[lace] Lace Digest
Here is my two bits to help create a digest for you. I have been fairly quiet this year with lots of computer problems so haven't been writing much. I was busy with lace for much part of the year. I finished the 3-year Miss Channer's Mat project, and got a 1st at state fair. I also finished a 2-year project of a headpiece/lappet from the OIDFA book of Herrmansburg lappets. It got Best in Class at state fair, beating out the Mat by one point. Then I started, and finished, another lappet from the same book -- one of the easiest. It only took 2-3 months. In the spring I had three students, then added another during the summer. They are keeping me a bit busy, also. At the same time, I decided I needed to do something about my house. I had a new ceiling put in my dining room, then painted the dining and living rooms. A new carpet was installed. Sheetrock was put on the unfinished landing at the top of the spiral stairs, and a new door installed to the attic. The contractor also put in three new outside doors, some of which are still waiting for paint. The summer was so hot that I stayed in most of the time. I guess that's why so much lace got done so fast. The summer was topped off by a trip to Rome and Tuscany -- just a week's commercial tour. It was interesting but I would have like to have spent a bit more time in some places. The holiday season was celebrated early with a new car. It's a Nissan Kicks, with all the new safety features. I'm really enjoying driving it. There are two lace projects in the middle of the living room that I should go work on. And a lace pattern to design for a lamp shade that I want to make next spring. I would like to make some Temari Balls for Christmas. There's always something to work on. And so many patterns waiting for me! Have a very Lacy Holiday Season!Alice in Oregon-- where the weather has turned cool and damp. - 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] Black thread
I made a lappet/scarf from black cotton thread. I don't remember if the pattern was white or blue. However, I had to have good light to work on it, and I found that the thread was stiffer than the same size in white. It was almost impossible to make neat leaf tallies in that thread. Fortunately, people don't look closely at the tallies. They just see the total lace, not the details. When finished, I promised myself that I would not use black thread again. (So what do I do with that full spool of black thread in the drawer?) Alice in Oregon --where summer has ended and the nights are getting cool. Maybe one day we'll have some rain. - 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] Faery Lace?
In my studies of lace history, the old very-fine threads ceased being produced about 1800. The cotton gin was invented about 1790. It let cotton be produced in great quantity at a much cheaper price than fine linen. For comparison, if a spool of cotton were $10, a spool of linen would be $100. Combine that with the fact that cotton thread is smooth and runs through machine gears without binding. Linen thread tends to have some thicker spots in it. The new lace machines used the smoother, less expensive thread for multiple reasons. Also, the newest thing is the fashion fad, so cotton lace (especially machine made) was in vogue. It didn't matter that it was cheaper, thicker, and possibly not quite as pretty as handnmade -- it was the "in" thing. By 1800, the linen thread was no longer in demand, and the supplies in the warehouse were not moving. The long, thin variety of flax was no longer planted. The thread supplies that they did have on hand were gradually used so there were no more available by 1830. Eventually, even the seeds to the special flax variety were gone. Alice in Oregon -- where I just won State Fair Best in Division for my lace lappet, made from the OIDFA lappet book we got a few years ago. - 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] Arachne Anniversary
Back then, my DH wanted to update my computer experience so he set up a computer just for me. He sat me down and told me "type in something". I typed Bobbin Lace. Arachne was one of the first things to come up. I checked it out, subscribed, and am still here. I was on the Digest to start with because I could use the computer limited times. It came over our business phone line so I could use it early mornings or evenings. After I got a phone line of my own and the computer was changed to it, I signed up for the main Lace List to get the emails more promptly. Sometimes I post, and sometimes I'm quiet. It's been fun 'meeting' people on the list, and then sometimes meeting them in person. I've learned many things about lace, and hope I helped a few beginners when they had a problem. On another subject --I have three students who are so enthusiastic that I am having to hustle to keep ahead of them. The third month they all wanted second pillows. They work ahead in the book between classes so I never know in advance how far each has gotten. One has requested to learn Russian for her next lace. To top off these interesting class sessions, we meet in a home and they feed me lunch before the lessons. After the lessons they send me home sometimes with eggs (they have chickens) and last time included a couple bottles of wine. The DH of one of them makes ice wines. Yum. Alice in Oregon -- where the rain is supposed to stop in a couple days and the weather turn warm and sunny -- in the 70's. A nice change from all the rain. - 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] Arachne Anniversary
