Thanks to Susan Hottle for her kind words about the lace exchanges. I
have been in touch with Lin. She is traveling, so her reply was brief.
>From my perspective, Lin has been generous with her time and talent. I
think she stepped in to keep the exchanges going when someone was ill.
Dear Bev and Sue,
In July, I had a lace maker with great computer technical experience as a
guest here for a week. It seemed like an ideal time to perhaps set up a
gmail account. She is subscribed to Arachne, and knows the history of my
problems. She looked at all my AOL files and
Dear Lace Makers,
If you own any books by Levey, please print this *before it goes to Arachne
Archives* and becomes difficult to read and the format changes, and then
place it in your Levey book(s) for future use.
People holding the highest level of positions at museums around the
Dear Arachne members and Liz in Australia,
As an American, I'd like to thank Liz for expressing concern. I think we
are all shocked by the extent of tropical storm "Harvey".Unprecedented
rains, now above 50 inches in 6 days (more than has ever been recorded on
North America), have
Dear Liz,
Re: Bone Lace - A Beginner's Guide to Working Early Bobbin Lace
My review of this book was on Arachne in July, during the IOLI convention.
It was edited slightly for the New England Lace Group's newsletter and
web site. You can read and print the review that was published on
Subject has been changed so it will be easier to search in the future.
It has been interesting to follow Susan Hottle's lead and search for the
book "Lacemaking in Ripon. A History" by Avril W. M. Edmondson and Mary Y.
Moseley - a 100 page paperback, published by Ripon Local Studies
Dear Susan,
Thanks for reminding of this wonderful resource. I have been to the
Landesmuseum in Zurich Switzerland twice to view needlework, the first time 40
years ago. On that visit, I was carrying a letter of introduction to the
curator responsible for embroideries - written in the
Do any of our lace vendors participate in this August sales event in Bath?
If so, please let Arachne members know.
https://americanmuseum.org/events/textiles-fair-2017/
When you look at the above address, note there will be another sale before
Christmas.
Is Contemporary Lace your
Dear Susan,
Duly noted. Did you rinse until you were willing to drink the rinse
water? And, was at least the last rinse in distilled water? I will feel
better, if you did.
Jeri Ames in Maine USA
Lace and Embroidery Resource Centr.
In a message dated 7/29/2017 3:16:49 P.M. Eastern
To all who have shared experiences and many photos of the 2017 I
nternational Organization of Lace convention - a huge thank you.
There is no doubt but what this has been the most documented lace
convention ever, and that your "contributions" are now in permanent places
where
people can
Dear Devon,
You did not receive the Arlene Cohen memo, even on your gmail account. I
did not receive it on my aol account.
Further, though a wonderful 7/23/17 account of the IOLI convention from
Susan Hottle to Arachne was received as new mail, I could not find it in the
Arachne archive
Right again! I was just saying to a friend that it would be Susan Hottle
who would be the first to share her experiences at the IOLI Convention.
Should have put money on the prediction.
Where are all of you who have been so helped here on Arachne? Some
additional feedback would be
Introducing Bone Lace - A Beginner's Guide to Working Early Bobbin Lace
By Gilian Dye
Publisher Cleveden Press, 2017
44 pages, 79 images including samples, patterns, diagrams
ISBN 078-0-9553223-7-2
"The fair maids that weave their threads with bones"?
This book of helpful hints is like
Dear Janice,
Laurie wrote the following to Arachne - you can write directly to her for
the article.
In lace friendship, Jeri
-
In a message dated 7/7/2017 9:47:01 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
lswaters...@comcast.net writes:
Thanks to Jeri for the review
The July Maine Antique Digest contains an ad for this auction in Mount
Crawford, Virginia:
_www.jeffreysevans.com_ (http://www.jeffreysevans.com)
Called their Second Annual Textiles and Sewing Auction, it will take place
next Saturday, July 15th, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. I have
Collectors of antique laces are always searching for a lace that is rare
and tells a story. Many are ready to rescue laces that have out-lived their
usefulness - for the opportunity of expanded knowledge they offer. It is
recommended you keep a constructed lace - such as an accessory or
Knowing that most of you would not have the embroidery and weaving books in
which you might do research about _The Use of Lace in Pennsylvania German
Textiles_, I went to my list of over 4,000 lace and embroidery-related
books to find the best for anyone who wishes to do research. There are
Dear Devon,
Of course, in the past there was the Spanish Netherlands, which stretched
over a large area of Europe. So, lace made in Flanders (at least) was
probably considered theirs to claim then. But, forever after?
