[lace] Hello from a newbie

[Margot Walker]

Welcome Jenny.  Here are my answers to your questions.
On Sunday, February 27, 2005, at 09:55  AM, Jenny Brandis wrote:
QUESTIONS from a newbie
Should I get a round, roller or travel cushion?
I would start with a square or round pillow, about 18 inches across, cut 
from a piece of styrofoam used to insulate walls.  After all you may not 
like lacemaking.  Then I would graduate to a round, cookie pillow.  
Again, I prefer styrofoam or that ilk, to straw filled.
Should I get more that one cushion?
Not at the beginning.  The extra pillows you'll buy will depend on 
whether you want to make a lot of yardage (roller pillow), what kinds of 
lace you want to make (e.g. Honiton pillow), etc.  I find I use my 
pillow with moveable squares the most.
Is there a do not buy list?
Yes, most of the packaged kits for beginners.
Should I get a cushion stand?
Not a must.  Any low table, that you can get your knees under,  will do.
What sorts of bobbins are best for a beginner?
This is really personal preference.  I learnt with Belgian bobbins.  
Later changed to Midlands, spangled ones.  If I were to start over, I'd 
probably buy the square bobbins.
How many bobbins should I buy?
30 is probably enough to start.  Then the skies the limit!
Will my being left handed be an advantage in learning bobbin lace?
Most of the instructions are written for right-handers.  But both hands 
are used simultaneously, so neither handedness is an advantage.
What is a beginners lace pattern?
Good question.  Off the top of my head, it probably wouldn't use many 
different stitches; not too many bobbins; not very thin thread.
Should I jump in and start with a lace pattern I like the look of and 
learn the technique as I go? (that is how I usually learn a new craft)
I think there are some basic stitches you need to practice first.  Then 
if you jump in, be sure you pick a simple pattern.
What should be in my beginners kit? I am trying to do  up a shopping 
list for my husband
         Divider pins (can I use sewing pins?)
		Or corsage or hat pins
         Pricking card
		Use any old cardboard
         Bobbins - how many? what type?
		See above
         thread - can I use crochet cotton?
		Yes, if it's very thin by crocheters' standards.  You can also 
use sewing thread.
         cushion
		See above
         stand
		See above
         cover cloth - what colour, fabric
		Same colour and fabric as you cover your pillow with.  Best 
for the eyes is a solid, dark colour in a finely-woven, washable material
         working cloth - what is it?
		Haven't a clue.  Maybe the same as a cover cloth?
         bobbin holder - what is it?
		1.  Cases to keep your bobbins in.  The easiest ones to make 
are like the roll up thingies you store your silver cutlery in.  2.  
Things to 		hold your bobbins when you're not using them.  These 
depend on the type of bobbin you're using.  You can see some of them on 
the 		Lace Fairy site:  http://lace.lacefairy.com/
         fishing tackle pliers
		Not essential for a beginner
         good how to book/s
		I taught myself to make Torchon (a common beginner's lace) 
using Bridget Cook's 'The Torchon Lace Workbook.'  It was originally 		published 
in England by Batsford, in 1988.  But I know it's been reprinted since 
then.  I particularly like it because you work through a 		couple of exercises 
and then there are a number of patterns you can do.

You forgot a few things from your basic equipment list:
1.  A pricker or a pin vise, to prick the holes in the patterns
2.  A coloured, preferably matte, sticky film to cover the prickings.  
Most people use a blue film.  Instead of this you can copy your 
prickings on coloured paper.  The reason for this is that's very 
difficult to see white thread on white paper.
3.  Pins.  If you live in a humid climate, you'll want ones that don't 
rust, i.e. brass ones.

Where can I get these products in Australia?
		Someone else will have to help with this.

Margot Walker in Halifax on the east coast of Canada
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