first 
10-stitch repeat, then do the stitches in the box (repeating the 10 stitches 4 
more times), then do the 3 stitches on the other side of the box to reach the 
end of the row.  Because some lace designs can have different numbers of 
stitches per row (discussed above), the box around one repeat may not be 
perfectly square--it might bulge in places to accommodate the extra stitches on 
some rowsl

I know this all sounds a bit confusing.  If someone has a chart that they're 
trying to learn from, post the information on Arachne and maybe one of us has 
the chart and can help with specific trouble spots.  I also recommend the book 
bt Barbara Walker, I believe it's called Charted Lace Patterns.  It's either 
#2 or #3 in the 4-volume treasury of knitting patterns by her.  The book is a 
great source of information on charting and how to read charts.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] Shawl finished

[robinlace]

 Jean Nathan j...@nathan54.freeserve.co.uk wrote: 
To see the photos of the shawl, which is absolutely lovely:-


Thanks, Jean, for the instructions (for us Luddites).  Agnes, the shawl is as 
beautiful as everyone has been raving!  You said you used lace weight yarn, but 
what brand?

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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Re: [lace] bobbin holders

[robinlace]

My favorite holders for continental (Swiss) bobbins is a U made of wood.  John 
Aebi is one of the makers of these.  I know there's a Belgian gizmo that's like 
a large U with a spike at the bottom, but these are different.  The wood is 
thinner and there's no spike.  Instead there are two fine holes drilled through 
the wood.  One hole goes through the tips of the U and the other goes through 
the solid part of at the base.  The narrow part of the bobbins fits between the 
arms of the U, about 9-10 pairs.  A pin through the tips keeps them in,  and it 
plus another pin through the base hold the holder in place.  With long pins 
(like divider pins), I can stack several of these U's and their bobbins.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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[lace] Re: roller pillow and lace

[robinlace]

 lynrbai...@desupernet.net wrote: 
And someone else wrote that she had not used a roller pillow until relatively 
recently.  I know the old pillows, Le Puy, for sure, were roller pillows.  As I 
understand it, block pillows are a recent invention.  

Mostly, yes.  Swiss pillows may be an exception.  About 20 years ago, a friend 
was given a pillow by a 90-year-old Swiss woman whose (mother or grandmother) 
had made lace on it.  It had a wooden base with a drawer in it.  Along the 
sides on the sloped top there were pads (don't know the stuffing, linen fabric 
covering).  Between the padded sides were three square metal trays, filled with 
sawdust and covered in linen.  Modern Swiss style pillows were sold by The 
Lacemaker (when it was in Washington and then when it was in Ohio), the blocks 
made of ethafoam instead of sawdust-filled metal trays.

Granted, this pillow is probably only 100 years old and I don't know how far 
back the tradition of this pillow went.  But it's certainly a lot older than 
most block pillow designs.

Robin P.
Los Angeles, California, USA
robinl...@socal.rr.com

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