Re: [lace] Architect's linen
On 22/04/13 4:57 PM, Jean Nathan wrote: DH was an engineering lecturer and taught, among other things, technical drawing. When the subject started to move to computers, he brought home what the college had because he didn't think computers would catch on (LOL) and knew the college would throw out what they had on the assumption that computers would be the way to go. Of course, DH was wrong and we had half a dozen full rolls of architects linen in the loft for several years until we moved, when he threw it out because it was never going to be needed again and that was long before I took up lacemaking or knew about needlelace. Somewhere at the bottom of a landfill in Essex are six full rolls of architects linen! Jean in Poole, Dorset, UK - 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/ I have the architect's linen that my husband grabbed for me under similar circumstances. I have also boiled it down to make nighties for me and handkerchieves for both of us. Anna from a sunny cool Sydney - 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/
[lace] Architect's linen
DH was an engineering lecturer and taught, among other things, technical drawing. When the subject started to move to computers, he brought home what the college had because he didn't think computers would catch on (LOL) and knew the college would throw out what they had on the assumption that computers would be the way to go. Of course, DH was wrong and we had half a dozen full rolls of architects linen in the loft for several years until we moved, when he threw it out because it was never going to be needed again and that was long before I took up lacemaking or knew about needlelace. Somewhere at the bottom of a landfill in Essex are six full rolls of architects linen! Jean in Poole, Dorset, UK - 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/
[lace] architect's linen
Jill Architect's linen isn't really necessary. Most of us use standard weight paper for the pattern, and then cover the paper with sticky plastic film (to keep the pattern from tearing, and to keep ink off the lace). I suggest you look at http://needlelacetalk.ning.com We have a BEGINNERS group where you can get lots of advice. Joining is free. All the content is visible, even if you aren't a member, but you have to join to be able to post questions. Lorelei - 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://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Architect's Linen comparables pre-pricking
I am loving this sharing! :-) Thanks so much to Bev, for her tip on Magic Mending Tape, the finite details and downfalls from Pat T., Jacquieâs sharing in precision and technique, and Eveâs sharing of sewing machine pricking for needle lace. Bless your hearts! Susan Reishus - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
[lace] Architect's Linen Comparables
In message 666730.22564...@web34405.mail.mud.yahoo.com, Susan Reishus elationrelat...@yahoo.com writes My question regarding your suggestion would be why buy brown paper and the Weldbond (even if we can get it here!) and spend time diluting, pasting the paper and waiting for it to dry when the adhesive plastic films work as well and are bought ready-to-use? Jane Patridge I am confused, as you had shared that Architect's Linen would be used for needle lace, and adhesive plastic over paper would be used for bobbin (paraphrased)? No, what I meant was that adhesive plastic over a paper pattern (which is then tacked onto a backing of (in my case) three layers of calico) is for needlelace. If you need the support to be firmer, after couching, you can pin it to a needlelace pillow to work the lace. The pad is comfortable to stitch through when tacking the pattern on and couching - which if it was thicker or stiffer, it wouldn't be - so that is probably why you would want to pre-prick it? If the couching stitch comes up and goes down through the same hole there is a danger of the cordonnet being pulled through the pattern - hence I tend not to do this. The same plastic can be used on bobbin lace prickings, but in this case whereas some will use it on paper alone to give it a bit more substance, the use we were taught (which I no longer do) was to use it over a non-waterproof paper pattern* which has been stuck to pricking card to save drawing in the pattern markings. *By non-waterproof, I mean some inks, pencil, printer toners etc that are not waterproof and may mark the thread if it gets damp through the atmosphere or from your hands. I just use pricking card and where necessary mark it using a waterproof pen. Not all permanent markers are waterproof - check that it states waterproof on the pen before trusting it, regardless of the supplier! Some prefer having a taut surface to work upon and others, less so. You mentioned 3 layers of calico (here, a small cottage print) or muslin (US), but I would prefer something a bit stiffer, knowing that play tends to accrue and when removed, proportion can be off. The calico is used as a support under the pattern in needlelace, with all layers tacked together round the edge, and only the couching stitches go through it, so I don't really see where any play would cause a problem. our muslin is a much finer, coarser woven cloth Jane Partridge For some reason, I am not comprehending what that means. Can you help me understand? TIA, Susan Reishus I've explained this in a bit more detail off list. -- Jane Partridge - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
