Re: [lace] Your story
I first saw pictures of lace being made in my father's encylopedia when I was 5 (yes, I was the swatty kid who sat and read the encylopedia at home - it's one of the reasons I have over 5000 books in my house). I really wanted to make lace because I was enthralled by the mathematically potential of the stuff but couldn't find anyone to teach me. Years later, when I worked for a major telecoms company there was an annual craft fair for our area of the company (yes we had a company craft fair - pretty impressive) and I was exhibiting some of my jewellery (I got first prize two years running!!) and there was a lady there demonstrating lace making. I asked if she taught and she told me that there was going to be a group started for the company and I could join. I was outside that telephone exchange on the first session waiting 20 minutes early and have never looked back. I think it's pretty sad that access to crafts was so limited when I was a child. There were adult education classess in lace making but you had to be over 12 to access them and if there was an over subscription of adults, kids under 18 were bumped off the course. I learnt to play classical guitar as a child and in order to complete my music examinations I had to join the adult education classes as my school didn't recognise the guitar as an instrument (I think that's a bit like Euro sceptics here who pretend the next thing after the english channel is america and africa (sorry bad UK joke)). One year there was a big surge in people wanting to learn the guitar so the powers that be told my mother I couldn't continue having lessons as I was only 13 and adults took prescident (they also paid more). My teacher informed the liberal arts college that I would be attending as people dropped out, didn't pay or were basically just untalented and she knew I'd stay all year. There were some moans about HS (number of people in the room) but she just ignored them and signed me up. 25 people at the start of the year in September, by the Xmas concert - 13. The college liked to shout about how many people had passed their exams at the end of the year and I remember being slapped on the back by one of the big wigs when I collected my certificate and being told how 'good I was' and as I went to open my mouth to say something about not being allowed on the course my father dragging me away with the words 'time and place'. I still get dragged away when I want to say something that's going to embarrash people ... not good the dragging away but good that I want to say it. Kind Regards Liz Baker thelace...@btinternet.com My chronicle of my bobbins can be found at my website: http://thelacebee.weebly.com/ - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Present from husband
We've just got back from Bruges late last night so I'm going to taunt you with something before I can get a photo and upload it. Hubby bought me a workbok by Sew Easy that has a canvas print of Vasili Andreevich Tropinin's lacemaker on it. I'll photograph it and let you know when I've uploaded it - can't find a picture of the box on the web. L Kind Regards Liz Baker thelace...@btinternet.com My chronicle of my bobbins can be found at my website: http://thelacebee.weebly.com/ - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Reticella boot buttons
Dear Susan, Would someone give a boot button clarification? Are we speaking of glass head or mother of pearl buttons that have a metal/steel shank The ones I have are simply tiny brown leather buttons with a rounded head and shank on the back. I believe these were the most common boot buttons for children around 1900 and probably earlier. David in Ballarat, AUS - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Buttons
I have an old lace bobbin made by David Haskins with the inscription ROSE HANNAH BROWN DIED MARCH 18 1846 AGED 5 YEARS. On the spangle is a child's shoe/boot button. It makes me sad whenever I look at it :o( Diana in a wet windy Northamptonshire - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
RE: [lace] Reticella boot buttons
In the 40s, I had boots with buttons - small leather-covered domes, with a metal loop behind that was used to sew the buttons on. And I had a button hook to help fasten the buttons - that was about four inches long, with a mother-of-pearl handle and a sturdy metal hook. Margery. margerybu...@o2.co.uk in North Herts, UK -Original Message- From: owner-l...@arachne.com [mailto:owner-l...@arachne.com] On Behalf Of David C COLLYER Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 10:54 AM To: hottl...@neo.rr.com; lace@arachne.com Subject: Re: [lace] Reticella boot buttons Dear Susan, Would someone give a boot button clarification? Are we speaking of glass head or mother of pearl buttons that have a metal/steel shank The ones I have are simply tiny brown leather buttons with a rounded head and shank on the back. I believe these were the most common boot buttons for children around 1900 and probably earlier. David in Ballarat, AUS - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
RE: [lace] Reticella boot buttons
Dear Margery, In the 40s, I had boots with buttons - small leather-covered domes, with a metal loop behind that was used to sew the buttons on. And I had a button hook to help fasten the buttons - that was about four inches long, with a mother-of-pearl handle and a sturdy metal hook. I've still got one of those hooks, although I have to confess that by 1948 it seems boot buttons had disappeared in Australia!! David in Ballarat, AUS - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Tatted mock rings
