Hi Arachnids,
Firstly my thanks to Lorelei for the inspiring lace webpages. They are
lovely.
Secondly, There seem to be fewer Lace days and fairs in the UK as Sue said.
The reason for that is probably not just the fact that people are using the
net, but also that the people who used to organise them (and note here that
it often has been the same few people taking up the work of putting these
things on) tend to be getting a little older. Younger ones may not have the
time nor the inclination (No time? Shy? Not feeling 'up to it'?, etc.) to
take up the mantle.
Thirdly, I have used to the stiffen the edges of lace; spangle wire (24 and
26 gauge), different sizes fuse wire and millinery wire. Spangle wire and
fuse wire don't rust. Millinery wire which is cotton covered steel will rust
if in damp surroundings; spangling and fuse wire are brass/copper based and
cause fewer problems. They look pretty in the edge but they will tarnish and
may discolour the lace on the edges in the long run. Stainless steel wire,
difficult to get hold of and a nightmare to handle as it is very springy,
discolours less. Sterling silver wire is expensive.
I tend to use short pieces (enough for a section such as a petal or a
butterfly wing) with only the ends wound onto a stout bobbin. These curled
up ends will be discarded. Put as few bends, windings and kinks in the wire
between the bobbins at the end as possible, any unnecessary bends etc. can
cause kinking which is particularly difficult to remove. So handle gently
and bend gently to the shape needed as you work the wire into the lace.
Hope that helps.
Happy lace making,
Joepie, East Sussex, UK
-----Original Message-----
From: Ayla Middleton
I've been thinking of trying something like the brooches with wire gimps at
the edges. Does anyone have any advice on what type and gauge of wire to
use? Can you just wind them on bobbins as you would thread? wouldn't the
half-hitch cause problems?
thanks
Ayla
Wellington, NZ
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