Netting is thought to be the oldest form of lace. Impressions of Netting have been found in the surfaces of clay pottery that is many centuries old. In pre-history, Netting was made using a unique knot that would not unravel the entire net structure if a tear developed. It could be easily repaired. At first, it was used to make fishing nets, nets to trap small animals, and bags for carrying things. When it became refined, it was used for hair nets, snoods, and other things requiring very fine thread. This technique is still used today all over the world. In November 2013, I wrote a memo and reference material for the New England Lace Group's use at a Netting class taught by Rita Bartholomew. She will be giving another class at the January 2014 meeting, which reminded me to share Netting information with Arachne. On November 2, 2013, I discovered Netting Artist Stephanie Crossman, of Vinalhaven, Maine - _www.mainenetbags.com_ (http://www.mainenetbags.com) - at a Maine Crafts Guild museum show located in the Maine State Museum. When I exclaimed that some of her Netting was like lace art and introduced myself, she asked if I knew Lauran Sundan (Lauran makes lace with precious gold and silver and is an Arachne member). It was then that we knew we could "talk lace". This Netting artist has a web site that features a limited selection of her creations. I suggest you look at each tab. Pocket bags, Shopping bags, Shawls and Scarves are what you would expect, though each is unique. But the one you really must view is Sculpture. The sculptures are made with very fine threads, using tiny old hand-made tools inherited from a great grandmother, not standard-size Netting needles. All these small thread sculptures were presented at the museum show in protective shadow boxes, none much more than 8" in height. The featured item is a Jelly Fish, and it was the first that caught my eye. It is shaped to puff out from the surface, somewhat like a child's balloon. Then, position your screen arrow over the Sand Dollar, Lady's Slipper (an endangered plant), Bird, Starfish,and Fish to enlarge other images. All are 3-D. Enjoy! Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
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