Re: [lace] "Four Great Lace Collections" & Threads of Power exhibit
An answer! So, I wrote to the author of the WSJ article, letting her know that some lacemakers were having a lively discussion about what the other three lace collections were and here's what she wrote: Dear Arlene, According to the pamphlet I received from the curators who organized "Threads of Power," the other three great lace collections are at: âMetropolitan Museum of Art in NYCâVictoria and Albert Museum, LondonâMuseum für angewandte Kunst in Vienna All best,Laura On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, 12:43:55 PM EDT, Alix Hengen wrote: In France usually the linen thread was imported from Belgium, they were most renowned for there quality , France had a production too, but essentially in northern France (alencon) they used the Belgian threads . Alix from Luxembourg - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] "Four Great Lace Collections in the World"
Hello, all - I was very fortunate to see in person the Threads of Power exhibit at the Bard Graduate Center a few weeks back at the wonderful lace day. If you are anywhere near NYC between now and Jan 1, run don't walk to see it! The book/catalog is PHENOMENAL and I keep returning to it in little spurts, as there is so much information and so many stunning pictures. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the NY Times has done a review? (which is a shame) I did see that the WSJ did one: https://www.wsj.com/articles/threads-of-power-lace-from-the-textilmuseum-st-g allen-bard-graduate-center-review-paul-scott-emma-cormack-ilona-kos-machele-m ajer-isabel-toledo-michelle-obama-forster-rohner-jakob-schlaepfer-11666214213 In this review, it says "Today, there are four great lace collections in the world and the Textilmuseum's is one of them." My question is:  what are the other three? I suppose it might be a subjective opinion (?), but that sentence in the article has been mulling over in my head. Thanks for your thoughts!Arlene (in cold Central NJ today) - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] Limerick lace
Here's my first attempt at ever creating a short link through Bitly: https://bit.ly/2ExJ02D for those that couldn't get my long link name for the Limerick Lace videoOn Monday, August 31, 2020, 10:25:27 AM EDT, Sue Harvey wrote: Such a shame it says not available i really wanted a peep, it may be because the link name is too long if you had a short link it might workSue Harvey Sent from Samsung tablet. - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] blog post about "Lace not Lace"
Hello, all - In addition to my passion with bobbin lace, I am also a needleworker. Â About a year and a half ago, I began designing cross stitch and other needlework patterns to sell. Â (I sell on Etsy and have recently been picked up by a distributor as well.) Â My company name is WorksByABC (my initials are ABC). Â As I share about cross stitch, canvas work, blackwork, and other forms of needlework across various social media sites, I have also shared my work with bobbin lace. On my website, I keep a blog on various topics - it is relatively new. Â The most recent post is about the "Lace not Lace" exhibit at the Hunterdon Art Museum and I thought you all might enjoy another take on it, along with some pictures: https://worksbyabc.com/2018/12/14/art-inspires-art-a-lace-exhibit/ Enjoy!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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] posting pictures to Flickr?
Hello, all - Can someone email me the details on how to post to the Flickr site? Â I've never done it before. 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] IOLI Convention - Arachne lunch
Hello, all - As mentioned in a previous message, I am working on organizing a gathering for any interested Arachne members at the IOLI Convention in July. This will happen during the lunch time on Tuesday of that week In considering options for where we should gather for lunch, it would be really helpful to get at least some sense of how many might be there - a group of 10 is very different than a group of 30 :-)  Please email me if you are interested in coming.  You are not committing yourself to anything if something comes up - I just need some sense of numbers. I know many probably read my last message (or the message in the digest when it showed up) and thought, "oh, yes, I need to email her" and then promptly forgot.  :-)  Trust me, I've organized enough things this way in my life to know that it takes a few reminder postings by me to get folks to respond.  I sent a reply email to everyone I received an email from.  If for some reason you emailed me and did not get a response back from me, please do try again.  I'm also a little concerned that my message did not show up in the Archives.  (Something I've noticed in the past - my messages sometimes show up in the Archives and sometimes do not and I always use the lace@arachne.com address and not the one that I know we are not supposed to use.) Also, if anyone can give any suggestions on how to avoid random gobble-goock (i.e. extra characters, etc.) from showing up where I've typed spaces and returns in my messages (as what came through last time), I would appreciate it!  I've tried looking for a "plain text" option here on Yahoo Message and can't find anything.  This doesn't happen when I use this email for anything else. Looking forward to hearing from many of you and seeing/meeting many of you in July!Arlene in njabcohen1...@yahoo.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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] bobbin lace teachers in Lincolnshire, UK?
