I like either wood or bone bobbins. Some of the antiques I have (family heirlooms) are rather difficult to use, so I don't and I have them in a display case with other antique sewing items.
Some of the woods I have feel nicer in my hands than others. I have a ton of bobbins by Leon Young (Australian), and his snakewood bobbins are luscious to use. He'd get a glint in his eyes when he saw me heading to his stand at lace days :-) I don't think he's made bobbins in a long time, so I enjoy using them and treasure them. I have some glass and chrome and brass ones that are OK - the metal ones are really heavy. I also have a few of the 'crushed velvet' (acrylic) ones, along with the laminated woods. I think part of what I think makes me prefer some bobbins - bone or wood - over others (even though they all look pretty on my pillow and many are commemorative of special occasions) is the weight, length, and the finish. I have some lovely bobbins with wire and tiny bead decorations on the shanks, and whilst they feel nice to use and are a perfect weight for me, they're kind of a pain when I'm doing tallies (or retro lace) because the threads can catch on the decorative shank, and slow down my progress. My bone bobbins that are either engraved or shaped (inc. the mother and babes) are nicer to use overall than my ones that are carved. It's a tactile thing. And I won't/can't use the antique bone and wood bobbins I have with the lumps of pewter that stick out a millimeter from the bobbin. Those are wicked to use. I also have some very short bobbins (bone and wood) that when mixed in with the rest on the pillow feel 'funny' to use. Same with the wood. I bought a nutcracker bobbin that is so cute and I love, but his little arms interfere with work, so I have him on display. With the wood, sometimes it's more balance in my hands. Some have very skinny waists that make them not as easy to pick up or they are top or bottom heavy (discounting the spangles weight). If someone gives me a bobbin as a gift (and I've had some given to me as travel souvenirs and wedding gifts), I'm grateful for the giver's thoughtfulness and treasure and enjoy using the bobbin. When it comes to my own shopping, I go with what appeals to me and what I can afford - but I like to dream about the day I'll be a mega-billionaire and can make lace all day long if I want and all the lovely bobbins I will be able to acquire :-). 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]
