A few years ago DH attended a conference in Turkey and I asked him to bring me some oya/bebilla as a gift. He didn't find any in the souvenir stores but eventually found a craft store and purchased a small polyester square edged with flat flowers pivoted on pyramid stems - the flowers feel soft but stiffened slightly, possibly cotton or polyester. The English version of a four language description in the box begins:
"Iğne oyasi, a kind of exquisite needle-work, which has been created in different parts of Anatolina since the 17th century, comprises the weaving of silken thread with a needle". Pleased with his find he dug deep in a box of oddments and found a string of oya; separate trumpet flowers and leaves about an inch apart on a thick cord, presumably to be cut apart and sewn round the edge of a cloth. These are very stiff and 'plastic -cy' but without sacrificing one I can't tell if they are nylon or not. Flushed with his success my 'capital D' DH decided to make his present even better by buying the equipment to make it - I am a bobbin lacemaker and equipment is a big deal :). I would have loved to see the conversation that ensued between a man who spoke no Turkish and two women who spoke no English, but eventually one of them brought out a sewing needle! Jay in Sydney, Australia [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Avital Sent: Tuesday, 31 January 2006 5:42 AM To: lace@arachne.com Subject: RE: [lace] Oya eureka! > Seriously, since they're trying to earn a living by selling oya, using cheap materials makes sense. Nylon thread is cheaper than natural fibers and probably last almost indefinitely. The oya on my scarf are *extremely* sturdy. They could easily withstand frequent laundering. Avital - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
