I think there is some confusion going on here in terms of the word "machine". The contraption on which Spanier Arbit is made looks like a big round drum sitting on a platform. The platform has a vertical frame on it, and the devices that hold the thread are looped over it. It may look like a machine, but it is really an elaborate lace pillow. However, in an earlier post regarding the inquiry from an individual who seems interested in manufacturing modern day Jewish ritual items, Avital told him that he would either have to set up a sweat shop, or use very coarse materials or "manufactured braid" for Spanier Arbit. So this is an interesting question, in itself. Would manufactured braid be an acceptable alternative for Spanier Arbit? Is it being used now? The Spanier Arbit that we have seen is all historical, in that it doesn't seem to be made now. Is a manufactured braid being substituted for it, or have people simply abandoned the decorative scheme of a metallic braid that is cleverly coiled in elaborate designs for distinctively Jewish items? Likewise, would Spanier Arbit made in a sweat shop in Asia be desirable to the Jewish community, or does the appeal lie in its distinctive history? "This was probably the only textile technique used solely by the Jewish community", they say in the Laces from the Collections of the Jewish Museum in Prague. (Although, in light Gabrielle's posting, this would seem to be open to debate.) Devon In a message dated 2/14/2011 11:55:52 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes:
I don't think the version I saw is mechanical but I would have to go back and take a look at the video. I have this vague recollection that the video was more of an interview with someone (not David Farkas of Brooklyn but someone who isn't trying to keep it a secret). I think it's a hand-done process. Yes, I am aware that Spanierarbeit = Spanish work, but these geographical names tend to be very slippery! (For example, blackwork embroidery has a long history of being called Spanish stitch.) Avital On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 6:15 PM, bev walker <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi Avital (and everyone) > > This is a most interesting lace topic. Would the mechanized version > you describe have been derived from the hand-done? or vice versa... > Or are they both from a third source? > 'Spanier arbeit' translates to 'Spanish work' (German to English) - is > there a Spanish source I wonder - real or supposed. -- Blog: http://apinnick.wordpress.com Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spindexr - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003 - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
