The modern lacemaker seems to do a wide variety of patterns rather than concentrating on just a few for her lifetime.
If a pattern is going to be used only once, there's little concern that the pricking will endure. However, I have found that I will repeat some patterns several times, or many times, if I particularly like it. I have at least three patterns that I keep returning to, and have made as many as 30+ times. Since I tend to use a paper pattern on file folder and covered with plastic film, I can use a pricking 8 or 10 times before it becomes ragged. I have remade prickings several times on those favorite patterns. This is for smaller patterns like bookmarks or ornaments. For an edging, the thought process needs to be a bit different. The easy way to do a long edging is with a roller pillow. In this case, there is a relatively short pattern around the roller that is used repeatedly for the length of the edging. The paper/folder/film sandwich has been known to break down before completing a long edging. This is more like repeating a pricking 100+ times so should be more sturdily constructed, or replaced when it shows wear. I have made edgings with two short sections of the pattern that were alternated. I could really see the wear on the pattern pieces as I progressed. I can usually do two or three yards on the pattern. If I had gone further, I would have had to remake the prickings. I have one friend who uses just the paper pattern for a small, quick project. She doesn't make it sturdy unless it's going to be used more than once. She does beautiful work so it seems to work with her. I want something a bit thicker, even for a small quickie. My prickings are usually saved cause I never know when I may want to do the project again. I do admit to needing a better system of storing these prickings. I started putting them in three ring notebooks with plastic sheet protector pockets. The notebooks were divided by the type of lace. Sometimes I put the pricking in the book the pattern came from. However...there's this stack of prickings that didn't get put anywhere. Maybe I need a private secretary to do these things so I can just make lace. <G> Alice in Oregon .. on a very cold morning with icy streets, but it's supposed to warm up soon. ----- Original Message ----- I would like my prickings be to retained on quality stock and not only endure, but increase my ability to use them more than once for myself, though I don't know how many really go back and rework a pricking in their lifetime? - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