I found Arachne just after it's first anniversary so I'm not quite a charter member but it was soon after I started making lace. The discussions gave me lots of good information and helped my lacemaking. Then the group decided they wanted a conference so Arachne 98 was born. Thanks to Pat and Margaret, we had 60 people from all over the world meet in Nottingham for a week of fun and classes, including attending one of England's large lace fairs. This sounded so interesting that I decided to attend. It was my first trip off my continent. A group of us met at the Victoria and Albert museum in London before the conference. I think there were a couple dozen or more. We attended a lace talk, and surprised the presenter. She was used to only 2 or 3 people at a time. I even met a lacemaker who lives 30 miles from me who has since become a good friend. The Arachne conversations have covered an enormous range of topics. The archives has much information for the person who wants to search a bit -- from picots to tallies to Russian fillings,etc. We have had up to 3000 members at times. I haven't seen a count for several years so I don't know how many we are right now. In the beginning, there was only one list. To separate the lace topics from the other things, the Lace-Chat list was started. All non-lace topics were to be directed there (recipes, grandkids, vacations). Each person can sign up for either or both lists. We had Secret Pals for six-month intervals. A non-identified gift was sent once a month with the sender's name revealed in the last gift. We also had the occasional ornament or bookmark exchange. Once we had a hanky (lace-edged, of course) exchange. That was in '98 because I exchanged mine in Nottingham instead of mailing it. We all generally got along very well, but about twice a year someone would say something that upset someone else, and there would be a short fuss. Liz, our list owner, does not have time to monitor all that is said, so we got Avital to be the Moderator, to step in when someone got testy. Most conversations are on topic and positive. I think we may be one of the longest continuously active lists on the internet. Arachne has stimulated my lace interests and given me friends all around the world. It has led me to Europe twice, with a third trip in the planning. Happy Anniversary to Arachne -- and may it continue a long time. Thank you, Liz Reynolds. Alice in Oregon -- where it has been raining off and on for days with no letup in sight. - 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] Seasons Greetings
Have a Great Holiday, wherever you are -- and whatever holiday you celebrate. Where I live, the weather people say there is a 4 percent chance of snow -- happened only 2 times in the past 80 years. However, they say it MIGHT be possible this year -- IF the Christmas Eve clouds drip on us, and IF the temp is low enough to freeze the drips, and IF we get up early enough on Christmas that it hasn't melted yet --- THEN we can claim a White Christmas. That's a lot of 'ifs' and I'm not holding my breath waiting. I will be enjoying the day at home -- and plan to pull out my half-done lappet to work on. The day after Christmas, the lacemakers around here gather at a home to make lace, talk and eat. It's a fun, casual day. Merry Christmas! Alice in Oregon - 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] Winding Idrija bobbins
A lace friend makes lots of Idrija lace on a bolster. She said that when she winds the bobbins clockwise, they won't stay in their hitch. They loosen and fall to the floor. When the threads are wound counter-clockwise, they stay in place -- providing there's lots of thread on the bobbin to provide traction. She always works with full bobbins, even for a small project. Put the new shorter thread on top of what's on the bobbin for a small project. One note -- she does use Idrija thread on her projects, so the twist direction of the thread probably affects the needed winding direction on the bobbins. There's more thread stress on bolster-used bobbins as they hang down than on ones used on a flat pillow. Alice in Oregon - 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] Re cattern cakes
