Thank you Ann, Jean and Linda for the information about bolster pillows. I don't know whether I could use a straw-filled pillow though - doesn't it take more force to push the pins in? Ann's instructions for making one sound a bit violent - my arms and shoulders wouldn't be up to that at the moment!
It sounds as if a bolster might be a good shape for me. I tried some continentals for the first time last night, on a fairly flat block pillow, and they drove me nuts. Even with a velvet-type fabric underneath, they rolled around a lot, and they're so light I couldn't get much tension. But they are easier to handle. I'll have to keep experimenting. May I add my congratulations to Janice - the mask is exquisite! Re the insects; I have a polystyrene pillow, but last night was just about to start a Torchon spider when a large spider crawled out from underneath the cloth. Pillow and bobbins went flying, but neither that nor my shrieks dislodged him. So I whacked him with a roll of blue Coverseal... no freezer required! Regards, Annette PS I'm sorry if I'm not responding promptly to those who've emailed me privately - the RSI is bad at the moment and I have to limit the amount of typing I do each day. I have some voice-recognition software which would help - I really must get around to installing it... - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]