So, in doing reticello or similar types of needle lace, is couching the brides "normal" or am I doing it wrong?
Thank you so much for your patience in reading through this whole missive. Bronwen That's a very provocative question? Firstly, anything that makes the lace more beautiful is good. If you second attempt brought you closer to the result you wish, then you are on the right track. What works, works! Now, I have not done a huge amount of needle lace, but step one is "couching the outline". Then the fillings are worked between the outlines, and finally the edges are worked, with the possible addition of picots and other adornments. Large laces are made of multiple motifs connected by brides which are worked like the edges of motifs. The outline has to be supported until the lace is completed, then the lace is released from the couching and what you have is an unattached threadwork, rather than an embroidery. Personally, I don't get too hung up in terminology because the transition from drawn thread work to true needlelace was gradual and stepwise. Eventually, it just didn't make sense anymore to first un-weave the fabric to have a hole to put the lace in. (Especially since the thread was hand spun and then hand woven!) Patty - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
