Please read memos from our experts - so you can learn without huge investments in books, classes, travel, lodging, etc. It is disturbing to see anyone trying to manipulate a traditional lace, and finding that they have problems like the one cited in this discussion. Everyone trying to invent new ways to make lace, please consider the fact that an experienced lacemaker anywhere from 500+ years ago to the early 20th C. made bobbin lace on a suitable lace pillow, and used suitable bobbins. This is well-illustrated by a wonderful 2002 book from the German bobbin lacemakers' association - Deutscher Kloppelverband: "Kloppel-Kissen-Stander", and in the English translation by Dr. Ann E. Wild that could be purchased with it: "Bobbins-Pillows-Stands". (My copy of both came from Van Sciver in the U.S.) The original hardback book is lavishly illustrated with color photos. It is arranged by nation (21 of them), starting with Germany. It would be surprising if anyone who had read this did not realize they were learning why bobbins and a pillow to go with them varied, depending on the style, scale and dimensions of lace being made - for speed, comfort and convenience (no spangles on laces that require sewings, for example), and to suit the environment (hooded bobbins being an example). The lace pillow described by Susan is not facilitating the type of lace being made. Today's lacemakers need to learn more about our history. There is very little that has not been "figured out" by lacemakers who came before us. Lace organizations probably have the Deutscher Kloppelverband book - for members to borrow. Please - start learning. Young people, according to one of my museum-employed friends, think they are inventing lace! We owe it to them to be able to discuss and demonstrate the basic whys and the hows of lacemaking. The whys come from history and from very poor people who originally made lace for a living. In regard to this subject, there used to be a photo of my miniature blue bobbin lace roller pillow on the Lace Fairy site. It measures 5 1/2" wide by 4" deep, with an inset roller. My lacemaker/engineer friend made this pillow, and spangled bobbins are fashioned from fancy Japanese toothpicks. There is a tiny pricking, and 3/8" wide spider-motif insertion lace coming off the tiny roller, and thread wound on the tiny bobbins. BUT - Ilona made the lace using a conventional suitable pillow and conventional bobbins. Then, transferred threads from the standard bobbins to the mini-bobbins. Please think about this - if you are into creating mini-laces. We have seen a lot of small "traveling" bobbin lace pillows in recent decades. But, this observer has noticed they really do not seem to be comfortable for a serious lacemaker to use for very long, and give the wrong impression of how quantities of lace is made. We have been enchanted with the genius of the makers of these pillows, but function should be paramount, and a suitable place to sit and make lace goes along with this recommendation. After 20+ years, I hope our long-term Arachne members have learned a lot from free and thoughtful information given here. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center --------------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 3/11/2016 9:56:09 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, hottl...@neo.rr.com writes:
Thank you Adele, Alice & Gon! These are great ideas to help avoid a gathered footside. I just knew there had to be some clever techniques that I hadn't thought of. My roller is only about 3" in diameter so I don't have a lot of space to work with before I must turn the roll. Of course this is exacerbated by my long Iris pins! A friend suggested that I look for sequin pins (much shorter) so I can push them down flush with the roll. I can hardly wait to try the edging again while employing all these ideas! Many thanks again for sharing your "tricks of the trade". My new edging is Spanish fans & I'm working on a cookie pillow. Right now I have lots of opportunities to demo lace while my husband recuperates. 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