Hello, all - Bobbin lace has recently come up as a topic on a cross stitch Facebook group and I've been fielding lots of questions. Someone from Lincolnshire in the UK asked if I knew anyone in her area who teaches bobbin lace (I'm assuming beginners). Anyone here? I can and will go check out The Lace Guild and the latest issue of their magazine, but as I am in the US and really not super aware of UK geography, I thought I would try posting to some bobbin lace sites as well. Let me know if you have any names and/or contact info that I could pass along. Thanks! Arlene in NJ (on the east coast of the US) - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] Antique Laces of American Collectors c.1922
Hello, all - Came across a reference to this book and am quite interested in seeing it. Â Given its old copyright, I was wondering if anyone knew if it was scanned and out there are the internet somewhere such that I can get instant gratification. Â There doesn't seem to be a copy in the IOLI Library and I can and will pursue my local public library and what magic they may be able to produce via interlibrary loan. Â But, if you know where to find it, please do share. Â It was written by Frances Morris and Marian Hague and published by the Needle and Bobbin Club. 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] bobbin making videos
Thanks to the great article by and about Chris Parsons, bobbin maker, in the recent Lace Magazine from the Lace Guild in the UK, I was led to his website and his fascinating videos of creating bobbins. Thought that some of you might appreciate having this page pointed out: http://www.lace-bobbins.co.uk/videopage.html arlene in NJ on the east coast of the USyou don't want to read a weather report; it is simply miserably hot and steamy - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] Idrija thread
Hello, all - I am looking at the lovely Idrija pattern in the OIDFA Bulletin #2 for 2015 (lots of info about Slovenia in preparation for the Congress there next year).  The pattern calls simply for Cotton thread: Idrija Nr 40.  As I treat Brenda's book as my lace bible (and was able to purchase  edition 6 at the IOLI Convention), I of course turn there.  But, I suspect I need some sort of brand name or something to help me.  Any Idrija lace experienced folks that might be able to give me a sense of what this thread might be equivalent to in, say, an Egyptian Cotton or anything I might find in Brenda's thread book? Many thanks,arlene in NJ on the east coast of the US - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] before the IOLI Convention
Hello, all - I am definitely getting excited about attending IOLI Convention next week! Â Hope there are many others out there feeling the same! I was going to wait until arrival to pursue this one, but after reading the last digest with a post referring to this yet again, I've decided I just must ask: Â so what is the convention that is happening at the hotel the weekend before us? Â Saying that it is another group of people kind of like us in that they are so interested in what they do is just peeking my curiosity even more! Â Anyone on here know the answer to this? arlene in NJ(who won't arrive until Monday and therefore might miss any people-watching opportunities from this previous group of people :-) - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] OIDFA Bulletin/magazine?
Hello, all - Are there members of OIDFA here in the US? Â Did you receive issue #2 for 2015 of the magazine? Â I just realized that it is the end of June and I am pretty sure I didn't get it. Â Just went to their website, hoping for a list of contents or something that might trigger my memory, but nothing updated there. Â I checked all my magazine piles and I'm pretty confident that I didn't get this issue. Â Given that it covers April, May, June (and it usually comes during the middle to later part of the three month time period), shouldn't it have come by now? Â Did others get it? Â Any info would be appreciated. thanks,arlene in NJ in the US - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] re: Winterthur Needlework Conference Oct 24-25
Dear Jeri and all, I am unfortunately unable to attend the Winterthur conference this coming week, but I refer back to the note I posted to Arachne on Sept 1 after my visit there when the current needlework exhibit opened. I am GREATLY interested to know whether the bookstore still has the (somewhat random) Beds lace book or whether it has been purchased by someone. Again, as I reference by copying my original write-up below, it is a lace instruction and pattern book and just seemed so out of place at that bookstore. But, perhaps a lace enthusiast picked in up in the last bit of time! arlene in NJ written on Sept 1: Hello, all - Yesterday, I drove down to Winterthur, a duPont family estate turned museum and gardens for the public to enjoy. Henry Francis du Pont collected many things, but with a focus on American Decorative Arts, it is a place that I imagine many on this list would enjoy visiting. Devon wrote about Winterthur in the most recent IOLI Bulletin, specifically about the special Downton Abby costume exhibit that is there. I had wanted to get to see this exhibit, although felt no need to join the rush of crowds when it first opened. In fact, I specifically waited until now so that I could see a new exhibit, The Diligent Needle, on needlework. Winterthur seems to be on a three year cycle of needlework exhibits and connects them with a needlework symposium they have. I went to the one in 2008 (couldn't go in 2011 nor will be able to go this October). But, I knew I wished to see this exhibit, if nothing else for the appreciation of pieces made by hand. I was able to purchase a booklet ($7.95) in the gift shop that is basically the entire exhibit, signage and all. Love