There is a piece of what you'd swear is Bedfordshire lace in my
Do you ever read PieceWork?
If you were to glance at PieceWork at your local news stand, mall
bookstore, or library - you would be impressed with the amount of history and
variety presented.
The May-June 2017 annual LACE issue may still be available, or it can be
ordered by mail.
Dear Friends,
(The list is quiet, so...here is a problem. Reply to Liz and me, please.)
Liz L. (Australia) and I (USA) have conducted a test. She is using
Windows 10 and I am on Windows 7 (the senior center computer guru insisted I
stay
with Windows 7 until Microsoft corrects issues like
Dear Noelene,
Gil Dye's first book in her 4-book series about 16th and 17th century lace
- "Gold and Silver Edgings" - has a reproduction of lace that was attached
to a man's military sash (the kind that crossed his body from one shoulder
to the opposite waist). There is a color picture
Thank you, Jenny. Tess did a tremendous amount of work. Books may be
easier to scan today than when she took on this project for us, making so
many out-of-copyright books available - free - to anyone with a computer. Her
set-up meant standing for hours and hours and lifting the books
For everyone's information. Arizona is still alive and available to solve
our research problems. Lately, I've noticed extra letters in my typing,
but did not catch this one. Is my computer too fast, or are fingers
lingering on the keys? This is something I must get under control. Could
Thanks, Lin.
I have the original little book, and have put a copy of your note in it.
It is something that I probably gave to Tess to scan into
http://www.cs.arizona.edu/pattterns/weaving/lace.html
The University of Arizona address failed 3 times just now, so I cannot
confirm. I am
Dear Devon,
Lace Fairy would have loved this! She designed themed fabrics for her
quilts.
Next year's big Lace celebration in Belgium would be a good place to sell
this lace by the yard. Easy to pack.
Being more than a little curious, I did a search, and found this Contrado
Dear Arlene,
I am testing to see if you receive a copy of this letter from me directly,
as well as a cc from Arachne. That would be 2 copies in your mail. I did
not receive your original posting of the Arachne gathering, though I found
it in the Arachne archive because Jane wrote to
"Lace Samples from Ipswich, Massachusetts, 1789-1790.
History, Patterns, and Working Diagrams for 22 Lace Samples
Preserved at the Library of Congress"
By Karen H Thompson
This much-anticipated self-published book compliments 2003's "The Laces of
Ipswich", by Marta Cotterell Raffel,
Thank you, Responders.
What we have confirmed today is that none of the special characters on our
keyboards, with the exception of quote marks, work in Canada, the U.S. and
the U.K.
Too many of our members are in these geographic locations for us to
consider possible options.
A
As you know, color, fancy type faces, diagrams and photos cannot be used
on Arachne mail..
When books are reviewed, it is nice to put a title in bold italics instead
of using quote marks. Some non-English language computers do not take
kindly to quote marks and you are looking at a bunch
Kiskunhalas Hungary is famous for the Lace House - Lace Museum where the
Queen of Laces - Halas - is beautifully exhibited. Visitors may look
through a window and watch women making this famous needle lace. Tiny perfect
laces are made to insert in pins and pendants. They also make small
Gil Dye, Jean Leader and I have been corresponding about this new little
book. Again, it is not one I am able to review at this time. A copy is
being hand-carried to me. Perhaps you have already purchased it and would
like to provide a review to Arachne members.
If you are placing an
Jana Novak has sent information to share with you. I will not be able to
review her new book at this time, because there is not a copy on this side
of the Atlantic Ocean. However, as you begin a new Summer of lacemaking,
demonstrating, and teaching in the northern Hemisphere, it may be
A new topic that I hope will generate some really good information.
starting with England. Please change the word England in the subject line,
and
tell us about a place you have found to buy handmade lace, preferably a
not-for-profit place like a museum: Tomorrow, I'll change the heading
If you know people who do not receive my AOL messages who should receive
this, please feel free to forward it to them.
