Wendy, When I learnt to make leaves (for beds lace), I was taught that you make the leaf 1/3 longer than required (so 1/3 beyond the pin), and when you tension - very gently - it will scrunch up and deform at first, but DON'T PANIC! It will sort itself out and the threads will come neatly into place. Christine Springett's tip for tensioning is to 'milk fairy cows" (love that term :-) ).
They do take practice and patience. I don't think it really matters which lace you do next - bucks will use more square tallies; Beds, Maltese, Cluny will be leaves and beds will have square tallies along with flat overlaid and raised tallies. You could even do Honiton if you want and enjoy Milanese. There's no hard and fast rule - some logical progression, but you don't have to do a certain lace next. Do what appeals to you. I have to add a little tangent here - I remember seeing Annette's daughter's wedding veil in the very early stages of work, in the 80's, when I'd occasionally be at a gathering of the ladies Mum learnt lace with and stayed friends with. Annette is part of that group, and I remember marveling then at her work (you have to see it in the flesh to believe it), and it's been exciting to see it finished after such a long committment. It's gorgeous. She has one very lucky daughter :-). Cheers, Helen, Aussie in Denver - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