when a place produces something like this. Given that the exhibit just opened a week ago and that there is SO much focus on the Downton Abby exhibit, there isn't much on the website about this exhibit and perhaps not likely to be more than what is there. But, I thought some folks on this list would be interested to know more. The introduction covers it well: For centuries, instruction in needlework was an important part of the a young woman's education. Both plain sewing and fancy embroidery required considerable time and effort to learn. As a result, women took great pride in their work. Needlework skills might be used to earn a living, to embellish clothing and household furnishings, or to simply create objects of beauty. The exhibit is divided into four categories: Diligence, Profit, Pleasure, and Ornament. No lace, but lovely things to look at. HOWEVER, here is the bobbin lace part of my day: Winterthur has two gift shops, one of them really more bookstore. Its area of needlework/quilting/rugs/textiles is always worth looking through. There were two books about collecting antique laces (Heather Toomer's big Antiques Laces book and another titled Graced By Lace) - from Devon's article, I know that there are at least a few pieces of lace in the Winterthur collections. However, sitting next to these two books was a copy of Traditional Bedfordshire Lace by Barbara Underwood, the one with the picture of a woman's head with a lace covering. Bobbin lace instruction, patterns, everything and totally out of place for the type of books they have there. I just laughed to myself and assumed that someone had ordered it by title alone and didn't realize how specific it was to instruction in bobbin lace, which is quite different than some of the other embroidery instruction books they had on the shelf. I wonder how long it will sit there. Anyway, if you are able to get to Winterthur, it really is a great place to visit - wandering the grounds and gardens, seeing the collections in the museum/house, and taking in the special exhibits. Oh, and even in the exhibit space on the first floor, that doesn't change much, they seem to rotate objects. In that space, duPont's collections are divided into things like Furniture, Metalwork, Ceramics, Paintings, and, of course, Textiles. In the textile area was a lovely whitework shawl that I don't think I had seen in my previous visits there. Off to work on my lace on this rainy and overcast day, 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] trying the link again for crochet dress
Perhaps my yahoo email is to blame - all I'm doing it copying and pasting the link and it no longer becomes a link when it goes through the channels of the lace digest like I just got. Â Trying again... Crafty Bride Made Her Wedding Dress For $30 During Her Morning Commute - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] crochet dress
Hello, all - I found this to be simply lovely and wanted to share. Â I can't imagine anyone doing this in bobbin lace (and certainly not while on the bus commuting), but it is a wonderful reassuring vision in this day and age of prepackaged designer clothes, let alone thousands upon thousands spent for wedding dresses. Â She's the kind of person I wish I knew in the world. arlene in NJ in the US Crafty Bride Made Her Wedding Dress For $30 During Her Morning Commute | Â | | Â | | Â | Â | Â | Â | Â | | Crafty Bride Made Her Wedding Dress For $30 During H...Wedding dresses cost a pretty penny -- unless you do what one bride did and make your own gown for less than the cost of a tank of gas. Redditor alkikat posted pict... | | | | View on www.huffingtonpost.com | Preview by Yahoo | | | | Â | - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] a visit to Winterthur in Deleware, US
Hello, all - Yesterday, I drove down to Winterthur, a duPont family estate turned museum and gardens for the public to enjoy. Henry Francis du Pont collected many things, but with a focus on American Decorative Arts, it is a place that I imagine many on this list would enjoy visiting. Devon wrote about Winterthur in the most recent IOLI Bulletin, specifically about the special Downton Abby costume exhibit that is there. I had wanted to get to see this exhibit, although felt no need to join the rush of crowds when it first opened. In fact, I specifically waited until now so that I could see a new exhibit, The Diligent Needle, on needlework. Winterthur seems to be on a three year cycle of needlework exhibits and connects them with a needlework symposium they have. I went to the one in 2008 (couldn't go in 2011 nor will be able to go this October). But, I knew I wished to see this exhibit, if nothing else for the appreciation of pieces made by hand. I was able to purchase a booklet ($7.95) in the gift shop that is basically the entire exhibit, signage and all. Love when a place produces something like this. Given that the exhibit just opened a week ago and that there is SO much focus on the Downton Abby exhibit, there isn't much on the website about this exhibit and perhaps not likely to be more than what is there. But, I thought some folks on this list would be interested to know more. The introduction covers it well: For centuries, instruction in needlework was an important part of the a young woman's education. Both plain sewing and fancy embroidery required considerable time and effort to learn. As a result, women took great pride in their work. Needlework skills might be used to earn a living, to embellish clothing and household furnishings, or to simply create objects of beauty. The exhibit is divided into four categories: Diligence, Profit, Pleasure, and Ornament. No lace, but lovely things to look at. HOWEVER, here is the bobbin lace part of my day: Winterthur has two gift shops, one of them really more bookstore. Its area of