For all who travel and like to bring home lace from the traditional places
where handmade lace is made in Europe:
When we advise our friends, who usually do not know as
Thank you to Karolina in Australia (who may not want her personal e-mail to
be public). I sent a personal note to you this morning, but do not know
if you receive AOL mail. What you offered seems to have been the closest to
what Vi needed in order to complete and display the Idrija
The Fashion Museum in Bath has sent out a publicity notice of a class this
coming weekend. This might be a subject for discussion on Arachne, or for
a newsletter article (if an expert is too shy to share directly with
Arachne). Here are the details - re-typed because of our limitations
Thanks to Arachne members in Canada (Adele), Germany (Ilske) and the U.S
(Sue), I think Vi has clues to a solution of how to continue making the
Idrija earrings.
To any Newbies - this is an example of how our Arachnes have solved
problems over the past 2 decades. If you have lacemaking
One of our most talented bobbin lace makers here in Maine contacted me
early this morning with a technical question that I cannot answer. But,
someone on Arachne can! I told her we might get a speedy response because in
Europe it is already afternoon. I requested a description of the
Dear Sally in Oregon USA,
Thank you for telling where you are from. I can refer you to a well-known
American book for the answers you require. This is a book that was widely
distributed in the USA, and so popular it was reprinted with a soft cover,
so I'll give you the information from
Dear Lacemakers,
I am going to try to clarify the situation as I believe it to be. If I am
wrong, Greet Rome (an extremely busy woman) is a member of Arachne and will
write to us. English is not her first or second language, so please be
patient.
Jennifer McNitt wrote asking about this
Looking for something else, I came upon a site for tables that magicians
might use. Perhaps there are some design ideas here for use at a lace
convention. The products are expensive, but will inspire our improvisers.
http://themagicwarehouse.com/atable/magicians-tables.html=1
Jeri
Did anyone receive my memo yesterday about the Thistle Threads blog?
One subject was Tricia Wilson Nguyen's recommendations of You Tube,
podcasts, audio books while you are doing handwork. We women DO multi-task,
and
some of her text was very interesting. Many of you are able to make
New England Treasures: Tricia Wilson Nguyen's Thistle Threads Blog
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/
Running from computer to library room recently, for some reason Thistle
Threads flashed in my mind. Sure enough, there is new interesting and
amusing content to read from this
Dear Jane Partridge,
Thank you for this explanation. Nice to know, as The Lace Guild was not
mentioned in the original correspondence, only the word Guild. There are
other "Lace" publications that members of Guilds worldwide receive. Gmail is
used by people in many nations; not
Dear Clare,
As one who has promoted The Lace Guild to members of Arachne quite often,
may I ask: Are you associated with "Lace"? If so, it would be nice if The
Lace Guild provided an official e-mail address to you. (Your return
address is a personal one that anyone could have used for
Everyone: Remember that I have given advice about dyed threads and the
fact they may bleed when washed on a regular schedule. At this current time
in history, lacemakers are making colored lace. They need to test dyed
threads before making a time-consuming lace.
If you are washing a
Please computer search Rit dye remover - there is a lot of information
available..
Over 40 years ago, I tried to dye some beautiful textured-like-lace braid
- for use as trim on 2 antique upholstered chairs. Originally white, it
needed to be a soft gold. The gold Rit dye did not "take"
http://hiddenfashionhistory.com/uncategorized/come-to-pittsburgh-and-see-the
-iris-van-herpen-show-at-cmoa/
One of the Lacemakers of Maine tipped me off to this exhibit in Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania, which will close soon. You can search the name of Iris van
Herpen to see more. I suspect she
Lace Magicians: I am aware Brian is trying to reach me. Thanks for the
personal notes. Jeri
In a message dated 4/17/2017 12:35:12 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
brid...@bigpond.com writes:
I am trying to contact Jeriames, but I keep getting rejected
About protecting personal identification:
Since Jane's exhibit review letter went to all on Arachne, I want to be
sure to mention that I sent a copy to Arachne and The Fashion Museum **from
which Jane's personal identifying information was stripped**. Only her
given name and general physical
You may enjoy viewing a video of the process of photographing historic
costumes using X-ray equipment at the Victoria and Albert Museum. This will
be of interest to those interested in
Photography - Conservation/Restoration - Lace/Costume Identification -
Authentic Costuming
As Malvary (Canadian) suggested, I am sending the correspondence from Jane
(below my Conservation memo) to my contact at Fashion Museum Bath. This
reflects an opinion that they should know about.