There's a picture on another webpage:http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/lacemakers-cattern-cakes-english- spiced-sugar-cookies-266901 Note the subtitle. English spiced sugar cookies. It's guess that, in a pinch, you might be able to get a package of sugar cookie mix, roll it out and add the fruit and spice bits, then bake. It might be an acceptable alternative. If you're in the USA, like me, no one has tasted an authentic cattern cake so no one would be the wisrer. It would also eliminate having to translate English ingredients into what's available in the USA. I made the cookies from the book recipe once years ago. My problem is that I don't like caraway, so I made half with and half without that seed. It's too long ago to remember how well they turned out. We ate them but I don't think they were memorable. I may try again this year, especially since we have lace meeting on Nov. 25th. Perfect timing. Thanks for reminding me. Alice in Oregon -- where summer ended yesterday and winter rains are due to start today. On Wednesday, November 1, 2017 12:23 PM, Shirley MEIER wrote: Hi Devon , if you enter  cattern cakes / visual   into your browser and then find the  Lavender and Lovage   page you will find an easy recipe plus visual pictures . Hope this helps. Shirley in Corio , Oz. shirl200...@gmail.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/ - 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] starting lace from a bundle of threads
The modern lacemaker usually works single, not too large, projects. We're not in a big rush and want to do it neatly. We learn to make smooth edges on the start and finish. Paired bobbins make a smoother start. We put a higher value on neatness over speed than early lacemakers. Many of the early lacemakers made edgings or inserts -- often many yards of it. The finished lace went to seamstresses who cut it in sections needed for garments or whatever. The cut edges were sewn in seams or turned under and hemmed. Time was money. A new pattern needed to be started as quickly as possible. Little kids often wound the bobbins. Winding in pairs would be more difficult for them. Starting with a bundle, or several, was time efficient since the end would be either cut off or sewn in a seam. The start did not have to be neat. Some types of laces or projects today are still done with bundles. It's quicker to wind single bobbins if they need to hold many yards. It's a good technique to know for the occasions when it's efficient. Alice in Oregon -- where we are in a wet week with heavy rain due tomorrow. Think I'll stay home and dry. Lace time. - 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 Group scam -- warning
This just happened to my lace group in the USA. My treasurer received an email from "me" requesting a check mailed immediately. When questioned, the scammer said it was for supplies for PLS from a vendor. Send the check to Ann Carpenter in Reno, Nevada. It was over $1000. A couple emails later, my treasurer changed the subject line on an email and it came to me instead of the scammer. My reply of puzzlement let my treasurer take action before damage was done. The whole bank account was closed and will be reopened today with a new number. Also, she's filing a police report with name and address of scammer, plus info that the mailed check would be delivered Friday. I don't think my computer was hacked. I think someone researched lace groups and pulled out the president and treasurer's emails and group name. Be sure you have procedures set up to verify billings to your lace group before sending checks. This could happen to any organizaation. Alice in Oregon - 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] Ruskin Lace
This is a test message. I've received no Arachne messages for 5 days. Is the list very quiet? Or have I been dropped off it. Ruskin Lace -- A friend mentioned she was going to take a class in Ruskin Lace. I wasn't familiar with the lace so looked online. There's a very nice explanation and samples on Elizabeth Prickett's webpage: http://www.ruskinlace.org.uk/index.html Needlelace people might be interested in giving it a look. Alice in Oregon -- where it's cool at night and sort of warm in the afternoon. - 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] Oregon - local lace display
This weekend, Sep 23-24, Portland Lace Society and two of it's members are the featured artists at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby, Oregon, at the Clackamas County fairgrounds. The festival wanted to feature Tatting, so asked for two of our tatting members to be honored. They will have a display of their work in one glass case and will be present demo-ing tatting. PLS will have a display case to show other types of lace made by PLS members. We will identify both the maker and the type of lace on each item. Lace demos will be done each day by several people. The weather forecast is good but not too hot, so it should be a nice weekend to make lace outdoors. The demos are done under a canopy outside the display building. The Festival's main focus is weaving and knitting, but they include lacemaking in their fiber arts. If you are in the area, come visit. Alice in Oregon - 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] Working from a diagram