needlework/quilting/rugs/textiles is always worth looking through. There were two books about collecting antique laces (Heather Toomer's big Antiques Laces book and another titled Graced By Lace) - from Devon's article, I know that there are at least a few pieces of lace in the Winterthur collections. However, sitting next to these two books was a copy of Traditional Bedfordshire Lace by Barbara Underwood, the one with the picture of a woman's head with a lace covering. Bobbin lace instruction, patterns, everything and totally out of place for the type of books they have there. I just laughed to myself and assumed that someone had ordered it by title alone and didn't realize how specific it was to instruction in bobbin lace, which is quite different than some of the other embroidery instruction books they had on the shelf. I wonder how long it will sit there. Anyway, if you are able to get to Winterthur, it really is a great place to visit - wandering the grounds and gardens, seeing the collections in the museum/house, and taking in the special exhibits. Oh, and even in the exhibit space on the first floor, that doesn't change much, they seem to rotate objects. In that space, duPont's collections are divided into things like Furniture, Metalwork, Ceramics, Paintings, and, of course, Textiles. In the textile area was a lovely whitework shawl that I don't think I had seen in my previous visits there. Off to work on my lace on this rainy and overcast day, 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] pictures of country stands from OIDFA
Hello, all - I am not sure if this link will allow those without a Facebook account to see these pictures, but it is worth the try.  These pictures from the country stands at OIDFA last month were just posted today: LaceSpace        LaceSpace Prostor za Äipke in vse povezano z njimi. A place for lace and everything connected with them. View on www.facebook.com Preview by Yahoo  I don't know if they got pictures of every country, but it was wonderful to see so many amazing and beautiful displays, even if we can't study the lace close-up in these pictures.  If you don't have a Facebook account and the link doesn't work, there *may* be a way to get them visible, but it would take someone way more familiar with Facebook to be able to help. Enjoy! Arlene C 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] lace-making scarf on ebay
Hello, all - The woman selling this scarf (and some others) posted about them on a needlepoint group on Facebook. I was intrigued to see the pictures and just wanted to share with this group: NIB HERMES 35 SILK SCARF - DOIGTS DE FEE - LACE MAKING NIB HERMES 35 SILK SCARF - DOIGTS DE FEE - LAC... US $479.00 New with tags in Clothing, Shoes Accessories, Women's Accessories, Scarves Wraps View on www.ebay.com Preview by Yahoo arlene in NJ in the US - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] lace-making scarf on ebay
I'm not sure if the link is attached in the last message I sent, so I'm trying again: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIB-HERMES-35-SILK-SCARF-DOIGTS-DE-FEE-LACE-MAKING-/181424727553?pt=US_Scarves_Wrapshash=item2a3dc1a601 - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] lace video on Youtube
Hello, all - Just watched this video, thanks to a Facebook posting on Bobbin Lace Makers group: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfD9v70TiF0 I am just stunned by the amazing use of lace in modern ways - gorgeous stuff. I *think* the language is Russian and I am hoping that there might be someone on Arachne who understands the language and can explain to us all what is being said. The beginning images of women at pillows making lace leads to stunning creations - are they truly using handmade lace in those creations? What kind of prices are they charging? Off to try looking up some more info about this! arlene in NJ on the east coast of the US, watching more and more inches of snow fall today - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] thread question
Hello, all - There is nothing like a Lace Day (in this case, Lost Art Lacers in Northern NJ, USA) to put you in a good mood. Lovely conversation (hi, Devon!) and great browsing of books. Even treated myself to a couple! (Okay, so the nearly 50 degree F weather also contributes to the good mood - after the nearly single digits for a couple of weeks and the not-so-good forecasts for this coming week.) In enjoying one of my new books today, I've come up against a couple of thread questions that I could not find answers to using the wonderful Brenda Paternoster book. The book I purchased yesterday is La Dentelle Torchon: Nouvelles Creations by Martine Piveteau (2011 - in French). One of my favorite all-time lace projects came from her first Torchon book (I admit disappointment with her second, but this one - call it her third? - had a number of projects that caught my eye.) Can anyone identify or give equivalents for the following: Soie de Paris du Ver a Soie (the Ver a Soie words are italicize and have the little R in a circle for copyright) or Bergere de France (the full line says cotton nature couleur platre Bergere de France - I know it means cotton in a natural/ecru color, but I don't know how important the word platre is) One project is a scarf and the other is a shawl, so there is no doubt we are talking somewhat thick thread. Just looking to know approximately what it might be equivalent to. Many thanks for you help, arlene in NJ in the US - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] what to see/visit in Nice, France or the nearby area
