Dear Lacemakers, Teachers, Lace Guilds, Publishers, The confusion of Color Diagramming Codes for bobbin lace is understandable. We have the ability in 2003 to make one standard "International 21st Century Color Diagramming Code", and to communicate it to almost every lacemaker in the world.
I would like to recommend that we ask OIDFA (which has leadership from the major lacemaking countries of Europe) to set up a Study Group to wrestle with the problem and develop a standard color diagramming system that will work with all laces and be "reflected" in new books and computer web sites. It should be based on the most sensible adaptation, starting with the foundation Belgian Color Code. There are some teachers and nationalities who will dig in their heels in favor of the confusing status quo. They need to be gently persuaded to be flexible. If we all understand the same Color Diagramming Codes, it will be much easier to teach and explain in any language! Once done, I would recommend that OIDFA permit Lace Guilds (the Guilds DO provide valuable services to members) post the standard Color Diagramming Codes on their Web Sites (with proper credit given to OIDFA) and give permission to copy - precisely as developed. To defray costs, it might be possible for OIDFA to copyright and print - for sale - bookmarks and stickers somewhat like bookplates (which could be pasted in the front of books). They should state somewhere on them, that color diagramming code directions in each book/publication already existing should be followed, but if no code is given - this is the "International 21st Century Color Diagramming Code" standard. This is a case where the Lace Guilds and vendors at lace days would be able to buy/sell/use the bookmarks and stickers to help along a uniform standard. If encouragement of agreement and popularity is brought to bear, the teachers and authors of new books and articles will (hopefully) follow suit. (We can be vocal, if they do not.) Lacemaking has become more confusing as lace "generalists" (people who make many types of laces) have developed. They have developed because the Lace Guilds are hiring diverse faculties from many nations. This is a wonderful development of our times, but confusion discourages many potential lacemakers. This CAN be done. Imagine if every telephone company in the world was set up to be unique. Instead, through complex international agreements, they were organized so everyone could communicate with everyone else -- the largest "connected" machine in the world. If this was done decades ago - before the internet would have made it easier to organize - we can make lace instructions easier for everyone to understand with all of the new methods of instant communication available to us. We need to unite and communicate this need. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center (I know, I know - I'm ahead of the idea curve again, and so expect raw eggs to be flung in this direction.) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
