I noticed a few comments about a bobbin lace surge in the 80-90's, perhaps starting in the 70's. I don't remember an upsurge in doing "domestic" things like working with threads and textiles (though the weaving and macrame comments were true in the 70's...a bit of a spin off from the "hippie" movement). I think it has much to do with the economy. People began spending money as they had more, and there was a lot of indulgence and paying high prices for things in the 80's and 90's. The recession curbed some of that and people began to cull back.
Knitting escalated after 9/11 as a sort of "nesting" and prioritizing old values thing, as people sought more security and things that lasted or were evidence of time invested and perhaps would become a legacy of their life and work. Movie stars who knit helped make it socially acceptable, as I remember being scoffed at when knitting on planes when I was in my 20's in my silk dresses and heels, off to something important, asking me why I was doing old ladies work. I don't understand why lace isn't grabbing a hold like knitting, except that bobbin lace isn't as portable. A large percentage of knitting and crochet's popularity is because of toteable projects, as many are on the move so much of the time. Of course now hands are busy with mobile devices too. Needle lace would fill that bill, but is fairly involved and delicate work, and I note that a lot of creative work that is toted is bulky yarn types of things...quick satisfaction in an evening or a few meetings or perhaps bus rides. We are a push-button world and want quick satisfaction. Yarn shops have few sweater sales, but loads of one or two skein projects. I also think that many people make things more for gifts than for home decoration or personal attire, so that also requires something faster. The point made that lace is old fashioned is valid, as I make lace, but it isn't something that fits my decor, nor apparel style. Some does have to be re-styled to what fits within one's life or taste (or trends), Trim for christening gowns, hankies and garters for brides, are rare events. Quilts make for a fun application, but wearable forms such as jewelry (and there are a few incredible books out there), would make things more inviting, perhaps. Also, the trend is to wear simple wash and dry attire that is quite casual and not condusive to lace. Though lace is fashion forward still, one often needs large pieces for a garment, vs. using it as embellishment. Best, Susan Reishus PS: Can we PLEASE remove complete repeats of referred to posts? Digests recently have only about 25-30% new content - the rest is lengthy repeats of the old and a fight to try to ferret out the new. It is so nice when there is only a cut & paste or comment to start, so we know what is being referred to. Thanks. - 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
