OK Vivienne, as you were so adamant that you didn't want advice without us trying it out first, I got out a pillow and a sample of Binche lace - in fine thread. And found that it is possible to make a one handed sewing using only my left hand. I am definitely VERY right-handed, and couldn't write anything intelligible etc with my left. I put my right hand behind my back so that I wouldn't use it - and yes, I was tempted to do so.
It took me about 5 minutes to do the sewing, but I guess this would get faster. Here are my comments: > This would involve unwinding thread from the bobbin and then rewinding it. I didn't need to unwind any more thread to work the sewing - just the same length that I would normally have on my leashes. I did however have to push down more pins than in the area tahn I would doing the sewing with two hands. This seemed to be because of the akward angle I was using to get in the hook. > Put two or three support pins into the pillow, some distance from the sewing and > pattern. These support pins > would need to be sufficiently far apart to hold a big enough loop of thread for the > bobbin to pass through. Have the support pins ready, but don't put them in place yet. > Insert your hook into the lace as usual, and draw through thread. This was the hard part and took about ten attempts! But I guess it would improve with more practice. Put the thread as close to the pinhole as you can get it. I used a fine pin in the pillow at an angle to hold the thread close to the pillow, just above the pinhole. Have the bobbin just slightly up the pillow, so that some of the tension is taken off the thread. (I was using a cookie pillow. I have no idea how this would work if Lisette is using an upright Spanish type pillow, as I have never tried working in that way) Pick up hook and catch thread. If this doesn't work, put hook through pinhole, with hook down on pricking. Use fingernail to push thread under hook. Pull back hook. Try again and again! Once you have caught the loop and pulled it through, leave crochet hook in loop of thread. Take support pin, and put into loop of thread. Take second support pin and put about an inch away in the loop of thread. Take out hook. Do not have the loop taut, as you will need some spare thread to pass the second bobbin through the loop. > > Pass the other bobbin through this loop and then carefully tighten up, Compared to the earlier part, this was easy! I hope you can pass this idea on to Lisette Sue Babbs [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]