Dear all, What I will add to this, is that when a young lace maker appears at a lace fair, the suppliers are very supportive. Other lace makers are very supportive too in a practical way. Thankyou to everyone who helps such children, as often they have parents who though supportive do not necessarily have the skills to be of much practical help.
Some months ago, I did an impromptu hands on demo at a home education group I attend, with my two pillows and a homemade polystyrene one. It was a first for me. The children range in age from babies to early teens. Some of the children had a go and left for other activities. One of the older girls present worked on a simple heart made in half stitch on a piece of polystyrene with bobbins made of dowel and pony beads. She took it home and finished it. I did suggest various books if she wished to continue, as she lives some distance away and does not get to the meetings regularly. One of the parents later borrowed some equipment from me to give it a try, and has since bought her own pillow. One nine year old boy took to it like a duck to water, spending most of the day working on his lace. Not long after, he made his own pillow and came to visit me to learn more. I generally find myself sharing lace information with him whenever the group meets. A neighbour gave him some of her old lace books and odd pieces of equipment. Someone else offered bobbins for those teaching children, which meant he no longer had to contend with homemade dowel and bead versions. I passed on some of Jane Partridge's patterns which kindly gave me for sharing with him - and he managed to work the candle on a candle holder pattern without my help. His mum gives some practical help, like helping him with sewings - but cannot follow what he does once whe he's actually working. Apart from him coming to visit twice, I see him only once a month at the group meeting, where I can make half an hour at most if he needs help. So really, he had to become self sufficient, though I explain certain things to his mum to, where I know he may need help (it is easier in person than over the phone). He went to Fountains Lace Fair in September, first thing in the morning - and was leaving pleased to bits with his new lace pillow etc, which he had purchased with his own money. He certainly received an enthusiastic welcome from the stall holders, and some free gifts with his purchases. Some of the stall holders commented positively on the fact there had been a young boy present earlier in the day. Thank you for making his first visit to a lace fair such a positive one. Incidentally, it was a real joy to attend my first lace fair - after 16 years of lace making! I know I spent more than I ought. Karen in Coventry, who will be doing another hands on demo for the group in just over a month's time. - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
