Hi Anna
You make a valid point. This is why I like Arachne, we can pool our ideas
and develop them.
Happy lacemaking
Alex
- Original Message -
From: Anna Binnie l...@binnie.id.au
To: Alex Stillwell alexstillw...@talktalk.net
Cc: lace@arachne.com
Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2011
Hi Robin
An interesting observation, thank you for letting us know. Does anyone have
a photo of these lacemakers? and did the Biologist know what bobbin lace is
or did she see some other form of lace being made using thorns as pins?
Also, as you say, the lace was coarse, not made with the
Hi Bev
This article is producing some interestin observations. As I suggested, using
thorns may only be folk lore and your observation would support that theory.
The cactus thorns came up in another reply when I asked if anyone had used
thorns for making lace. but I also doubt if they would have
Online article from National Geographic Traveler
http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2008/02/genuine-article/morelli-text/1
excerpted: Lace can be produced either with a needle and thread (needle lace)
or by interweaving threads wound on bobbins. Bobbin lace is the predominant
type of lace
Pins have been around for a very long time but they have never been a cheap
item to purchase.
A phrase that you may have come across is 'pin money' used these days to
describe a job that pays badly but in the Regency / Victorian period 'pin
money' was what was often left to someone to buy
Hi Robin
Thank you Robin, most interesting, the lacemaker is obviously enjoying
herself. It mentions cactus spines but does not show them. However, I think
the cactus spines could work as they are long and fine, but would they be
dangerous to use? It would be better if someone has actually
Last week I saw a small bolster pillow from Brazil with strong thorns
used as pins. I was in a workshop in Italy and one of the
participants brought this little gem in to show us. Nobody in the
class could identify the thorns. They were about 4 cm long, strong,
smooth and very pointy, making them
Hello Lacemakers,
If anyone will heading to New Mexico over the next week,
consider attending the Albuquerque Fiber Arts Fiesta (May 26, 27, 28). Our
lace exhibit will feature juried and judged lace, demos, and a selection of
vintage and antique pieces owned by our members. The Lacemaker of
The Brazilians do use thorns from a tree to use as pins. They are very sturdy
and quite effective. After a while, the blunt end tends to get a little mushy
and looks a little like a fuzzy top. Some use bobbins that have had a nut
stuck onto the end of a thin stick. I've tried to use this type
In fact, I have often wondered if it wasn't some kind of technical or
commercial development regarding pins that was responsible for the switch to
point ground laces from those with Flemish or plaited grounds. Point ground
laces take less time to make. If you have more pins than time, why
Dear Arachnids
Thank you for all the replies. I think we have had plenty of evidence that
thorns have been used as subsitutes for pins and we have had some interesting
comments about pins in general.
I find these discussions are always enlightening. Long may Aachne last.
Happy lacemaking
Alex
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