Then... drum roll... I discovered lace! And so for years, my knitting (or what was left of it) sat idle in an out-of-the way place. When I re-discovered it a few years ago, the earth had rotated many degrees, and charts had come into play!!! I took to them like a duck to water!!!
Which is why now... I have a hard time plodding through the written out instructions of old lacemaker's patterns like these. Thank goodness for diagrams and charts!!! I guess this just proves that I'm a newbie after all! Clay --------------------------------------- Another drum roll -- from Jeri! There are people who like written-out in plain language bobbin lace instructions. My first lacemaking books included the series from Christine Springett (England). They are still available, and she thought of every type of person's learning preference for making lace. Liberally illustrated with a picture of the finished lace, a pricking to copy, and a enlarged drawing of the pricking with clarifying notes in the margin. Plus a written set of instructions explaining every step for achieving the pictured results. >From my experience of learning to make lace in the 1980's, I would really recommend the following book to any beginner, so she can determine what her learning "style" is: "Lace for Children of all Ages" (72 pages), which has the famous beginner's snake, hearts, wedding horseshoes, edgings, Christmas items. And, if you have equipment to play it on, get the video "Successful Bobbin Lacemaking for all Occasions" that was made to go with "Lace for Children.... ". I still pop this video into a player when a beginner comes to visit. It is very "English", and makes me feel I've made a dream trip to lace fairy land. Starts with how to "manage" your pillow - thread, bobbins, cover cloths, etc. Someone who has been interrupted for several years can go back to it for a quick refresher course. You can stop it anywhere, and replay a section if you don't quite understand. This, and the book with the prickings can get you off to a good start. If you are not near a lace teacher or group, are a busy careerwoman, housebound, wanting to teach children, consider this.. Holly Van Sciver (lace supplier in the US) has a special list of the Springett books and videos at _www.vansciverbobbinlace.com_ (http://www.vansciverbobbinlace.com) Other Nations: Remember that the videos made for American equipment will not work. Buy videos made for your equipment. I believe these are still available to you. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