Most laces I work with just a picture or a basic diagram. The straight laces and simple tape laces have consistent structures. With the more intricate laces, I use a diagram extensively -- having used either pins or sticky arrows on various projects. However, with one project that was a reconstructed old lace, I got frustrated. The pricking was mainly a series of dots with just a few lines. The diagram had all the thread paths marked. It was really hard to keep track of where I was on the pricking and relate those dots to the lines on the diagram. I knew I'd never finish the project if I worked that slowly through the whole thing. I copied the diagram to the same size as the pricking, and moved the lace on top of the diagram. That way I could follow the thread paths directly. Maybe I'm just spoiled with all our modern patterns, but this made this particular pattern so much easier to follow. It's now half done and I know I'll keep working on it until it's all done. It's still interesting and fun. The one thing I learned is that some diagrams do not distinguish a difference in stitch. Just the thread paths are shown. I'm slowly learning to mark/color my pattern in some way to separate half stitch areas from cloth stitch. And hopefully to do it before I put a clear plastic coating on the pattern. Alice in Oregon - 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] Turn over stitch
The Turn Over Stitch is CTTC. This is used when two colors meet and you want them each to return the way they came rather than crossing through the stitch. If you need to put a pin, you can CTTpinC. In point ground, you would put a pin under the stitch. In many cases, no pin is used. Just tension carefully. It's a stitch that's usually not needed if you work in a solid color. However -- CTTC is handy if you want to trade two pair, like switching the workers with a passive pair because your workers are running low on thread. Alice in Oregon -- where we're having rain for the first time in two months. - 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] Exchanges history
Yes, Sue, sometimes an exchange item disappears into a black hole. In the early days, I coordinated many exchanges. There were times when something was mailed and never arrived. As coordinator, I usually had an extra item or two to fill in when one went missing. Usually all were received safe and sound. These days, we don't have many mailed items that go astray. We have also had items that seemed to be missing, and then turned up in a neighbor's mail -- and the neighbor was very slow in passing it on. Also, air mail items have been put on ships so spent a month at sea before being delivered. One thing I learned was not to put fancy stamps on letters or packages going to South Africa or some eastern European countries. People liked the stamps so much that they stole the letters for the stamps. On my things, I learned to ask the post office to just print the postage amount with their dull, uninteresting stamper. When I did that, the items were received. The saddest story was the missing items tracked to the planes that crashed into the twin towers in New York. No one likes to think their hard work was destroyed. Well the time for mailing the motif exchanges is coming soon. Mine's not quite done so I need to get back to work on it. Alice in Oregon -- where I'm recovering from 10 days of 9-14 hours a day at county fair. Big sigh of relief -- it's done for this year. Now I just have to survive the madhouse of the total eclipse over my area in 2 weeks. Wouldn't it be ironic if we had a storm that covered the whole area that day! - 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] Winding bobbins with a string
To wind 'left handed', instead of laying the bobbin on top of the string then wrapping the string around it, hold the bobbin Under the string then wrap the string around it. This will make it spin the opposite direction. OR - If you are lefthanded, just reversing the hands and having the bobbin face to the left of the string will make it wind counter-clockwise. My first lace book had String Winding described in it. The main difference with the video is that the book had me fasten down both ends of the string, leaving the hands free to manipulate the bobbin. I used to sit in a recliner with the thread pinned to each chair arm and wind bobbins while watching TV. In some motel rooms, it was a challenge to find a place I could fasten both ends. It would have been useful to have known, at that time, that I could have held one end in my mouth or pinned it to my clothes. Have fun at Conference. Alice On Wednesday, July 12, 2017 7:34 AM, Susan wrote: Thank you for posting your YouTube video Peg! This is so useful as many of us head off to IOLI convention. The only thing I would ask--how does this work with Idrija bobbins where we are winding anti-clockwise? In addition to the times when my winder is not at hand, that would be the most valuable use for me because Idrija bobbins are too large for regular winders. My immediate thought is that the string should be wound around the bobbin in the opposite direction, then push the bobbin away. I must test the theory! Sincerely, Susan Hottle USA Sent from my iPad - 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/ - 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] Turning corners on roller pillow
