Re: [lace] thread help needed
Thanks Brenda. I never thought of looking in the synthetic/rayon threads. Jane O'Connor jjo...@sbcglobal.net New Lenox, IL USA Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. So have fun, think 'good thoughts' only, learn to laugh at yourself and count your blessings! From: Brenda Paternoster To: Jane O'Connor Cc: lace@arachne.com Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2009 2:10:16 PM Subject: Re: [lace] thread help needed Hello Jane Madeira Decor is a thick rayon floss, 15 wraps/cm and has been in Threads for Lace since Ed 1 (though the size, which is No 6, isn't included!) Metallic 40 is either Madeira 40, a fine wrapped thread, 35 w/cm, or Moravia metallic . another wrapped hread but much thicker at 20 w/cm, or signature SN another wrapped thread, 37 w/cm - or something I haven't seen! The Madeira is the most likely. Brenda On 10 May 2009, at 17:09, Jane O'Connor wrote: > Can someone help me with the wraps or thicknesses of these two threads. > They come from a 'sGravenmoer pattern and I cannot find them listed in > Brenda's book. Madeira Decor number 6 and a metallic thread number 40. I > wonder if these are embroidery threads. > > Brenda in Allhallows, Kent http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/index.html - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
[lace] larger pillows/table
Brenda wrote: I made a D shaped pillow to fit my suitcase by sawing off the back edge of a pillow made of builders foam. I also cut out a rectangle from the center back so I could insert ethafoam blocks. My purpose was to be able to use the pillow should I ever have two different classes as conventions. It worked fine but I think next time I would carve the edge down more around the front and sides to make it more comfortable when working. I mounted the whole thing on a thick cardboard base covered with faux suede and put a decorative braid around the whole pillow and extended that across the gap at the back. This held the block in place when I pinned the braid to the block and pillow. Maybe some enterprising supplier will start making lightweight suitcase shaped pillows. Talking about travelling to conventions, I just invested money in a folding laptop "Table tote". The legs can be extended to any height, 12 inches to 29 inches, (at the moment it is just right for sitting on the sofa to make lace). The whole thing weighs less than 3 lbs and is about the size of a laptop. The surface can be extended by using the lid and I have put a 22" pillow on it. It probably would not withstand the cat test. It even has an extending document holder that could be used to hold diagrams. I will be testing it this year at convention if I get into a bobbin lace class. I think the price is about $50 but we got a discount and free shipping because my guild sent a group order. Janice Janice Blair Crystal Lake, 50 miles northwest of Chicago, Illinois, USA www.jblace.com http://www.lacemakersofillinois.org - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
Re: [lace] thread help needed
Hello Jane Madeira Decor is a thick rayon floss, 15 wraps/cm and has been in Threads for Lace since Ed 1 (though the size, which is No 6, isn't included!) Metallic 40 is either Madeira 40, a fine wrapped thread, 35 w/cm, or Moravia metallic . another wrapped hread but much thicker at 20 w/cm, or signature SN another wrapped thread, 37 w/cm - or something I haven't seen! The Madeira is the most likely. Brenda On 10 May 2009, at 17:09, Jane O'Connor wrote: Can someone help me with the wraps or thicknesses of these two threads. They come from a 'sGravenmoer pattern and I cannot find them listed in Brenda's book. Madeira Decor number 6 and a metallic thread number 40. I wonder if these are embroidery threads. Brenda in Allhallows, Kent http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/index.html - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
Re: [lace] Felt on big pillows
I used 1/2" wool felt from an reed organ repair/supply company, to cover my foam pillows. I can't remember what company I used, but I googled and found http://www.organsupply.com/. They may have what you need or may know where to find it. Lynn ~~ Empress Lynn, Co-Ruler of the Dewitt Empire, Czaritsa to the State of Procrastination, Queen of the Mountain of Laundry people, Ruler of the Sea of Dishes, Scourge of the Dust Bunny Herds, Destroyer of Cobwebs, Milk Smeller to the Emperor, and other titles much too numerous to mention On Sun, May 10, 2009 at 3:31 AM, Beth Marshall wrote: > Sue > > Do you know what density the felt you use is? - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
[lace] Exhibition in Lewes
The easiest way to find out about it is to look in the arachne archives - http://www.mail-archive.com/lace%40arachne.com/ And please, pretty please, can I remind people to keep the subject header relevant to the contents, and changed as the posts evolve, otherwise vast swathes of the archive are useless. Jacquie in Lincolnshire - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
[lace] Exhibition in Lewes