Peg in Cleveland Heights, You might already be aware of this, but if you go to Tat-a-Renda's Featherline snowflake with the link you provided, and scroll down to the bottom of the page, there are additional snowflake instruction links. Click on the one in the purple box, the Double Decker Star. In the first paragraph of the instructions for this star there is a link for a mock ring tutorial that shows her method. She is shuttle tatting, but if you are able to translate her other instructions to needle tatting, then you may be able to adapt this to a needle as well. I have only ever shuttle tatted, but I understand that it isn't too complicated to translate instructions and patterns back and forth. She has some beautiful patterns on her site, thanks for the link! Elise in Central Maine, where the final Nutcracker performance is over at last, and I can now think of something other than ballet costuming. I am heartily sick of sewing tutus!! - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Celluloid Dangers - Lace Tools and Textiles
Dear Lace and Lace Equipment Collectors: Since there has just been a discussion about acetate (and possible dangers), you might like to hear about problems with celluloid. This information came from the October 2011 newsletter of the Lost Art Lacers of North Jersey (USA). This local group has a collection of lace tools and laces, which are shown to the public in various ways, but especially at their annual Lace Days. The late founder of this group donated pieces that she permanently mounted in displays of various kinds. They have been in this state of preservation for several decades. Wahneta reported in the newsletter that she brought some tatting shuttles and lace to show at a meeting that were destroyed from being sealed in a display. She reported that celluloid is made from guncotton and camphor. Guncotton is made from cotton soaked in Nitric and Sulphuric Acids. Never store celluloid in air-tight containers with other items. Celluloid will give off a gas that will cause oxidation to form. *You will remember my (Jeri's) advice to check lace collections on a date actually put on your calendar each year. (My favorite recommended date is Nov. 25th - St. Catherine's Day.) It appears that lace-making equipment and any lace items stored with equipment also needs to be examined annually. Not just celluloid tatting shuttles, but lace pillows, pincushions of all kinds, wood and metal objects, etc. You will be looking for deterioration, staining, holes, insects, mildew, discoloration, etc. If your lace guild has a collection, please share this information with the appropriate leader.* At the Costume Society of America's program in June, I (Jeri) saw the damaging effects of cellulose buttons and decorative elements (like sequins and beads) on late 19th to early 20th century garments. Deterioration cannot be reversed or halted, only delayed with proper storage and handling. From a book reference: Caring for Your Collections, Arthur W. Schultz - General Editor, Abrams (publisher), ISBN 0-8109-3174-5, page 107. Cellulose nitrate was used to imitate ivory, bone, and tortoiseshell.Cellulose nitrate is highly soluble in acetone and melts when touched with a hot needle. Real ivory, bone, and tortoiseshell are not soluble, and they char (burn) but do not melt when touched with high heat.Celluloid artifacts should be stored in isolation to prevent affecting nearby artifacts. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center Comments from Nancy in Connecticut USA: Acetate is a derivative of acetic acid; acetate sheets are probably cellulose acetate. Wikipedia says about cellulose acetate: Cellulose acetate film was introduced in 1934 as a replacement for the cellulose nitrate film stock that had previously been standard. When exposed to heat, moisture or acids in the film base begin to deteriorate to an unusable state, releasing acetic acid with a characteristic vinegary smell. Releasing acetic acid doesn't sound good for textiles... - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Fashion Auction on Nov. 29th in England
Hello Jeri and everyone Thank you for the link Jeri. Absolutely fascinating stuff. The notes on the shoes, Lot 179, are indeed interesting. Anyone studying shoe construction and style should see them. I didn't know I liked shoes that much - these are just beautiful! They even have Nottingham lace on them. On 11/28/11, jeria...@aol.com jeria...@aol.com wrote: There is a Kerry Taylor Auction in England tomorrow, Tuesday, November 29th. Item #175 (bottom of page 3 of catalogue) is Audrey Hepburn's lace gown from Roman Holiday, with an estimate of 40,000 to 60,000 British pounds. On the next page of catalogue are several duplicate items made for the wedding of Princess Diana. Interesting writeup, especially about her spare pair of shoes. http://www.kerrytaylorauctions.com/sales.php -- Bev in Shirley BC, near Sooke on beautiful Vancouver Island, west coast of Canada - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Crochet hooks
Hi Everyone I'm dipping my fingers back into crocheting and wondered whether to crochet with come of my lace threads. I have only ever crocheted with wool or with a no 20 crochet cotton for which I use a 1.25mm crochet hook. Does anyone know where there is a guide as to what hook size to use with which thread? If not can you say what size hook you'd use for No 30, 40, 50 etc crochet cotton Has anyone ever crocheted with lace thread and if so with what results (I've tried using a perle 12, but couldn't get the hook size right) Thanks Viv Looking for new excuses to spend money in Solihull on Saturday! - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Crochet hooks