Here is what I have to contribute about being able to *SEE* the Lace in
Fashion exhibit:
Where
I am writing for the May 1 edition of the New England Lace Group's
newsletter. Are there any new lace books - preferably in English - that I
should
review? I rely on private letters giving me information - in order to
write articles and reviews that are timely and may not yet be known to
Dear Martha,
On March 23rd, and again today, I sent you long private messages to help
you with lace public relations and celebrations. Your address is Comcast,
and I am not sure you are receiving mail from AOL. If you are not, please
request someone you know to be a go-between, and I'll
In its newsletter today, The Fashion Museum Bath invites people to use
their *simple design tool* to create and share your own lace pattern. When
you have finished your design it will be added to their lace design gallery.
I think you could venture to take this further, if you have
There is a meeting of the Fan Association of North America in Chicago,
April 26 to 30, 2017.
Here is part of the announcement I found in the April issue of Maine
Antique Digest (monthly newspaper).
"Highlightswill include viewing exquisite fans from the collections of
the Art
Almost everywhere, there is a way to shop from home using your computer;
in this case - _www.qvc.com_ (http://www.qvc.com)
Today, there is a very reasonably priced lace dress (cover up for a swim
suit?) by Isaac Mizrahi. If you select A288082 to view, it is possible to
see a video
Thank you, Susan, for this memo. What I found interesting is that the
Italian artist is using paper products. I very well remember the snafu at the
OIDFA Caen Congress, when the coach that was to pick up people housed in
the center of the city "forgot" us. It was cloudy and soon we were
First, let me thank you all for your concern in connection with my eye
surgery for a cataract and astigmatism on Thursday. I did not think you'd see
the footnote in a note I sent about young people who make lace. I take
medical issues lightly. Years ago, I had successful Lasik surgery on
Dear Ann,
You can always look to see what The Lace Guild in England is offering to
children - on their website. And, I am sure they would appreciate patterns,
supplies, teachers - for the publications produced for their use.
Sometimes our members do not appreciate how important all forms
Of course, I was writing about Sulochana in my previous post. She was
delightful. I shopped for bobbins and lace supplies for her here and in the
U.K. She sent lovely hand-made Indian treasures in return. When her
under-age-for-college son received a full scholarship to a university
Dear Alison,
There is a long history of nuns making bobbin lace in Asia. They went
there as missionaries from European nations. I have a Mechlin lace-trimmed
handkerchief beautifully handmade in the early 20th C. that was probably made
in Asia. It is a very convincing copy of an 18th
This is a repeat from a memo I wrote April 3, 2011, in which I explained
Queen Victoria's height.
To properly protect the gowns of Victoria that have been displayed at
Kensington Palace for many years, *individual mannequins were custom made - to
fit the clothing.* It was then that
Has anyone in New England received this quarter's Lace yet? It was
received in New Jersey last week.
You will recall my post office was destroyed by fire March 21st.
Need to know if a call to England, requesting a replacement copy, is
necessary.
Jeri Ames in Maine USA
Lace and
We love to know what lacemakers in different countries are doing to share
lace with the public. Sometimes, other groups are inspired to arrange
similar events, based on information shared. This is a thank you to Maureen
for always sending us a notice about lace being made in Hull, England,
There should be someone with public relations experience telling us on a
regular basis what is happening in the U.K. that has a lace connection.
This is a recommendation that needs attention by people in official positions
at The Lace Guild, England. We know and appreciate you are unpaid
There is a very comprehensive library and information collection in my
home.