The conical cylinders are designed to make square handkerchief edgings in a continuous fashion. The side section of lace is only as long as the circumference of the cylinder, following the offset line of the pattern. If longer edges were desired, a difference method was needed -- unless you did as you mentioned and unpinned, changed pattern, repinned for each corner and long section. It's possible to use a roller on a square corner, but it still requires repinning. A straight section is done, and down to a point at the corner -- working to the central diagonal line from the inside corner to the outside corner but not past it. Then unpin, reset the pattern, and repin, turning your work 90 degrees.. Do the next long side from point to point, and repeat. This is a bit awkward but can be done. I find it easier to use a block pillow. Try to lay out the pattern so the corner section is contained in one block. Work to the diagonal line from the inside corner to the outside corner, then pick up the block and turn it 90 degrees. No unpinning -- just rearranging. Or turn the whole pillow 90 degrees and keep working, depending on what style of block pillow you have. You can keep moving the blocks up for as long an edging as you wish. Alice in Oregon On Thursday, May 25, 2017 7:49 PM, Sally Jenkins wrote: Hello all, I have a question about making corners on a roller pillow. I have seen the conical (as opposed to cylindrical) rollers for making corners, and I understand how they work, but how do you then go on working a straight piece of lace after you've made the corner? Do you have to transfer your work back to a cylinder? And then transfer it to a cone again for the next corner? Surely I am missing some basic understanding. Thank you, Sally in western Oregon, where the raspberry and blackberry bushes are starting to have blossoms - 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/ - 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] IOLI Convention
When I was flying to take a Lier class, I had the same dilemma. I ended up with a simple, but spendy, solution. I took two of the larger (10 x 15) Instand tables with the foldup tripod legs. I put one on each side of my frame, and the middle was completely open for working. The Instand tables will even slant if a person desires, and adjust in height for different chairs. Since the stands are metal, the suitcase weighs a bit more so I had to watch that. I put the tables and legs on top in my suitcase so the TSA could readily see what was blocking the xray without going through all my things. These tables are in frequent use for demos and exhibits. They have been a good investment. Alice in Oregon -- where my Miss Channer's Mat is past halfway done, and my headdress/lappet is almost halfway. - 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] Re: Convention-public day
It's been a number of years since our group hosted IOLI so I may not be remembering correctly. However, I think we had a very small charge, like $3.00, for public visitors who wanted to shop. People had to have a nametag to enter the vendor's hall. The charge covered the nametag. If they took a class or two that day, then there was a one-day registration fee. The exhibit hall was open to any visitor. That I know because I was in charge of it, and we did not check for nametags when people came in. If the conference guidelines do not specify rules, then the hosts can probably do it however they wish. There's usually a very small number of public visitors that day so it isn't a major problem. Alice in Oregon -- where we had one day of sunny, but chilly, spring - then back to rain for the next week. On Friday, April 21, 2017 12:14 PM, Anita Hansen wrote: I haven't found the words with the exact policy for this year, but in the past the vending and display rooms have usuall been open FREE to the public on Wednesday. The mini-registration fee usually is only necessary if signing up for a class on that day. - 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] Red Dye Stain Ideas
Thank you for all the ideas and suggestions. It will help when I meet with the lady to see the robe for myself, and the damage. I appreciate your responses and experiences. Alice in Oregon - 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] Red Dye stains
A lady in my area has a white priest's robe with lace on it, including wide cuffs. Red satin was placed behind the lace to show it off. Evidently someone washed the robe without removing the red satin, and it has red color on the white fabric. I haven't yet seen it so don't know the extent of staining. She wants to know how to remove the color. From what she told me, the garment was from early or mid 20th century so is not really early. The lace is probably machine made, from the picture. I think the fabric is cotton. Does anyone have a suggestion of how to get red marks out of fabric? All ideas are welcome. Thanks, Alice in Oregon - 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] Cultural Survey in my county
