I've only done "modern" needlelace, not reticella or punto in aria, but my understanding is that reticella doesn't have the couched outlines (in later needlelaces they replaced the fabric surround of reticella).
I have done Hardanger embroidery, which also has holes cut into the fabric and filled with decorative stitches: from my experience of that, it is absolutely essential to keep the fabric taut in an embroidery hoop or frame when doing cut- or pulled- work embroidery, as the work gets pulled out of shape otherwise. I would expect the same to be true for reticella. If possible, It's best to fix the fabric into the frame before cutting/pulling threads, to keep the weave straight. Beth Cheshire, NW England Lorelei wrote: It is my understanding that the outlines of motifs would be couched because that is what determines the shape of the motif. But brides are connections between motifs, and are put there to prevent large holes in the lace; they give it more stability. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