Our local post office and contents were completely destroyed by fire this
week. Monday was an American holiday. Apparently, the fire had a good
smoldering start in the attic over the weekend. About 9 am
The Librarian/Book Reviewer will weigh in, having read correspondence to
date on this subject. There is an OIDFA publication: Point Ground Lace - A
Comparative Study, 2001, 57 pages, ISBN 0 95406960-9, in
English/French/German, printed in England. Let me share what prompted the
work that
Is this an unfortunate example of how lace history becomes distorted?
The history associated with the French bulldogs, as explained in the second
web site, seems to be mis-leading. French lacemakers fled to England,
because of religious persecution against non-Catholics in France. Was
"Repairs in vertical stacks, with a suspicious similar distance between the
stacks?" I have a Point de Gaze lappet cap (more recent at about 150
years), where there are difficult-to-see snags positioned opposite each other
when it is placed on my head. These snags are right where earrings
No practical purpose?
For formal occasions, lappets or a lappet cap framed the face. Think of
them as a frame.
It appears to me that even in Medieval times people wore caps. In part,
because of the difficulty of caring for their hair, usually uncut.
Especially washing it. Not
Dear Alex,
All my precious old lace books, published before 1923, were the first ones
scanned for the University of Arizona site from here in Maine. The books
did not have to be cut up, and all of you have had the convenience of being
able to read them for nearly 20 years. The only
Supplementing Elizabeth Kurella's new book - Point de Gaze - reviewed
earlier today:
Lace lovers might like to subscribe to the free Lace News at
https://lacenews.net/ On the right there is a "Follow Blog"; enter your
email address
in space provided. Laurie Waters selects from a
Point de Gaze Brussels Needle Lace for Collectors and Lacemakers
By Elizabeth M. Kurella, Self-published, 2017, 168 pages, Soft Cover, $30;
ISBN 978-1-5323-2923-4
Use Subject line of this Review to find on eBay.Or, write to
_www.lacemerchant.com_ (http://www.lacemerchant.com) address, which
Dear Helen,
I thought I'd tackle blackwork, since it is an embroidery technique that
looks like lace from a distance. But, I have over 2,000 embroidery books,
and it would help to know more. Do you need information about technique,
filling and shading patterns? I have had 2 outstanding
Thank you Nancy, for taking time to research this, and for providing:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1660s_court_dress.JPG
>From the photo of the 1660 dress without lace, it was possible to locate a
color photo of it - with lace attached - in a book here. It is simply
described as
In the past year there have been some mis-guided actions taking place in
guilds to which we belong. You are invited to join me in a message to all
in our lace family - inside and outside Arachne:
Being divisive is not healthy for life, love - or lace.
Jeri Ames in Maine USA
Lace and
Did anyone read my reply to Robin in Canberra on the 9th that included the
"Lace in Fashion" exhibit that will be at the Fashion Museum in Bath
England for a year? You'd think there would be some excitement.
http://bit.ly/2j7AG9Z
Dear Liz and others with posting problems,
First, I wish to share that I called AOL techs three times between
Saturday and Monday about a new problem, and to complain about undelivered
mail.
All were in the Philippines. It is not a good way to reach a manager with
my complaints about
Dear Lacemakers,
Regarding https://www.laceguild.org/ pages
Before the website format that Jean and David Leader created disappears,
back on January 12th I suggested you print a copy of the home page and tuck
it in one of the lace books Jean wrote. Printing may work for you, but
when I
Did anyone receive this message from Gon Homburg in Amsterdam? I received
only one message from her, and should have received 2, based on the way
she addressed it to both Arachne and to me as an individual.
Gon: I cannot fix your problem of reaching Arachne because both of us are
Please share with all, someone - until we get the help requested in next
paragraph.
We discussed these little bobbin lace fish several years ago. At the
time, someone provided access to the instructions and a pricking - probably on
a local lace group's website. Perhaps someone could
Someone, please share this from another ISP, since we've been told AOL and
Comcast do not play well together!