Hello, all - This is all just such a huge if in my life, but I thought I would put it out there to this list, since there are always such good ideas shared: Let's imagine you were on a trip and you ended up in Nice, France, and you have an extra day before you leave.  Is there anything lace related in that city?  Anything possible to see as a day trip via train/bus that a not-so-brave traveler who does not speak French could possibly get to?  One thing I found on the internet that seems like a worthy destination is in Le Puy called the Bobbin Lace Learning Center, with exhibition rooms and a shop (! - buying  lace patterns/books, etc. would be key!), but I can't figure out if this place is a) still around and b) possible to get to for a day/overnight from Nice. Anything anyone could suggest would be appreciated!  It may be all wishful thinking at the moment, but sometimes on a dark December evening, you need a little wishful thinkingâ¦. thanks, arlene in nj, white stuff on the ground :-) - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] more commentary on Interwoven Globe Exhibit
Hello, all - I too was able to visit the Interwoven Globe exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.  A couple of weeks back and regretting that I have not found the time to share my thoughts with others who might love to see this exhibit, but Lyn's message had me opening my catalog and perusing through my notes and wanting to share with others, just like she had done. First of all, it is an astounding exhibit.  I was last at the Met last January, just in time to see the wonderful (but small) lace exhibit before it closed.  Before that, it had been some years.  As with other large city museums, you could spend days and not see everything contained in the walls.  That said, I agree with Lyn - I spent a good number of hours in this exhibit and other than a break for some lunch, really did not see much anything else.  I found there to be so much to take in.  I suspect that many lacemakers and lace-lovers out there and reading this are likely to also love and engage in handmade loves of other kinds.  For me, embroidery and needlework of all types is a huge part of my life.  So, I went to this exhibit knowing the lace side of me would not find too much, but looking forward to digging deeper into the beautiful pieces that had already captured my attention in the catalog.  I had in mind a little list I had created of my favorites based just on the pictures in the catalog and was of course looking forward to seeing them in person.  Most did not disappoint.  But, I was also just taken aback (although I shouldn't have been too surprised, since photography cannot always do justice) by so many other pieces.  For the embroidery/needlearts lovers out there, I point out a few favorites: #8 (a hanging) in the catalog is on loan from the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum in Boston.  I think a friend had sent me a postcard/pamphlet that had a picture of this some years ago and my mind had the blue to be a quite a bit more vibrant than it was in person.  The focus of the information right next to it, the audio guide, and the mini-essay in the catalog is about the design aspects, but I was just so drawn to the beautiful and fine embroidery.  The joy of this exhibit is that many, many of the pieces were displayed in ways that you could get up close. #10a or #10b:  (catalog lists it as 10a, but my notes from the day say 10b)  Either way, the stunning nearly-white on white embroidery of this bedcover with golden highlights is SO appealing to my eye and my senses.  Perhaps my favorite piece?  Hard to play favorites here.  It was hung next to #9 - similar style of both design and color and embroidery, but 9 was more yellow while 10a/b was more golden.  I loved the symmetry of this piece. #23:  a Mexican wedding coverlet.  Overall, it is not the type of piece that appeals to my eye, but blessed with the time, energy, and mental and intellectual interest to truly take in this entire exhibit, I am glad I was reading everything that was there.  I thought this quote was wonderful:  Chinese silk thread was used for the embroidery, colored with European and American dyes and stitched on Mexican woven cotton.  â¦providing the evidence of the global enterprise and ingenuity of the era.  The coverlet is dated 1786. #29, a double sided hanging, is one of many many pieces that small photos in the catalog cannot possibly do justice for.  Huge (95 by 87 inches) and hung so you could study both sides, the embroidery of this was just amazing. There were many palampores in this exhibit.  A new word for me, simply put, a textile from India, often covers, hangings, etc.  Most that were in the exhibit were printed textiles and I had noted some for their design elements before my visit.  #75 seemed, on glances through the catalog, to be one of many.  But, in person, you could see this was actually embroidered.  Chained stitched in silk on cotton twill ground to imitate a painted palampore as precisely as possible.  Extraordinary.  In addition to the amazement of the stitching, I loved the color palette.  And, as for the lace on the dresses that Lyn mentioned, I found them intriguing, yes, but so much else attracted my eye.  However, for those who wish to study closer, I offer this link: http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/view?exhibitionId=%7b063A1AA2-5A4E-439A- A332-046E00E8BD73%7doid=79893pg=5rpp=20pos=87ft=*img=5 The Met's website has an online catalog with wonderful zooming capabilities.  When looking up this dress, there were multiple pictures, including this close-up of the lace parts.  Click on the picture and then you can zoom in more.  To me, it is chain stitched or crochet or something of that nature and therefore not as exciting to my eye as if #80 (bobbin lace cover, as already noted, in the catalog for some reason, but not actually in the exhibit) had been there on view to see.  In any case, there is the link for anyone wishing to study this. Also, here is the link
[lace] Interwoven Globe exhibit - lace?
