I agree that if pillows weren't slanted the bobbins will stay where they are put without having to pin them up, which is a pain when you need to hurry. But what stops me from this is the angle that I would have to have my neck in to see the work properly!!! Karen in Malta
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Clay Blackwell Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 3:14 AM To: Erica and Ian McLeod Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [lace] Re: Beanbag ideas... Hi Erica! I was also intrigued by the many responses to the bean-bag ideas! And I also considered some of the other "similar item" things I have had, or have seen, in the past. If you're making your own bean-bag, consider using one of the heavier nylon-knit fabrics (such as those made for athletic jerseys). These are more supple and yet are very strong. Don't settle for lingerie-weight nylons... those would be completely unsuitable, even if you doubled the fabric. For the filling, find something that is reasonably uniform in shape... this makes it more "pliable" when you're trying to settle your pillow on it. While larger grains such as corn are economical and easy to obtain, you'll probably find that finer grains such as rice, or even flax, will give you a firmer foundation when you've packed the grains into the bag. Having said all of that... I am one of those lacemakers who prefers that my pillow be nearly (but not absolutely) level when I'm working. I do not depend on gravity to do my tensioning for me, so there is no reason for my pillow to be slanted. I also use continental bobbins - which will roll wildly toward the center of the pillow if given a chance - so having my pillow level is important - this allows me to group my bobbins to the left and to the right without having to bundle them or pin them off. Isn't it wonderful that there are so many different ways to make lace!! When I make lace, I think of Spanish lacemakers, and am in awe!! How on earth do they DO it?? So, please don't consider my comments as criticism... just as a different perspective. If you prefer your pillow to be slanted, then the bean-bags are a wonderful idea. If you don't, then continue what works for you, and if you're one of those exotic (to me!) lacemakers who makes lace on a vertical pillow - then I bow to you for your skills!! Clay Clay Blackwell Lynchburg, VA, USA Erica and Ian McLeod wrote: > Thank you for all the interesting suggestions for beanbags to support > lace pillows - almost every answer brought a new idea! > > It seems that the most successful 'supporters', whatever their shape, > are of similar width to the pillows they support. The idea of two > smaller bags strategically placed under the pillow (if different > sized - or shaped - pillows need support) is also a very practical one. > > Now I have to decide which I shall make! > > Erica, in NZ > > > > Erica and Ian McLeod > Coalgate, Canterbury, New Zealand > > - > To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: > unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
