Re: [lace] To cross and twist or to twist and cross
Hi Liz, Welcome to the fascinating (and addictive) world of lace. There is no difference in the finished product. Half stitch is both started and ended with a twist. If you are using the English method of CT, you have to prep the area by putting a twist on all pairs if they don't already have one. If you are using the continental method of TC, then you add an extra twist at the end of the area. There's no way to tell the method used from the finished lace. It's true on most laces when you change from one stitch style to another, you may have to add a twist if your stitch needs that type of prep or ending. It's just part of switching from one stitch to another. English method usually works better on flat pillows where the bobbins lay out flat. If the stitch ends with a twist, the flat bobbins will stay in position. On bolster pillows where the bobbins hang down the sides instead of laying on a surface, a pair will untwist if you end with a twist. In that case, it's more effective to start with a T and end with a C. Any extra twists can be added at the start of the next stitch. You are correct in that being consistent is important. Some people can get very confused if they switch back and forth between methods. Learn one method well. Later you can try the other method to see how you do with it. (Just my opinion. Someone might have a difference view.) Alice in Oregon ...where we had summer for two days. It's supposed to be back next weekend. - Original Message - From: lizke...@netscape.net Hi, I'm new at bobbin lace and was told that some people cross and then twist and others twist and then cross. Obviously, one would want to be consistent within each piece, but I was wondering if there is much difference in the way a piece would look. Is there anyone who has worked lace both ways and what your preference is and why? Liz in Missouri, USA, where we finally got some rain. More heat expected though. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] cross and twist
Liz There is no difference at all that I have ever seen in a lace made by a cross twister or a trist crosser. I insist that neither method has an advantage over the other, except in terms of the kind of pillow used. Most Europeans who use the twist cross method work on a bolster pillow and the bobbins hang off it in clumps. They usually use separator pins to move aside the bobbins not currently in use. A cookie pillow is more suited to the cross twist method. But I am not saying that the correspondence between pillow and bobbins has to be 100%. Do what works for you. The most important thing is that whatever method you choose, make the whole lace using that method. In most laces you will have to put an extra twist in one or more pairs either before the stitch or after the stitch. Lorelei Halley - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Kate's gown on display
The media states (at least in the US) that she doesn't like to be called Kate? I agree that it is the "headless" perspective, that is off-putting. A mannequin would look dowdy and a facsimile of her head would distract from the dress unless a wax reproduction (which would not be good to put the dress on), or stylized (which wouldn't represent tradition). For what displays I have done, I would have floated the veil off to one side and hanging back from the dress, showing the profile. Some would complain they don't see all of it, but it would clearly show more than half and be a stylish display, not a re-creation of the Princess. I note that the bodice is made poorly through the bosom. I thought someone fitted Catherine poorly, but note that the same lack of smoothness is on the mannequin, also. As far as lightening, they cannot turn it up, as it would age the dress, as per typical museum standard. I think that a smaller light could have been set where the head was but again, it would damage the dress. Best, Susan Reishus www.SusanReishusDesigns.com - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Know what Lace You are Cutting for Another Use
Dear Lace Lovers, So often we hear of people trying to copy something currently in fashion. In the case of the royal gown, the lace was newly made by machine. Pretty much available commercially to use in whatever creative ways you wish. This is a gentle reminder that obviously real heirloom laces should be carefully examined for condition and identified before cutting for another purpose, to avoid destroying something that can never be made again. Of particular concern are people who cut up a item that can be identified by what it was originally made to be -- something like a bonnet veil would be an example. These pieces are not so easy to find in good condition, and are generally no longer made. Since they framed the face, they are usually delicate and were carefully made, sometimes as appliqued laces. They are good examples of a previous time that deserve to be admired for exactly what they are. They can be laid flat and framed, using accepted conservation techniques. That way, they survive for the next generation to enjoy. Intact laces make fine teaching and local exhibition examples. Just my two cents, as a collector and private conservator. (A "conservator" does not change lace, just preserves it in current condition. A "restorer" may mend and change lace, so it loses its original character.) Museums and true collectors seek original laces. Something to keep in mind, especially with very fine needle and bobbin laces. Please, if you cannot afford a antique lace, do not buy it and cut it up, and sell the remainder. Too much of this was done during the last century. Wars and natural disasters have claimed a huge amount, too. Every year there is less to study and learn from. A picture of lace on a computer screen is not enough for some of us! Kind regards, Jeri Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center In a message dated 7/24/2011 1:48:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, celticdreamwe...@yahoo.com writes: I am finding it interesting reading about how the dress was make/how it was displayed. I LOVE all kinds of lace. Makes me think about collecting all kinds of lace and cutting it up to applique on some closes. Wind To Thy Wings, Sherry - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Kate's gown on display - lighting
Susan's comments on damage from lighting should be understood by more people. I am thinking today of Princess Grace's wedding gown, which seemed to have turned to beige. Probably from being exhibited too often and too long. I saw it soon after her wedding. Then, I saw it about 25 years later. The color of the silk seemed to have darkened considerably. Perhaps it was photographed too many times using flash cameras. If not - it was the light exposure. Actually, I'd like to see a clipping of the original silk laid against the gown today. Please remember this with your own family treasures. Kind regards, Jeri Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center In a message dated 7/25/2011 9:23:52 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, elationrelat...@yahoo.com writes: As far as lightening, they cannot turn it up, as it would age the dress, as per typical museum standard. I think that a smaller light could have been set where the head was but again, it would damage the dress. Best, Susan Reishus - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Cutting up Laceand applique elsewhere.