Hello, all - I received my catalogue to the new Met exhibit in the mall yesterday and boy am I impressed! I have barely paged through it - it will require some time - but I am wondering whether Devon or anyone who has been able to get to the exhibit could answer a question: In my paging through the catalogue part of the book, #80 is a bobbin lace piece, 27 in x 33.5 in, owned by the Met. It is even featured as one of the twelve images on the paper that was on the back cover (single paper, not actually the back cover, as discovered when I undid the shrink-wrap). However, it is not on the website as being a part of the exhibit (all the exhibit's objects are apparently there). When I searched the collections by the number, it did indeed pop up, but is listed as not currently on display. Devon's post here from her quick walk through stated that there was no lace. How then is this in the book? Or is it on display and the website needs updating and Devon's walk through was so overwhelming that she somehow missed it? It will be some time until I get to see the exhibit and I am just wondering about this lace piece and whether it is there. Plenty of other beautiful and dazzling pieces though! thanks, arlene in NJ in the US - 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] royal christening dress
Hello, all - I feel like some of the people on here must know some details that can be shared with all... With all the media coverage of the new prince and such, I read a fact that I think I already knew - that the famous royal christening dress originally made for Queen Victoria's children and featured with beautiful pictures in Royal Honiton Lace by Elsie Luxton and Yusai Fukuyama (book is right here by my side) and worn by many royals for about 150 years was retired in 2004 and a new version was created. I assume to be a copy of the original. When this new one was made, was there Honiton lace made by hand used for it? Was anyone on here involved in the creation of the lace for the new dress? Does anyone know anything more about the dress and its lace? Prince George will not be the first to wear it - I think there have been two or three others already. Also, is the original christening dress on display anywhere or is it truly safely packed away, as one article I read stated. 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] What makes a good thread for bobbin lace?
Hello, all - Seems to be quiet here, so I thought I would post a question that I've been puzzling over in my mind. Recently, I've been playing around with some variegated thread on a bobbin lace design. Did the same small design with three different types of threads, all coming from my needlework stash and not threads that I had ever thought to use on lace before. (I tend to be a traditionalist of mostly white and ecru lace pieces.) An interesting experiment in color that got me thinking: what makes a good thread for bobbin lace? Would there be any particular quality (twist, sheen, etc.) that you think is better than not to have? Sure, any thread that can be crossed and twisted can be used for lace - and, while I'm at it, let's not even limit that to *thread*, since yarn, rope, fence wiring, etc. have all been manipulated into the motions of bobbin lace. But, as I was using one particular type of silk thread that I haven't seen sold by a lace supplier but certainly can be found in nearly every needlework store, it just got me thinking about how threads are determined to be lace threads. 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] What makes a good thread for bobbin lace?
Thank you so much, Brenda, for responding to my post. I love, love, love your thread book and refer to it constantly. I appreciate the details you wrote out and I, too, have printed out this post and will keep it in my copy of your book. To get a little more detailed, I think the reason I started pondering this is that one of the threads I was using is called Painter's Thread - all of their colors are named for famous artists, this one is Kandinsky - Soie de Paris. The thread is made in Germany and I met the woman who I think is the US wholesaler (?) for it at the ANG (American Needlepoint Guild) Seminar last summer. I bought a few of her finer threads, this Soie de Paris being one of them. The package lists two websites: www.tentakulum.de and www.paintersthreads.eu . I didn't see this silk thread or this company listed in Brenda's book, but it could be that it is actually some other silk thread that is just dyed by this company. So, when I was doing my little bobbin lace motif, all half stitch, I was having a hard time with the thread really loosening. In looking in the intro of your book, I noted the Z-twist and S-twist info. And yet, studying this thread, it really does look like a Z-twist, not an S. 2-ply. So, that got me thinking about whether this thread was really up to the challenge of bobbin lace. Worked fine and all for my little experiment, but why was it loosening? Then, one of the other threads I was using was a Caron Waterlilies (which is in Brenda's book), which was working just fine and not really loosening or tightening in any way, is an S-twist. Of course, I do realize Brenda's words are just about the tendency of a thread and not that every single one will act one way or another. So, if anyone has any thoughts about the Painter's Thread and why it was loosening so significantly on me, I would be interested. I was doing the same motif, same stitches, same bobbins, three different times with three different threads and it was very interesting to see how they worked differently. 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] lace in museums...more ponderings
Thanks to all the comments and postings on this topic over the last few days. I was particularly taken by the comments by Linda and her work with the Denver Art Museum and, well, here is where my brain starting going... It seems like there needs to be some education of art museum directors about what they have in their collections and what interest the public might truly have (using the Met's recent example as evidence, along with some of the specific observations by Devon and others here). Some googling led me to a group called the American Alliance of Museums. They are having their annual meeting and museum expo in Baltimore in May. Their website says: The premier professional development opportunity of the museum year, as some 5,000 museum professionals gather to network, grow and learn.The 2013 Annual Meeting is set for Baltimore, May 19–22. Attendees choose from more than 150 substantive program sessions, hear from dozens of thought leaders, see and sample the latest museum products, and share challenges and solutions with colleagues from around the world. I am wondering if we have any lacemakers in the Baltimore area that would be brave souls willing to set up demonstrations in the likely convention attendees hotel lobbies. I picture a giant banner that reads - Got lace in your collection? No idea what to do with it and how to share it with the public? Don't even know how it was created? Come talk to us! The theme of this convention is 'The Power of Story.' We've got stories for you! Any takers? If nothing else, what a unique lace-in-public experience it could be! 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] lace at museums