I'm pretty sure I've got a print out of one... I'll hunt it out and bring it with me on Saturday - I'll be on Stand D2. Basically, you choose the hook which the thread sits comfortably in - not too loose and not so tight it doesn't fit in - but it does give you a size or so either way. I've been making a fillet crochet hankie edging from Anna since 1991 (the acorn edging if anyone remembers it, with very slow progress!) using Special Dentelles 80 and a 0.75 hook - the hardest thing with the change to cotton has been getting the tension right. In message 132259.6160.yahoomail...@web86504.mail.ird.yahoo.com, viv.l...@btinternet.com writes Does anyone know where there is a guide as to what hook size to use with which thread? Has anyone ever crocheted with lace thread and if so with what results (I've tried using a perle 12, but couldn't get the hook size right) Looking for new excuses to spend money in Solihull on Saturday! --- -- Jane Partridge - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Crochet hooks
I just find a hook that the thread fits in. I don't remember the sizes. Someone will probably come up with a chart on the net somewhere. I wanted to comment that Perle cotton tends to be loosely twisted and soft. It will split easily. You will find the crocheting going better with tightly twisted threads. They will fit in the hook hollow better and slide into place, and hold their shape. I recently started some crocheting after 20 or more years of not doing it. The hardest part was getting an even tension, but with some practice and perseverance I found myself doing acceptable (to me) results. Alice in Oregon ... when we finally get several days of no rain, I'm inside with a cold. Oh, well.. I'm getting lots of lace made. - Original Message - From: viv lace viv.l...@btinternet.com Has anyone ever crocheted with lace thread and if so with what results (I've tried using a�perle 12, but couldn't get the hook size right) - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] buttons for boots shoes
Hello All! Thank you for the explanation! I didn't realize that boot buttons were leather. The glass MOP ones I own were purchased as shoe buttons, so perhaps there is a difference?! But you've given me a spring project--to check two pairs of vintage childrens boots (over the ankle) to see what sort of buttons are attached. Details, details. Sincerely, Susan Hottle, Palm Beach Gardens, FL USA - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
RE: [lace] Crochet hooks
Finding a hook that the thread fits in is a good start. After that, if you are serious, try a size bigger and a size smaller. People's tension varies. This is a good idea even if you find a chart. About crocheting with lace threads. Again you may need to actually do a small sample with the various threads. Despite the loose twist I have good results with perle thread However I found some of the very fine thread sold for bobbin lace unsatisfactory - almost impossible to crochet because of its gentle twist. It depends on how you want your lace to look too. The cabled 2S/3Z threads such as Cordonnet special or the old Coats Mercer crochet make a firm harsh lace with the individual threads standing out. The softer Cebelia or Fincrochet which are not cabled, give a much softer lace with the threads almost blending into each other. Barbara Ballantyne in Sydney, Australia -Original Message- From: owner-l...@arachne.com [mailto:owner-l...@arachne.com] On Behalf Of lacel...@frontier.com Sent: Wednesday, 30 November 2011 7:16 AM To: viv lace Cc: lace@arachne.com Subject: Re: [lace] Crochet hooks I just find a hook that the thread fits in. I don't remember the sizes. Someone will probably come up with a chart on the net somewhere. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Crochet hooks
Hi Viv Crocheters in the miniature world say that Venne Colcoton and it's like work well with a .75 or .5 hook. I've used a .6 with DMC80 with great success, and 120 with a .4, to make mats etc for dolls house fanatic friends! Sue in East Yorks On 29 Nov 2011, at 19:20, viv.l...@btinternet.com wrote: Hi Everyone I'm dipping my fingers back into crocheting and wondered whether to crochet with come of my lace threads. I have only ever crocheted with wool or with a no 20 crochet cotton for which I use a 1.25mm crochet hook. Does anyone know where there is a guide as to what hook size to use with which thread? If not can you say what size hook you'd use for No 30, 40, 50 etc crochet cotton Has anyone ever crocheted with lace thread and if so with what results (I've tried using a perle 12, but couldn't get the hook size right) - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] crochet hooks
try http://crochet.about.com/library/blthreadhook.htm Lorelei - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Crochet hooks
Most of the replies have answered you question regarding hook size for threads. I've crocheted everything from mohair through all the different wool types, silks, synthetics and all types of cotton. The specifically produced crochet cotton gives the best results, as well as the tatting threads. All types of cotton should work well but I must admit that I have only gone no finer than the 100 Coates Mercer crocheting cotton. I feel that linen may be a bit too stiff to work well. Silk is great!!! but only for shawls a and soft draping things I have not tried the metallics as yet. Anna from a sunny Sydney - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Needle tatting treasure trove
Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about SCMR's. Found out that they're the same as a ring done off the ball. The learning curve is steep, but I'm climbing... Working on TotusMel's necklace, learning split rings and Josephine chains. I like the fact that her tutorials also yield a very pretty piece of wearable art. Spent some time on the internet the other day. About 6 pages into my search I came across a piece of needle tatting heaven http://needletatting.proboards.com/index.cgi They ask you to register, but it's free. There is an amazing amount of information and patterns. Their tutorials are wonderful, and cover everything you need to know to do needle tatting. Supper is ready...have to run. Peg in Cleveland Hts tonight, being pampered by Beloved...grilled cheese sandwiches and hot soupMmm - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
