[lace] Report on a lace tour of Normandy
I'm back from my 5 weeks based in London, and thought I'd report on the great lace tour I took to Normandy, at the end of Sept. Here’s what we did and saw after leaving Portsmouth Harbour on Thurs. on the overnight sailing to Ouisterham (the port of Caen). After breakfast, we drove to Bayeux to the Conservatoire de la dentelle, Mylene Salvador’s workshop and store. She and 4 other lacemakers were working at their pillows, there was some beautiful Bayeux lace for sale and patterns too. I bought patterns for 2 Bayeux motifs, but I was quite disappointed because the lacemakers would not speak to us, except when we were buying. This wasn’t a question of language since I speak fluent French. It seems that they’re paid to make lace, not to talk. IMHO, if that’s the case, they should be in a back room somewhere. Anyway, we then went next door to Naphtaline, an antique shop which has antique lace for sale. Next we headed to Couseulles-sur-mer, where we had an appointment to see Mme. Le Délézir’s magnificent collection of lace from the Maison Robert. In the summer, the collection is open to the public on Thursdays. Since we were there at the end of Sept., she opened it specially for us and we spent about 2 hours admiring the Bayeux, Chantilly ombré, gold, silver and Polychrome lace, and the prickings and sample books. Polychrome was a specialty of the area, as was Chantilly ombré. In the latter, the shading of petals, etc. was accomplished by using ground stitch for the lightest parts; half stitch for the medium shade; and half or whole stitch with extra threads added for the darkest shade. It was beautiful. After lunch, we went to Claudette and Michel Bouvot’s home and spent 4 hours looking at her collection of antique lace, newly-made Polychrome, and having all our questions answered. This was one of only two places where we could take pictures. After having a Norman tea at the Bouvot’s, we were off to our BB, Manoir du hom, in Robehomme, for the night. This was a fabulous place, owned by Mme. Marie and her husband. It was originally a moated, tower farmhouse. About half the moat remains. The tower is completely hidden from the outside by additions over the centuries. Our rooms were in the tower and were unbelievable. Mme. is a lacemaker and a collector of everything. I had a very large bedroom with a huge, high bed with pelmet. Lace was on the bedspread, covering the dressing table and lampshades, on the walls and there were 600 (a bit of an exaggeration) other things on the walls and every flat surface, including goldwork - another of my loves. Every other room in the house was similarly decorated. The ceiling frieze in the living room was made up of antique lace flounces! It would take days just to see everything. We also saw some of her collection of antique lace. The highlight for me was a Chantilly, hooded cape with train, which was made to wear to the opera. This was the only other place where we could take photos. I tumbled into bed after a late dinner, with visions of Chantilly ombré dancing through my head. Saturday: After a Norman breakfast at Mme. Marie’s, we left for Alençon. The lace school has closed but the Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelles has wonderful lace of all types on display. They show a very good video about how Alençon lace was/is made. We were very lucky that a special exhibition, called ‘Froufrous’ had been extended to the end of Sept. This was a display of lace on Victorian dress. Some of it was beautiful, some so ugly that it was wonderful, and some was just ugly. I particularly liked two lovely tops of beaded Torchon. The museum shop had a good selection of French books on lace and embroidery. I bought four, thanking my lucky stars that I had paid for an upgrade on Zoom and had an extra 10 kilos on my luggage allowance. After lunch, we were off to Argentan, to the Benedictine Convent where they’ve made Argentan needlelace forever. We saw a 35 minute video about the history of the lace and how it’s made. Apparently the ground is not as fine as the Alençon ground, but takes four times longer to make. There’s no lace on display, but some pretty note cards with pictures of the lace are for sale. Our ‘fearless leader’ asked if we could speak to one of the lacemaking nuns. After a phone call, we were shown into the lacemaking parlour and Mère Collette, the sister in charge, appeared behind a grill with examples of their lace and designs. We spent 90 minutes with her. Apparently there are 41 nuns in the convent, but only 6 make lace. They have an inventory of lace for sale and will make to order. (There was no hard sell at all - this was just casually mentioned.) I didn’t ask the price, figuring that if I had to ask, I couldn’t afford it. They make the lace using traditional or modern designs. Those didn’t look too modern to me and some of them were
[lace] Brenda's New Haxagonal Mat Patt.