Hi I was quickly going through my e-mails and gaily deleting the ones I didn't need to read when I noticed one from Rosemary Brown about an exhibition in Lewes. Unfortunately I had deleted the whole page by mistake so was unable to read it. Please, Rosemary, could you re-post it so that I can give it my full attention. Thanks Angela - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
Re: [lace] Felt on big pillows
Sue Do you know what density the felt you use is? I've been gogling for engineering felt suppliers nearer here, and they all seem to stock a range of different densities as well as different thicknesses. I reckon the density will be fairly important for lacemaking use - too dense and fine pins won't go into it without bending, too lightweight and it won't support the pins well enough. I've spotted one UK supplier whose website proclaims "no order too small" so if I can work out what density I need I'll enquire about their prices. Happy lacemaking everyone Beth Sue Fink wrote: > Diane Z asked about the felt I use on my pillow. Our understanding is that > it is used by engineers and in car engines, but don't ask me more than > that!! It is about 1 cm thick and 2 metres wide and you buy the length you > want as you would material. It is expensive, but because it is so wide > several of us usually buy together and so get a piece that we can afford! > In NZ it comes from NZ Felt Supplies Ltd., but I have no idea where it > would be available in other countries. We use it on our pillows and find > it is just so easy to move lace; it also protects the pillows and lets them > live longer. It does need something under it to support it, which is why > we still use pillows! > - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
Re: [lace] silk and Z twist
Sue Guetermann silk is spun silk which is less slippery than filament silk, and cloth stitch is balanced (2 crosses and 2 twists per CTC) so I doubt you will have much trouble with it twisting. Also if you are making something which is to be applique mounted or framed there is less chance of curling becoming a problem because the mounting will hold it in place. If you are in doubt either work a small sample piece (which will help you get the hang of the stitch sequences in the braids anyway) and take the pins out. You will soon see if there is a problem! Brenda On 10 May 2009, at 09:54, Sue wrote: I am about to work my whole stitch braids with gutterman silk, which is what I have in my box, which the book tells me is a Z twist. Is there any special difference in the way I will handle it apart from working on getting good tension and good pinning? I am going to work ovals and was thinking maybe figure of 8 as well with the cloth stitch to start and end. I am hoping that the twists with help hold it all in place. !! I dont think I have used a Z twist before. ( The only sample piece I have in my folder which has twisted is a small sample I tried with a polyester because I liked the colour for my napkins, but didn't like the way it worked). I have just two more pairs of bobbins to wind today before I pin the pattern to the pillow, who got too much help last night to allow me to get going then. Sue T . Were you with Arachne when we discussed curly lace a year or so ago? After numerous trial and error pieces the conclusion was that half stitch puts more Z twists into the lace than S twists, and with a tightly twisted Z spun thread, especially of it's shiny and slippery all the torque in the Z direction causes the finished lace to spiral in the opposite way, ie S direction. See: http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/lace/curlylace/curlylace.html Brenda - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com Brenda in Allhallows, Kent http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/index.html - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
[lace] silk and Z twist
I am about to work my whole stitch braids with gutterman silk, which is what I have in my box, which the book tells me is a Z twist. Is there any special difference in the way I will handle it apart from working on getting good tension and good pinning? I am going to work ovals and was thinking maybe figure of 8 as well with the cloth stitch to start and end. I am hoping that the twists with help hold it all in place. !! I dont think I have used a Z twist before. ( The only sample piece I have in my folder which has twisted is a small sample I tried with a polyester because I liked the colour for my napkins, but didn't like the way it worked). I have just two more pairs of bobbins to wind today before I pin the pattern to the pillow, who got too much help last night to allow me to get going then. Sue T . Were you with Arachne when we discussed curly lace a year or so ago? After numerous trial and error pieces the conclusion was that half stitch puts more Z twists into the lace than S twists, and with a tightly twisted Z spun thread, especially of it's shiny and slippery all the torque in the Z direction causes the finished lace to spiral in the opposite way, ie S direction. See: http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/lace/curlylace/curlylace.html Brenda - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
Re: [lace] larger pillows
