Hi all I agree that equipment costs are definitely a deterrent to potential lacemakers. It's difficult to invest $150 or so in a hobby that you may or may not like. Bobbins, of course, are the biggest expense for a beginner, and I understand the desire to mitigate the cost by creating cheaper, homemade alternatives. Being both creative and a serious cheapskate, I tried to do the same.
However, and this is a big however, working with crappy equipment can be a real turn-off. When you have to 'fight' your tools, you can become discouraged easily. Beginners have enough to concentrate on without being frustrated by bobbins that don't handle properly. I know I was really resistant when my (brilliant) teacher recommended that I invest in decent bobbins. Once I did, I had zero regrets. The difference between working with good bobbins and crummy ones really is night and day. I don't mean to suggest that beginners should spend even $2 per bobbin, but I'd recommend that they buy or borrow real bobbins. Unexciting but effective unspangled plastic bobbins can be had for about $9.00 a dozen, and spangling wire + bulk beads are cheap. The cheapest continentals are about $1 each, and there's always eBay. I think even the least expensive commercial bobbins would be miles better than most homemade bobbins. Honestly, by the time you purchase materials and spend the time making your own, I don't even think you'd come out that much further ahead. Perhaps local groups could purchase inexpensive pillows & bobbins and loan them to beginners for the price of a security deposit equal to the materials' costs. If the beginner is no longer interested, he or she can return the kit to the club and receive the security deposit back. If he or she disappears with the kit or wants to 'purchase' it, the club keeps the security deposit and invests it in a new kit. If nothing else, please encourage your beginners to spend a few hours working with real bobbins on a good pillow. Decent quality equipment goes a long way toward making the practice enjoyable. Cheers, Gina Industry, Pennsylvania, USA - 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