Please could Brenda let me have the URL for the webpage that she has put the pattern of this Hexagonal Torchon Mat, I seem to have missed it in an early digest of the list. thankyou Jenny DeAngelis Spain. Janice Blair wrote:- Hi Brenda, Thank you for putting the new hexagonal torchon mat pattern on the web, I too will remember Jean Barrett when I get around to making it. I know she used the rainbow design on her cards and correspondence. I printed out the Printer Friendly one but it only measured 5 point to point which was actually the same size at the one on the page with the instructions. I can enlarge it on my own computer and I look forward to seeing - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [lace] Report on a lace tour of Normandy
Thank you very much for your report. It has been fantastic to read it: I almost thought I did the tour too! Greetings from Antje -- Antje González, Guadalajara, España http://es.geocities.com/antjeglezherrero - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Re: Lace with paper strings
I don't know if they are long enough, but what about Japanese paper cord (mizuhiki paper cord or paper string)? Kim's Crane in Virginia sells many colors of mizuhiki cord: http://kimscrane.com/catalog (Put mizuhiki in the search box.) Most of the mizuhiki descriptions just show the color card, but the purple cord says 10 cords 36 inches long. These might even be found in a craft store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby. Yasutomo, the origami paper company, has a line of mizuhiki: http://www.yasutomo.com/Mizuhikicolors.htm Lynn Carpenter in SW Michigan, USA alwen at i2k dot com http://lost-arts.blogspot.com/ - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [lace] Re: Lace with paper strings
The Japanese cords I have used in paper work did not unroll (open flat) like the ones used in the lace pieces. It is the opening/spreading of the corded paper that creates the 'flower' effects of these pieces. The USA does have paper cords (in the craft shops) that is much heavier and would work if one were making oversized pieces. One would also have to use oversized threads too for balance -but it does make my mind whirl with ideas. So many ideas so little time. Lorri I don't know if they are long enough, but what about Japanese paper cord (mizuhiki paper cord or paper string)? Kim's Crane in Virginia sells many colors of mizuhiki cord: http://kimscrane.com/cataloghttp://kimscrane.com/catalog (Put mizuhiki in the search box.) Most of the mizuhiki descriptions just show the color card, but the purple cord says 10 cords 36 inches long. These might even be found in a craft store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby. Yasutomo, the origami paper company, has a line of mizuhiki: http://www.yasutomo.com/Mizuhikicolors.htmhttp://www.yasutomo.com/Mizuhiki colors.htm Lynn Carpenter in SW Michigan, USA - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Lori, Lacefairy, is Home from Hospital
Thank you to those who sent e-mails to me to be delivered to Lori. I printed your messages and gave them to her yesterday, after I got her home and into her own bed. A son is in the home to help her, and church members are bringing meals. She has not yet opened e-mail addressed directly to her. I am quite encouraged by her ability to use a walker at this early date, and she seems to be in a good frame of mind.. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Report on lace tour of Normandy
Dear Margot, Thank you for your report on your fascinating report on lace in Normandy. It does sound like a great tour and one I would like to do when I have time. I will be in France for Christmas but unfortunately will be busy with relatives coming and going to the house we are renting that I doubt I will have time for much lace looking this trip. None lace - what is typically a Norman tea and breakfast? Just curious as I might want to do the same for my visitors. Janice I'm back from my 5 weeks based in London, and thought I'd report on the great lace tour I took to Normandy, at the end of Sept. Janice Blair Crystal Lake, 50 miles northwest of Chicago, Illinois, USA http://www.lacemakersofillinois.org/ - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] ordering CDs
Having received several requests lately for CDs, it is probably time that I remind everyone that I am no longer handling the sales. Kris Bruland has taken over this job for us and is happy to take care of all orders. His web address is http://www.handweaving.net/Store.aspx. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the lace CDs. I have just sent off a pile of scans to John Cropper, our brave successor to the Professor, and he will be working on them in the next few weeks. I don't know yet whether we have enough for CD#6, but I certainly hope so. John is trying to making sense of all that has been handed to him, and so far hasn't crumbled under the load. We are very lucky to have him keeping the site open and growing. For all those who wrote and emailed Madge Griswold, many thanks. She has written me to express her gratitude to you all--...especially the lacemakers, she said. In case there are newbies on Arachne who don't know what I am talking about, take a look at http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/ and click on lace over in the left-hand column. Tess ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace] Re: Lace with paper strings - alternatives
Check the qualities of alternative products. The paper strings are twisted paper that can be untwisted to form petals, leaves, wings, etc. The width of the paper, though crinkled, stays intact when open. Raffia is a twisted type of fiber cord but does not untwist. It might possibly be used as a gimp but not as flower petals. I have no knowledge of Japanese paper cord. Is it used only in the twisted form, or can it be untwisted neatly? It might make very interesting gimp even if it doesn't untwist nicely. It might stiffen an item enough to hold shape without starching. Try some on a Christmas ornament and let us know. Happy lacing, Alice in Oregon -- where the storm went north of us and we have sunshine. Sorry, Canadian friends who are getting wet. --- Lynn Carpenter [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't know if they are long enough, but what about Japanese paper cord (mizuhiki paper cord or paper string)? - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[lace-chat] :) Fwd: MUM - JOB DESCRIPTION
Not a new one, but still good, after all these years. Especially, if you are, have been, or are considering being a Mom From: D.C. POSITION : Mother, Mum, Mom, Mama, Mummy, Momma, Ma, Maw JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required. RESPONSIBILITIES : The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical Challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT PROMOTION : Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis. WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially Independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more. BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right. Forward this on to all the Mums you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, and let them know they are appreciated. -- Tamara P Duvallhttp://t-n-lace.net/ Lexington, Virginia, USA (Formerly of Warsaw, Poland) To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
