I don't think it is totally a dwindling interest in lacemaking. It is also the economy. The overall trend is up in "needlework" that requires less monetary investment and provides more actual creative activity and satisfaction (or "bang for your buck," as we say in the US). An analogy is the surge in lace and sock knitting, where $20 can have you into a project and knitting for a long time. vs. a sweater where the old $60 investment is now $120-350, so people go for one skein projects that are more intense.
Many people stashed out with patterns, prickings, thread and other things in the last decade and are now culling back and using up what they have, and watching to see what the economy will do. There are some who don't spend because they cannot as their income has been compromised, and those who have the same flow but save to be cautious (though affected a small percentage by food and gas prices). I have had a some friends who spend more when there is a recession, as they feel a moral obligation to help the economy, but I see both sides. Along with OOP books being so high priced and fewer new ones to choose from, people could get stilted at the onset, to at least some degree. The challenge I see, is for lace suppliers to be out in the marketplace so people remember them and sell product (for touch & see) vs. being accessible for those who want to order online or via the phone. I have had much frustration in not being able to reach vendors as they are gone so often to market, and admit I gave up on one vendor for that reason. When the consumer weighs the financial investment to go to fairs and view books personally, the math comes out better to order and take the risk, as there are other places one can unload, whether a local guild or online sale. That doesn't cover attending fairs to learn, see others, and the creative satiation, but one quickly realizes that we need to subsidize our authors and vendors. Frankly, I believe a monopoly would not serve well for many reasons. There are lesser known vendors who are still there to serve us (whom have also discussed quitting). This may end up further subsidizing the downloadable or digital market, as constricted accessibility forces people to become self-reliant for writing and designs and then will be forced to self-publish, as has happened in lace knitting. I have tried to support smaller vendors as their prices were often fairer and their customer service and sharing, exemplary. Sadly, the writing is on the wall unless the word gets out to the media about lacemaking. The lace fashion trend is there, but people don't seem to even know about bobbin lace, for instance. Many things will shuffle out with changes going on more intensely in the world. I went into an area variety type store that had everything imaginable, and only spent $60. I thought the owner would hug me. We don't realize how difficult it is out there financially, so help when you can. I have lived the life of self-employment where you have to be at trade fairs, and in the meantime people need you to be in the office and no staff good enough to be able to replicate what you do. You become torn and financially, physically, mentally and emotionally drained. Please purchase what you can, when you can. I think we need not only to make lace, but take it out in the public (such as wearing it) so people see what is possible to make/do. The kindness and customer service from Lacy Susan and Lacemaker USA, will leave a big void. Best, Susan Reishus - 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