[lace] Architect's Linen etc
In message 206436.95516...@web34402.mail.mud.yahoo.com, Susan Reishus elationrelat...@yahoo.com writes Sorry, as I never saw your query, Sue. I was pondering the thought on my own and had not been partaking of much on the list. I suppose the beginnings of these repeated topics often began at the onset of the list itself. I don't remember a discussion of architect's linen replacement (thought there may have been) as I take breaks over the years. If so, then I completely missed comments on Canaletto, and don't think it is in the archives. Having been on the list since a few months after it began, I don't think needlelace queries have come up all that often (tatting even less, though I believe a lot of tatters split off and formed their own group ten or so years ago) whereas discussion on prickings - especially the question of whether or not to pre-prick a pattern, has come up from time to time. Sue asked the question regarding architect's linen (which has become more difficult to obtain over the last ten years) only a couple of days ago, so you possibly only blinked to miss it, Susan! I certainly had never heard of Canaletto before you mentioned it in your post this week, so doubt very much if it has been mentioned on the list before (though I may be wrong). I still have a small amount of linen, but frequently use a dark green matt sticky backed plastic for needlelace as the threads show up well against it. Whatever you use, it needs to be easily pierced by a needle for couching, but then resist the needle point when working the needlelace stitches. Interestingly, with other needle type laces, I believe that a century or so ago a sheet of brown paper (similar to that we use for parcels which is smooth and shiny one side but can be quite rough on the other) was used for the Battenburg/Branscombe/Princess type tape laces, and we were taught Carrickmacross using butter paper, which again has a smooth surface. In this case, Sheila Regan taught us to make the stitches using the blunt (eye) end of the needle rather than the point, to avoid puncturing the paper. For prickings, I prefer to use glazed manilla pricking card - and to pre-prick the pattern. Once or twice with a one off sample I have used just the paper pattern, but wasn't really happy with this. For Honiton, the card needs to have more substance, and is slightly thicker - in order to withstand the attentions of the needlepin during sewings! Some old prickings I have, dating back to 1911, are in really thick cardstock - I remember one friend I showed them to saying that he thought it would have taken a small hand drill to make the holes! Certainly most of our modern prickers wouldn't have gone through it! When I first started making lace, I had an idea to use the outer covers of old exercise books, which appeared to be of similar card but coloured - I was warned off this by an experienced lacemaker as it might have been possible that the dyes used in the card were not waterproof, and thus could stain the lace if they got damp. Also, the card being of a coarser fibre, it was possible that fibres disturbed by the pins could end up woven into the lace. I now just use card and a waterproof pen for the pattern markings - much cheaper than having to buy the film to cover the pattern as well, saves getting adhesive on the pins and the patterns survive constant use on a block pillow just as well! -- Jane Partridge - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
Re: [lace] Architect's Linen etc
Thank you for the lovely information, Jean. I think this sharing is helpful, as one always picks up a thing or two, and a variant perspective. s (Including most of it, as it bears repeating.) Butter paper in the US, is a better grade of wax(ed) paper, being nicer paper with less wax (than what we call wax(ed) paper. Curious if it is the same in the UK? Best, Susan Reishus I don't think needlelace queries have come up all that often (tatting even less...I still have a small amount of linen, but frequently use a dark green matt sticky backed plastic for needlelace...needs to be easily pierced by a needle for couching, but then resist the needle point when working... a century...ago a sheet of brown paper (...parcels...smooth and shiny (sides)...Carrickmacross using butter paper...make the stitches using the blunt (eye) end of the needle...use glazed manilla pricking card...Honiton (needs)...more substance...slightly thicker ...withstand...the needlepin during sewings...prickings...1911...really thick cardstock...would (take)...hand drill to make the holes!...I now just use card and a waterproof pen...cheaper (than) film to cover (also)...saves...adhesive on the pins and the patterns survive constant use! -- Jane Partridge - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