Just yesterday I set up a piece on a 24" octagonal pillow. It's not a particularly big pattern; a piece of torchon I said I'd design for a future YLM pattern book, but that was the pillow available and as I was positioning the pricking I though that I wouldn't be using the back third of the pillow at all. Maybe I'll have a go some time at making a D shaped pillow, it would appear that there's a need and a gap in the market for D shaped flat/cookie lace pillows. Brenda On 9 May 2009, at 21:18, Alice Howell wrote: I like working on a 20" cookie pillow for smaller projects. I find that the far 4-5 inches of the pillow are not used much. The 20" pillow won't fit in a suitcase very well. One day I tried cutting a slice off the back of a pillow to make the front to back measurement less than 18" to fit a suitcase better. It worked well. And I found that I really liked using the pillow. That missing part on the far side was not missed. I'm going to try it on a 24" pillow since I have an extra one on hand. I'll cut off the far edge so I have 17.5" depth left, but will have more room on each side than on the 20"pillow. It should hold more bobbins. Brenda in Allhallows, Kent http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/index.html - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
Re: [lace] Pillow stands
Yes, your cat would dump your pillow off a table that sizemine did. I was using a TV tray table, about the same size as a Tablemate and the pillow extended beyond the table. My cat tried to use it as a stepping stone to the cat tower. He got yelled at, but my pillow was still upside down. Since you have such a critter around, you might want to look for a slightly larger table that can support the whole pillow (and the cat also, if necessary.) Generally, the Tablemates are considered good -- sturdy enough for a lace pillow. It's nice for transporting because it folds up and is not really heavy. Be sure it's a real Tablemate, though. There are some knockoff tables that aren't as good. I got caught with one of those. The tabletop does not fasten so it's flat. There's always a slant so things slide off. And it's harder to adjust the legs. You want to be able to adjust the table without six tools and a strongman. The lacemakers here like the adjustable table made by Rubbermaid or Lifetime with a table size about 20 x 30.. It adjusts to four different heights, and is very sturdy. My cat leaps on and off it without any problem. It's great for local demos but would not travel on a plane to a conference. It doesn't fold up as small as a Tablemate and would not fit in a suitcase. Consider carefully just how you would use the table. where and when. Then get the table that best suits your own purposes. Alice in Oregon - Original Message From: Beth Marshall To: lace@arachne.com Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2009 12:39:29 AM Subject: [lace] Pillow stands (was: larger pillows) Tamara's reference to the Table-mate reminds me of a question I'd been meaning to ask: The Table-mate available on Amazon UK has a usable surface 22" wde by 16.75" deep, so my 18"/20"/22" pillows would overhang the back of the table. Given that once bobbins are hung in the weight of the pillow is more at the front of the pillow than the back, would one of these tables be stable with a large pillow on? Has anyone tried one and found out? (And what might happen when my fairly heavy young cat jumps onto the back of the pillow to "help"? Though ending up on the floor under a fairly heavy pillow a couple of times should cure even Silly Sid of leaping before he looks!) Beth Cheshire, UK - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
[lace] Pillow stands (was: larger pillows)
Tamara's reference to the Table-mate reminds me of a question I'd been meaning to ask: The Table-mate available on Amazon UK has a usable surface 22" wde by 16.75" deep, so my 18"/20"/22" pillows would overhang the back of the table. Given that once bobbins are hung in the weight of the pillow is more at the front of the pillow than the back, would one of these tables be stable with a large pillow on? Has anyone tried one and found out? (And what might happen when my fairly heavy young cat jumps onto the back of the pillow to "help"? Though ending up on the floor under a fairly heavy pillow a couple of times should cure even Silly Sid of leaping before he looks!) Beth Cheshire, UK I am short, too -- 5'2" -- but love big pillows because of all that room to spread the bobbins (even 12 pairs can use some room to breathe ). What I've learnt is that, if the pillow sits really low, I can bend over it at the hips, rather than at the waist, which gives me an extra 3-4" of reach. This has another advantage as well -- my arms don't get as tired working, because they're fairly close to my lap (the most restful position), instead of being raised. But, of course, that means having the pillow sitting on an adjustable stand, not at a standard height table. It's one of the resaons that I'm reluctant to go to workshops which are beyond a sensible driving range (8-10hrs maximum); my large Table-mate would not travel well on a plane (and neither would a large pillow, any more) Tamara P Duvall - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
