Hello, Here's another viewpoint to think over:
It is really important to wind bobbins so that the thread is not pulled off the top of the spool. You need to devise a method that will allow the spool to turn as you remove the thread. Any other way will either add or subtract twist, which will give you kinky, tangled thread. There are some nifty little spool holders that allow the spools to twist as the thread unwinds. A simple one can also be made at home with a small block of wood and a nail to hold the spool. And fabric stores hold little thread holders (also a place for your needles and thimble) that will work. As a matter of fact, people who have trouble with breaking threads would do well to regularly check their threads to make sure that the turning of the bobbins during the lacemaking does not untwist the thread. If it does, then just re-twist. I could almost guarantee your thread breaking problems will disappear. For that matter, the same is true in hand sewing. I always wax my natural threads, and often use thread heaven on sythetic threads. Jeri mentioned this but with so much information in her posting perhaps some of you missed it. My mother taught me fifty years ago to thread the needle from the end that comes first off the spool, but in my experience it doesn't make much difference. (I've always wondered if it is a bit of an old wives tale without much substance). And course coatings such as beeswax discourage the thread from untwisting. But if I'm caught without the wax (read, too lazy to go get it) I find that re-twisting the thread regularly as I sew eliminates the tendency of the thread to tangle and knot on itself. Perspective of a long-time spinner, Regards, Carolyn Carolyn W. Hastings Stow, MA USA - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