The local Cultural Coalition is making an index (survey) of local Arts, Culture and Heritage. One of the categories includes arts of all kinds. I decided my Bobbin Lace Art needed to be included, so filled out the long questionnaire. I thought it interesting, in the list of suggested arts, that Tatting was included but not Bobbin Lace. They now have it added. In the USA we still have lots of people who are not aware of bobbin or needle lace despite our many demos and displays. The person who wrote the form must have been on of these. I am curious if our lace group picks up any new people through this listing. Come to think of it, I may go back to the webpage and make in entry for our local Lace Group. There is an organization section as well as single artists. The survey is intended to be a reference when someone is looking for a teacher or program, or help in community events. I'll just have to see where it leads. Alice in Oregon - 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] Miss Channers mat -- Error in Pricking
If you have a copy of Miss Channers Mat pattern, you may want to take note of the error I found. The person who make the original sample found it and corrected for it, but the correction was not put on the pattern. Find the center of the pattern. On four sides of the center,there is a stylized flower. It's has two ovals in the center with tallies on them. The center is surrounded by two curving sets of petals. The inside petals curve around the center part until they almost meet. On one of the flowers, these petals have been run together in a arch. You may want to draw in the ends of the petals for future use. Update on progress -- I am now halfway through the pattern. I have just used up the 235 pre-wound pairs of bobbins. Plus I have tied together many of the cut0off pairs, rolled the knot back on a bobbin, and re-used the bobbins.   I'll be doing that through the rest of the pattern when I want to thicken a clothstitch section. I like a solid leaf or petal so I add in lots of extras, and throw them out when I get to a ground section. The past couple weeks I have had a problem with threads breaking. It was frustrating to have one beak near the end of a tally. I took it out, installed a new pair, and then halfway through, another thread broke. Repeat the previous work. Third try worked. I was really glad to complete that batch of tallies. The bobbins have been wound for over a year. When they started to break, I gave them a moisture treatment. It helped a little but I'm still breaking threads. I've had other patterns on a pillow for much longer than this one, with no thread problems. Maybe it's because it's a very fine thread. Alice in Oregon -- on a very wet day. Trees are starting to bloom but it's still cool outside. I look forward to sunshine and warm temps. - 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 India - Sulochona correction
Sorry -- but I had the wrong name in mind on the fan project. It was Janya in Thailand, not Sulochona in India. I was also told that when the fan was finished, it was mounted on gold fan sticks. Wish I could see it! Alice in Oregon - 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 India - Sulachona
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] Solo or group lacing
I enjoy making lace in a group because it's fun to chat with my friends. However, I need an easy project for this, one that I've done enough of to do without having to think very hard. Anything that takes concentration is done at home, alone. Also, getting a project started, or one done on a very heavy pillow, is also a home project. Thus, i usually have several projects in process at a time -- and two or three on small travel pillows so I can choose the project that suits the occasion. I also take travel pillows to church meetings or places where I'll have to sit for a length of time, like getting my car serviced. I can listen to music, TV or an audiobook story while working complicated lace, but conversation takes more attention. In my working days, I only had evenings to make lace. I still seem to follow that pattern -- do chores etc in the daytime, and my special projects in the evening when the TV is on. Also, my fingers are a bit stiff in the mornings, so it's easier for them to make lace later in the day. The exception is for two months of the year during tax season when I work as a receptionist -- and have to take something to work on between clients. I am working on my most difficult project at work -- Miss Channer's Mat. My friends are envious that I get paid while making lace. Alice in Oregon -- where I woke up to snow again, but it didn't stay long. We've had 4 times the usual snow this year. - 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] Victoria's Gown - Correction
Tonight I saw a program about filming 'Victoria'. They had the wedding gown on display and showed closeups of it. It DID have a section of lace across the lower portion of the front of the gown. It was the same color as the gown and didn't show up very well at a distance. They said they copied the original one in the display, and used a 'similar' lace to the original Honiton. I didn't think it looked very much like Honiton, but few people would know the difference.'It would have been nice for the production to have shown the gown better. However, now I know the costumers tried to be authentic. A second series is being written so sometime in the future we'll get to see some more of Victoria, covering the years 1840-1844. They did mention that Victoria was 4'8" tall. The actress playing the part is about 6 inches taller. There has been a wide variety of laces used in the collars of the servants. On the dark dresses, they show up very well. Alice in Oregon -- where we have another threat of snow for the morning. I wish spring would come. - 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] Victoria's gown