1. Color theory taught by embroidery and photography experts includes an
explanation of what happens when a black and white photo is made of
something that relies on color for
Please, someone, share this memo from another ISP
Please make sure you capture The Lace Guild's face page in a permanent
place - to remember Jean and David (tuck a paper copy in one of Jean's books,
for example). If the face page changes, and Jean gives permission, I will
tell you
BBC Antiques Road Show Find
May we have some feedback, please? Otherwise, why should anyone continue
posting lace news here?
Anyone interested in how lace was used to add extra refinement to an 18th
century sack back gown will appreciate this. Painted silk is encountered
in
Dear Robin in Canberra and Others Traveling to the UK in 2017,
You do not say if you will be going to Scotland, Wales, or Northern
Ireland. Here is what you can use to familiarize yourself with various
offerings
in England.
Just received this morning: A link to information about the Fashion
Dramatic! It is surprising that we were not told about this lace by our
friends in Amsterdam. Thank you so much for bringing it to our attention -
from South Africa. The links are interesting.
In our years of reading Arachne, we've had the opportunity to view large
lace installations
The Piecework magazine several of you are remembering, is probably
May/June 2016 (the annual Lace issue for 2016). It contains an article:
"The
Talented Oneida Lacemakers".
At the end is a list of "further resources" on the subject. Following are
4 to keep in a file if you will have
Dear Susan,
The Embroiderers' Guilds in Australia, Canada, the U.K. and the U.S.
consider needle laces being made with a threaded needle with an eye as being
embroidery.
I have written to Arachne **many times** to recommend to our members the
needle lace courses offered by the various
Of course, the lanolin in uncleaned wool will be kind to your pins, but
you all must remember that moths like it! I have a rather new home and
moths have not invaded it. But, if you have moths, you know it, and will wish
to avoid feeding them.
Like Antje, I have saved clean thread and
Isn't it wonderful how quickly lace makers respond to problems? If only
everyone in the world got along this well!
On behalf of all Arache members, a huge thank you to Clay for financially
supporting the Flickr page. And, because we have seen so often that Sue
has been the go-to person when
No one has lace news today? There is always something to learn about
lace...
The same January/February 2017 issue of "Victoria" magazine that I wrote
about on Christmas Day has a feature about 7 outstanding businesswomen who
reap the rewards of doing what they truly love for a living.
Dear Sally and those interested,
New Year's Resolution: Make a pincushion for a friend?
Quite some time ago, I wrote a memo comparing my large old tomato
pincushion with small new tomato pincushions. A simple Arachne archive search
did
not find it, so maybe the subject line was
This note is especially for lacemakers who may be alone this Christmas Day:
The January/February 2017 "Victoria" magazine shows a SweetMarveLace lace
doily in a lovely photo on page 20.
A name search came up with this address:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetMarveLace
For Canadians,
Here is my donation for the day. It is one that many could have written:
North Americans may have watched "Live with Kelly" on TV this morning. A
guest was Tricia Yearwood, the country music singer. Yearwood is a mature
woman, with a full figure.
Dear Jenny and Others interested in using cursive writing on lace,
Have you considered embroidering the words using whipped chain stitches?
Success will depend on which lace stitches will be under the words.
You could make your lace without doing the lettering. Then, do as I do
for
There is no Privacy notice in connection with the email letter described
below. The Lace Guild in England was asking for volunteers in their most
recent quarterly bulletins, and I think staffing problems apply to many
guilds, so am commenting.
The Lace Group/Guild which serves the
ceiving my letters, I have cut back on writing.
Probably, I cannot get Jeriames@ (another ISP), which could be easy for
you all to remember. A change will have hidden costs - money that could be
used for book purchases. I'll have to hire my computer guru for more hours.
Not sure how much
We exist to quickly present news of importance to the international lace
community. Why has no Arachne member written about this new lace museum
that opened less than a month ago?
I am half a continent away, there are lace experts closer to it, and I am
the first to find it while doing a
Our Arachne correspondence has nearly faded away, but there are still
things to learn here. I've not subscribed to Facebook, so still have some
items to share from time-to-time.
Anyone interested in fashion and costumes, and how lace was sometimes
used? How about Royal garments?
This
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