Kathleen writes: I wonder if it is simply that bobbin lace appeals particularly to scientists and especially mathematicians. Moving on from this, is it the more “regular” laces which appeal, I.e. Torchon, Bucks and Flanders, rather than Bedfordshire for instance?
Actually, I have always thought that Bedfordshire was intensely mathematical. Isn't Bedfordshire a lace where you are presented with a design that has acanthus leaves strewn all over it, in different orientations, all basically the same shape, but you work each one differently as you have to keep the weaving line perpendicular to the edge? Similarly, laces such as Milanese and Duchesse present you with the mathematical challenge of making each stitch of linen stitch appear at a perfect right angle like a weave, while the tape or flower curls around. One time a museum colleague, looking at a Duchesse piece said, "It is like an Escher". I think that it is like the Escher that has all the stairs going hither and yon, always looking very straightforward and mathematical and yet not being that way at all. - 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/