My being a lacemaker ...and yes I also collect lace when I can...I don't have to many lace items...but I am saying buying some cheap lace in the stores or maybe take some lace off clothing found at an garage sale or something like that. I would never cut up lace that I would want in my lace collection. Just meaningless lace and then applique it to something like was done for the wedding gown. I can think of all kind so things appliqued lace would look so pretty on. I can envision me dragging out my sewing machine and making a suit jacket and skirt and applique lace to it. My mind is full of ideas...but I would not destroy lace that I would want to hand down and to keep. Thanks for the write up Jeri. Wind To Thy Wings, Sherry celticdreamwe...@yahoo.com http://celticdreamweaver.com/ http://celticdreamweave.blogspot.com/ Nata 616 - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Wheel bag
Good choice Peg! I like your idea of the cardboard protector. Glad I could help inspire ;) -- Mark, aka Tatman website: http://www.tat-man.net blog: http://tat-man.net/blog Magic Thread Shop: http://www.tat-man.net/tatterville/tatshop/tatshop.html email: tat...@tat-man.net Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TatmanBobbin On 7/23/11 8:24 AM, "Witchy Woman" wrote: > I went on Amazon and ordered the M-Wave bag for $24...with free shipping It > came yesterday. Nicely padded, zips all around. Only thing I would have > liked is a shoulder strap, but that's easily added. > > I cut a piece of corrugated cardboard about 4" wide and long enough to go > around the pillow to keep the bag from squishing down on the work. It fits > beautifully. > > Thanks for the suggestion. - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
Re: [lace] Re: Kate's gown on display
Hi Everybody: > As far as lighting, they > cannot turn it up, as it would age the dress, as per typical museum standard. > I think that a smaller light could have been set where the head was but again, > it would damage the dress. Maybe they could have the same amount of candlepower (or lumens or however museums measure lighting) coming from two or more different angles. I think that would lessen the creepy overhead spotlight effect, but it would still keep the total light exposure the same. I think the word "horrible" has a traditional meaning that references the eerie creepiness that pricks up the hairs on your arms rather than the meaning we have today that is more like "really bad". And "dreadful" has a similar other-worldly aspect. Perhaps the Queen was using the words that way - even the BBC said it was eerie. And I chime in with Jeri in that it would be a good idea to seal away some of the original fabric, so that it could be laid out beside the original for future comparison. It is interesting that we usually think of natural fabrics being lightened by the sun, but Jeri reports Princess Grace's dress having darkened. Perhaps it was stored in non-buffered tissue paper? I have to say, too, that I once endured a rather long rant from an embroidery instructor, on how bad colour reproduction is in books. She raved on and on, and then hauled out the books to show us what she meant. I was baffled - I had seen those same pieces, and I thought they were quite faithfully reproduced. I mentioned that to her in private, and a few months later she told me, rather sheepishly, that she had mentioned what I said to her eye doctor - and it turns out her late-middle-aged eyes had been affected by a problem where she has trouble seeing colours printed on glossy paper. If it had been me - well, I don't have a very good memory for colour, and I'd just have assumed my memory was at fault. Adele North Vancouver, BC (west coast of Canada) - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Kate's Gown on Display
"Princess Grace's dress having darkened" I haven't seen all the posts Adele refers to as I am in digest, but received hers. I think all natural light colored textiles yellow or darken unless treated again to whiten/lighten, but that weakens fibers. Different things, from processing, assembling, wearing, cleaning, and storing factor into that, but no doubt they turn away from their white of origination. Silk and wool are even worse for it, and a white silk blouse or wool coat, will knowingly come back more yellow and darker with each drycleaning, because of the chemical process and heat (even if fresh solution), in addition to time and air, oxidation, etc.. I think the non-acid tissue is as much about eating away at fold lines and all related deterioration, than even in the yellowing, because of the acid (as the name states), but Jeri can address that in more detail, as I have never stored things in an acid paper. Best, Susan Reishus - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] Re: Catherine's Comments (Wedding Dress)
I heard Catherine similarly, but there was a bit of mumble where I left dots: "A bit severe donât you thinkâ¦.expect to see without my face there." Unfortunately she turned her head, or you could read her lips (which was helpful and fun at the wedding). Best, Susan Reishus - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
[lace] IOLI Convention display question answered!
Thank you to all who responded about my questions regarding the display area at the IOLI Convention. As I tell my students (I am a middle school math teacher), when all else fails, read the directions. :-) As was pointed out, on the first page of Convention info in The Bulletin was the person to contact about displaying lace. I have been in contact with her and am looking forward to bring a couple of pieces with me to share. I cannot wait to see all that will be displayed. Many thanks, Arlene in NJ - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003