This brings up the question of "purity" and naming. If I use some Cluny techniques on a Beds pattern, is it still Beds? If I use torchon ground on a Bucks grid, is that Bucks point lace? If I mix crochet stitches in with detached buttonhole, is that needlelace?
I agree that mixing techniques can be beautiful. I agree that it is important to continue to "push the envelope" and advance our art. But how far from the traditional techniques can one go before one needs to change the name? The name loses meaning if we try to keep it when we've changed the techniques "too much". Jean's question boils down to whether it's still stumpwork if you mix machine embroidery and other modern techniques. I'm not convinced that all work that includes dimensional embroidery qualifies as stumpwork, so it's a matter of determining the boundary. I don't know where that boundary is, but perhaps you have gone far enough beyond tradition that you should call it "embroidery including stumpwork and machine work" or something like that. Robin P. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA http://www.pittsburghlace.8m.com/ - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