Hello, all - A few days ago, I finally took advantage of my relative proximity to New York City to go see the Gems of European Lace exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This opened back in the summer and I know was mentioned here on this list at that time. In addition, Jeri posted a thoughtful review after her own visit in November. For those interested, here is the link to the exhibit's website: http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2012/european-lace It closes on January 13th, so there are precious few days to go see it in person if you are able. I'm posting now for two reasons: one, to publicly thank Devon and anyone else on this list who may have been involved with making this exhibit happen, as well as Jeri for her further information, which I did print out and bring with me (as she had suggested). The second reason for this message is about my wandering thoughts since this visit. Before I went, I searched lace on the Met's collection website and made note of what was listed on view. In addition to the pieces in this exhibit and the inevitable paintings and such with the word lace in their descriptions, I found four lace pieces on display in other permanent galleries in the museum. Once there, I did go and find those pieces. Perhaps regular Met goers could clarify this, but they seemed to be in places where they were on display permanently - i.e. European decorative arts galleries, in a case with other objects. None were particularly close to the glass or easy to study in person. As mentioned by others, the Met's collections on line have great zooming qualities and I was able to see these pieces better, so to speak, on my computer. But, still, I greatly appreciated that a typical visitor through the museum could have some encounter with lace, no matter how small the scale (four pieces, not counting the special one gallery exhibit closing next week, spread throughout that great giant of a museum.) It got me wondering whether there is any lace on display on a regular basis in any other museum in the US. I'm not talking about any special exhibit, nor am I referring to collections that could only be seen by researchers and by appointment. I just mean being able to encounter it in some casual way, that a visitor might stop and take a second look. I did a lot of people watching in the museum and it is interesting to see what people spend lots of time staring at and being with and what gets brushed aside with a quick walk through. And, of course, everyone is different in their interests and their likes. I couldn't tell you off the top of my head what else was in the case with the two lace pieces in gallery 503, because I simply do not remember. Not where my eye was focused. But, there were other moments in the museum when I DID focus my eye on new things or new directions that I hadn't realized would appeal - not until I encountered that particular piece or object or painting. Anyway, I got myself off on quite a tangent over the last few days - googling museums in the US, getting the sense of how much of their collection is or is not online, whether their search feature has an item on view button to narrow your search. All I can say is that I couldn't find any museum that apparently had a piece of lace on view somewhere. That's not to say that it doesn't exist - I just may not be able to get that info via the websites. In particular, I was interested in the some of the museums of tours of recent Conventions, knowing that they had lace collections (Minneapolis Museum of Art, Baltimore Museum of Art, National Museum of American History, etc.) So, here is the guts of my question: do you know of any lace on display in a permanent sort of way in any major museum in the US? Even if it is just one or two pieces? I imagine that there are likely many answers to this question in European countries, but how about in the states? An off shoot of this, perhaps provoking some responses to this posting, is some of the old postings I found when I originally searched the Arachne archives to find Jeri's review of the exhibit. Whatever search terms I put in gave me some wonderful emails to read through from some years back, I think when the Ratti Textile Center at the Met first opened, and comments made by many about what types of exhibits draw the crowds into the museums and how museums make the decisions of what to put on display to get those crowds. Sadly, lace seems pretty low on the list. For those who have made it through this long post, thanks for reading! 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] Metro Lace Day cancelled and other storm news
Hello, all - I rarely post here, but since my lace has been keeping me going in these last few days, it feels right to reach out to this wonderful community. First of all, I know that I AM VERY LUCKY in terms of storm damage. I live in NJ in one of the counties hard hit, although I am well inland. Counting my lucky stars that besides a few flickers throughout Monday, I did not lose power. I don't know what it is about power zones and lines above and below ground and such, but the shopping center less than a mile away is without power, but my development remained clear. Wanting to offer a warm bed, warm shower, food, to my friends without my luck, but as of now, many roads that link my friends and I are still in bad shape such that travel is not recommended. Yesterday, I did go out to drive around some cleared areas and was just amazed by power line poles that have just been snapped and lines dragging along the ground (although cleared away from the roadways at some point in the last few days). It is all heartbreaking. And knowing too how long the cleanup will last. I am a teacher, and while the days off from school have been a little vacation from the regular world, it has been