Its worth repeating the Shakespeare quotation, for those who may not know it, as it is one of the earliest literary references to lacemaking in England. Duke Orsino has requested a well-known song and introduces it:
"...it is old and plain; the spinsters and the knitters in the sun, and the free maids that weave their thread with bones do use to chant it..." The song is rather a sad love song, nothing to do with lace. 'Spinsters' here of course means people who spin, not unmarried women. The 'Free maids' are not only unmarried but not in service to anyone. They are independent women, presumably making a living with their (bone) bobbins. I think it is a wonderful description. Bridget Marrow, in Pinner, England - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
