Most early bobbin lace is continuous, ie all threads are added at the start and remain in use until they run out and are replaced, with no pairs added or removed as the work progresses. However in the 1630s there was an abrupt change in style which involved working in sections, adding and removing pairs, and requiring bobbins to be wound in pairs. This slows down the working and potentially involves considerable waste of expensive linen thread. Honiton workers today 'bow off', ie cut and tie discarded pairs in a single movement - can anyone tell me if this or a similar technique is used in any other pieced lace? Also would lacemakers in the 1630s have been using scissors of the type we know today? (It is possible, but difficult, to bow off with the older type of spring snips). Any help will be gratefully received Gil, from a rainy Northumberland
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