Dear Julie, 1. Catherine Barley, the author of the book you are using, is a member of Arachne. There are 329 messages from her in the archives under her name. So, wait a bit, and maybe she will weigh in with her experience. To verify I am correct, type her name in the search box at: http://www.mail-archive.com/lace@arachne.ccom/index.html 2. We have written a lot about threads through the years, and some of those memos are in the archives, if you search a variety of ways. This is a long research process, but I think a search of the following and other memos in the "Structure of Threads for Lace" file might help: _http://www.mail-archive.com/lace%40arachne.com/msg35959.html_ (http://www.mail-archive.com/lace@arachne.com/msg35959.html) 3. One thing not mentioned in quite this way, so in my words - thread has grain. You must stitch with the grain, and not against it. This will reduce wear on thread and fuzzy results. Draw the thread through your thumb and index finger in each direction. One will feel smoother than the other. Once you have determined that, always thread your needle from the end that produces the smoothest feel. Even DMC embroidery floss has a grain. It will take a while to develop touch sensitivity, but it is highly recommended. Grain of thread is something that was taught to young girls in American 7th grade home economics classes 60 years ago. READ PLEASE: The sewing thread for your sewing machine comes off the spool in the direction you need to thread into the needle's eye - not only for a sewing machine - but also for hand sewing. Unfortunately, this is not true of all thread coming off a spool. Some modern manufacturers seem to do whatever is convenient, being unfamiliar with how we use the thread (explained in the book referenced in (2) above). 4. Julie, the nicest way to learn lacemaking and advance quickly is with others who share your interest. Are you aware of the Chesapeake Region Lace Guild? _www.crlg.org/_ (http://www.crlg.org/) . They draw members from the states surrounding Washington DC. Also, The Embroiderers' Guild of America has several chapters near you. http://www.egausa.org/ Needle laces are more likely to be taught by The Embroiderers' Guild. They embrace all lace works made with a threaded needle, and have quite a few teachers in the U.S. At this time in history, lace guilds seem to be focusing on bobbin lace. (I have belonged to 4 local lace guilds between Maine and Washington DC for up to 4 decades, and to EGA for nearly 50 years, so feel secure in this claim.) Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center ---------------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 3/21/2016 3:12:47 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, jsyz...@comcast.net writes:
Should I try a different thread? I guess threads are either cotton, linen, or silk. Or any of those types right out of the question for Hollie Point, or needlelace in general? What do I look for in a thread? I am wondering if maybe some threads stand up to the abuse better than others and Tanne 50 is not the sturdiest choice. Also, what about the final result? Do some threads give nicer final results? And what about the feel of thread as you work with it? In bobbin lace I enjoy the way different thread material feels differently as I work with it. My book mentions "Brok 160 or Egyptian Cotton 120". How do Brok and Egyptian Cotton compare with Tanne 50? What size thread should I be using anyway? Brok 160 and EC 120 are, according to my thread chart, significantly smaller than Tanne 50. Should I stick with threads the same size as Tanne 50 or would I find that I can after all make needlelace in good light with a smaller thread? In general I am the sort of person who likes lace to be fine. I get bored with coarse lace. Maybe you guys will talk about threads andmake me feel inspired to try new ones. Julie Shalack Laurel, Maryland, 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