agonizing thinking about what some of my colleagues and what some of my students and their families are dealing with now. I have made a lot of progress on my lace (and my other needlework project) in the last few days and feel ashamed and embarrassed to share that with anyone in my immediate area. You've been doing what? (Can you tell I don't have any in-person lace friends nearby?) But, I know folks on this list can understand and appreciate the need to work through stress and anxiety by use of hands and in the effort to create something of beauty. We are going to need lots of beauty in the upcoming days and weeks. I was so looking forward to going to the lace day in northern NJ this upcoming weekend, purely for the brief joy of shopping for threads and perhaps some books in person rather than through the internet. I don't belong to the group (too far to ever feel the sense of belonging), but have been to their lace day a couple of times. Of course, canceling it makes the most of sense, but that doesn't mean that there isn't great sadness and disappointment. Hard to find things to look forward to in this moment. I think I'm going to go back to my lace now. If I could give myself the patience of learning about sharing photos, I would love the support of others via pictures of this rather large lace piece. Thanks for reading and listening, 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/albums/most-recent
[lace] beautiful website
Hello, all - Thanks to a posting on this list (I believe), I've been checking into this website every day or so to admire the pictures that are posted: http://encajerasbolilleras.blogspot.com/ Google translater has helped with some captions and such, but I am hoping that there might be a Spanish speaker on this list that can answer some questions - who runs this website? Is it many people posting? There seems to be some pulling of pictures from Facebook? Is it a Spanish lace organization/guild (don't know the name) running the blog? I am just fascinated with the variety of pictures - individual lace, pictures of lace days/gatherings, posters for such. If you haven't checked out this site, you must go see the bird posted on February 6th - I think it is Binche? Just gorgeous! 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/albums/most-recent
[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
[lace] IOLI convention displays?
Hello, all - I've been reading messages on this list for quite some time, but I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've posted. I've been making bobbin lace for a number of years, but this is my first time attending the IOLI convention, coming up in just a week in Bethesda, MD. I have a question about the display room. Do people bring lace to put on display and share with others? Or is it just for those entering the competition and the teacher's showcase? I can't find anything about this on the Convention website and a few internet searches have brought up pictures of previous Conventions where it seems that there is more on display than the competition entries and teachers' work, but I'm really not sure. Perhaps you need to be invited to display something? It just occurred to me this morning that I have a couple of nice lace pieces framed and it might be nice to share them with other lacemakers out there...but only if this what is done. The fact that it is NOT posted/published that you should bring things to share leaves me feeling a little unsure. Any info would be greatly appreciated for this convention newbie! thanks, arlene in NJ (who is looking forward to her lace adventure in a week!) - 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] thank you for the suggestions!
What a wonderful group this is! I heard back from a number of you about my troubles starting my Torchon fan pattern, including some who have the book/cd, with suggestions for me. I can't tell you how overwhelmed I am by the kindness of strangers out there. I look forward to some quiet time one evening this week, when I can sit with printed out emails and my lace pillow and try to get myself going with this piece. To those who offered help, my sincere gratitude. And, yes, you can bet I'll be in touch when/if I need some more guidance! Everyone commented that I should have mentioned where I live. I am in Central New Jersey, in the US. I know there are some lace groups way north of me (have traveled to their lace days for the sake of vendors), but know of nothing down in my area. But, if there are any other Central NJ people on this list, please do be in touch. Thank you again for your help and your welcoming emails! 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
[lace] help starting a pattern
Hello, all - I am glad that I found this list. You all seem like such friendly, helpful lacemakers as I have read back through some posts. I have been doing bobbin lace for a number of years, but mostly in solitude since there are no lace groups or lacemakers that I know of near me. Each summer, I spend a week at a craft school with a wonderful lace teacher and a group of fellow lace enthusiasts. I realize how much I rely on the teacher to help me start a new piece, for I am feeling quite stuck in my lace work in recent weeks and thought I might reach out for some help here. This summer I began my second-ever Binche piece and, while I enjoy the challenge, have felt the need to set it aside for something a little simpler and needing less concentration. This is very odd for me because I am usually a one project at a time kind of person! I have a Torchon fan design that I wish to start - bobbins wound, pricking done, all ready to go. However, I am stuck! Where do I hang the bobbins? How many pairs where? If there are passives going around the edge of the whole thing (which I *think* there are), how did they get there? And, if those passives are there, then how the heck do I get the working threads in the middle of the design? I know that if I were with my teacher from the summer, I would be able to do this with guidance from her. Right now, however, I feel like a complete beginner. The pattern I wish to do comes from Jane Atkinson's Pattern Design for Torchon Lace. An ebook I have on CD. It is patterns 52, 55,and 56 and samples 57 and 58 for anyone who might have this. The pictures that go with this are not very good. The only lace pieces I have truly started myself have been ones where I had a very good photograph to study. Does anyone have any suggestions that might help me get started? thanks so much, arlene - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com