Re: [lace] Architect's Linen Comparables - Prickings
Thank you for your kind response, Alice. That is pertinent information that is very helpful. I did think ornament size would come up as the exception (as I am not sure that yardage or exceptionally involved projects are as popular as quicker projects tend to be.) Unfortunately I think the canaletto paper is more popular in Europe, but am very curious if anyone is familiar with it for this purpose. Perhaps those who prefer architect's paper over paper/stock covered in plastic have run across it or can provide insight. Thank you for the chart, Adele. There is a lot of info on the net, and I have worked with the printing industry for my work and business needs over the decades so am familiar with NA standards, but that chart is more reader-friendly than most. Best, Susan Reishus From: lacel...@frontier.com I have found that I will repeat some patterns several times, or many times, if I particularly like it...I tend to use a paper pattern on file folder and covered with plastic film...use...8 or 10 times...(for things) like bookmarks or ornaments...edging...a roller pillow...(with) a relatively short pattern...that is used repeatedly for the length...paper/folder/film sandwich...break(s) down before completing a(n)...edging...(used) like...100+ times...alternated (short sections)...really see the wear...can...do two or three yards on the pattern...(person) uses just the paper pattern...quick project...to be used...once...seems to work with her. I want...thicker, even for a...quickie...prickings...saved...to do the project again... Alice in Oregon - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
Re: [lace] Architect's Linen Comparables - Prickings
Susan said Unfortunately I think the canaletto paper is more popular in Europe, but am very curious if anyone is familiar with it for this purpose. Perhaps those who prefer architect's paper over paper/stock covered in plastic have run across it or can provide insight. Did I blink and miss something here, or has Susan got confused? I always connect architect's linen with needle lace, as it's reasonably soft and flexible, but I think that Susan is talking about bobbin lace in this instance. The requirements for pattern/pricking for the two types of lace are fairly disimilar - for needlelace it needs to be soft and flexible, see-through to lay over the design, thin enough to be able to sew right through it to lay the foundation threads, but with a smooth enough skin for the needle to slide across it and not catch in it all the time once the lace itself is being worked. The pattern is usually only used once. Architect's linen filled all these criteria, with the added bonus of being a lovely matt finish, soft blue in colour, making it very restful to work on in both white and many colours. For bobbin lace the base needs to be firm enough to prick through and support the pins without tearing, (the softer the pillow, the more support is needed from the pricking!) it can be stiff as it will be laying flat or gently curved on a pillow or roller. Often the guide lines are drawn on after the holes are pricked so it doesn't 'need' to be see through (although it often is, as this saves the job of drawing in). Depending on how firm the original base material is, the pricking can be used several to many times. Jacquie in Lincolnshire. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
Re: [lace] Architect's Linen Comparables - Prickings
As I posted the original query I can assure that it was only referring to architects' linen and in the context solely of needle lace. I would not dream of using it for bobbin lace, for which I would consider it to be entirely inappropriate as it is not stiff enough for that purpose. The original quest also did not refer to canaletto paper (most particularly as I had never heard of it before Susan posted about it!) Sue Babbs *** The query began with a comparable to replace architect's linen, including canaletto (more predominate in Europe) and went various ways from there. There is also a blue stencil paper available in Europe, that is harder to find in the US. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
Re: [lace] Architect's Linen Comparables - Prickings
For what it's worth, I have tried architect's linen for both needlelace and bobbin lace - to dismal results on *both* occasions, because...for the needlelace, I washed the blue starch out first! duh! The linen fabric is tough! For the bobbin lace, I used it with the blue coating, had drawn the pricking on it freehand. I didn't bother with that again, *pins didn't go through it readily*. LaL (Live and Learn). On 1/5/11, Sue Babbs sueba...@comcast.net wrote: As I posted the original query I can assure that it was only referring to architects' linen and in the context solely of needle lace. I would not dream of using it for bobbin lace, for which I would consider it to be entirely inappropriate as it is not stiff enough for that purpose. -- Bev in Shirley BC, near Sooke on beautiful Vancouver Island, west coast of Canada - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
