Hi- When looking for fan sticks I went to my local antique shop and talked with the owner. I found out that they usually won't buy a fan if the leaf is not in good condition. They usually throw away the fan sticks. i said I wanted to make a lace fan and if I was going to do all that work I wanted nice sticks.....you know, bone or ivory and i only wanted to pay $0.50 for it.....of course that got a laugh but the owner pulled out a box and said I could have one of the fans he had. The cloth was falling apart but it had been beautiful with a hand painted design and very interesting sequins of all different shapes, tear drops, flowers, etc. on it. I carefully removed the cloth and stored it, just couldn't bear to throw it away, and then cleaned the frame. To my surprise, it is ivory with beautiful gold gilt. Now I am designing the fan for it. It is quite large and I have not been able to find any ready made patterns that would fit. Also there are a couple of ribs missing so I'll just adjust the pattern to fit. Can't wait to get started but will have to since I already have a project going on my large pillow.
And for the lacer who has problems with her cat playing with the bobbins.......my cat lies beside me in the chair when I am lacing so I solved the problem by making her her own "bobbin." I took an empty Kreinik spool and tied a piece of crochet thread around it and made a loop on the other end of the thread. Using a divider pin I attach it to the side of my pillow where she can reach it and now she "laces" with me and leaves my bobbins alone............ Linda Blair Edgefield, South Carolina, USA - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]