Hi, Ronna The first thing to do is contact your *teachers* and ask them if you can use the International Square bobbins. Obviously, both would prefer you use the "proper" (that is, the official) kind for that style of lace, but most teachers understand the financial necessity of making do with what one has. The so-called international square bobbin is fairly lightweight and may be OK, but your teachers will know whether the thread they have you using is too fine (weak) for the weight of that kind of bobbin.
Honiton uses very fine thread and light bobbins, but usually not all that many of them, so you may not have a problem in terms of the number of bobbins you need (40 bobbins is only 20 pairs, so that's not many for the Withof class, either). As Tamara said, you need fine pins (and short enough to push all the way down into the pattern) for both those laces. However, if your supply list doesn't specify a size or kind of pin, perhaps the beginning patterns aren't going to be too critical on that score. You need a separate pillow and bobbins for each class, but can use all the other tools between them. I disagree with Tamara about needing huge numbers of pins. Both laces are "free" style, without quantities of ground filling in around the motifs. The ground areas are what really eat up pins at an alarming rate. Still, you will need a "full box" between them, and buying a second box (if needed later in the week) is a small price. That will depend in part on how fast you work, of course! Have a wonderful time at convention--it's a great learning experience and really broadens your lace horizons (in terms of what kinds of lace there are to be learnt, what kinds of tools are available, all the new threads and books and other toys, etc.) and new friends to share your passion with! Robin P. Los Angeles, California, USA (formerly Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- > > My list of supplies for Honiton has not arrived yet, but my Withof one > > has. It asks for Binche or Fine Belgium bobbins 40 of them. I am > > wondering if I will absolutely have to purchase new bobbins for > this or if mine could be used (I will need the honiton bobbins from > what I understand) I am a beginner so the cost of setting up is > > extraordinary. - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