My local public TV has been running the Victoria series.   They re-ran the first 5 episodes last weekend, which I watched though I had seen them earlier. I closely watched the wedding scenes to see the dress. Then I did some web searching for pictures of the real gown. I concluded that the TV people copied the gown as it was displayed a couple years back. This display did not include the wedding laces that originally were used on the gown-- just the basic dress. The filming was very cleverly done -- featuring mostly a head shot of Victoria, or having her partly hidden behind another person or piece of the set. Only one scene showed the entire dress, and only briefly. It made me wonder if the director knew the dress was not correctly duplicated and deliberately did not let the dress show much, or if the costumers did not research the subject very far and just stopped with a picture of the dress as it was in the display. Does anyone in UK remember any talk about this when the program first came out? They did such a good job of making period costumes for all the characters that the lack in the wedding gown was a surprise. I also wondered at all the servants wearing real lace collars. I didn't think this was normal for servants, but maybe being in the royal household let them dress better than other servants. Alice in Oregon -- where rain is predicted for another 7 days. Sunday and Monday we had snowflakes bigger than quarters. Lovely to see. - 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] Saxony Lace
> The cloth area did not need >to be very big, and the lace is wide to look especially beautiful Of >course, there is no size reference in the picture Ooops! I didn't scroll down. The item is listed at 15", so the fabric is about 7" and the lace 3" wide. That is definitely not antique handkerchief dimensions. I stick with my idea of it being a chalice cover. Alice in Oregon - 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] Saxony Lace
There were tape laces being made in Germany as well as other eastern European countries. I couldn't see the picture well enough to take a guess as to origin. However -- it does look like an item made for church use -- namely, to cover the chalice or the 'bread' when not being used. The cloth area did not need to be very big, and the lace is wide to look especially beautiful. Of course, there is no size reference in the picture so my guess of the size may be wrong. Handkerchiefs of the time were extremely large (15-20" of fabric) so that proportion of lace would have made it into a tablecloth. This is more likely an altar accessory. Alice in Oregon -- where we are eagerly anticipating three nice days before the next storm On Friday, February 10, 2017 12:38 PM, "devonth...@gmail.com" wrote: Sorry, I forgot and sent this by my AOL account. Here it is from Gmail. There is a handkerchief located at http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/215260?sortBy=Relevance&ft =08.180.911&offset=0&rpp=20&pos=1 It says it was made in Saxony, Germany. But it looks like a tape lace of possibly Eastern European origin. An explanation says it is ââ¬ÅChurchââ¬ï¿½ lace. It is clearly a handkerchief and there is nothing about it that would suggest ecclesiastical use. Is ââ¬ÅChurchââ¬ï¿½ lace a term of art that anyone is familiar with, especially as it may relate to Saxony, Germany? Devon Sent from Mail for Windows 10 - 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/ - 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] lily lappet - pattern?
In the modern world, the lappet becomes half a scarf. Attach the two lappets of a pair together in the middle, and wear it under the collar of your dress coat/jacket with the ends hanging down the front. I've done that many times with the one I made. Or it could be just wrapped around the neck and loosely tied in front. Or wrap around the neck with one end hanging in front and the other end hanging in back. I'm also known, at lace conferences, to wear antique lappets hanging from the top of my head and usually down my back so they are out of the way for working.The last time I did that at IOLI, by the end of the week, several other brave soles were wearing lappets, also. Some of the old patterns are really lovely, and we can figure out ways to adapt them to modern use. The lily pattern is very attractive, and would be interesting to make. However, I would not recognize it as a lappet. Best wishes to anyone who wants to make it. The picture looks clear enough to use as a pattern. Alice in Oregon -- where the last snow was just thick rain and didn't stick. It was just a degree or two too warm. However, we set a rainfall record during that storm. If it had been snow, it would have been a real mess. On Tuesday, February 7, 2017 10:15 AM, Adele Shaak wrote: Oh, Devon - what a good idea. I think we should all wear lappets. Picture Venus & Serena Williams playing tennis with lappets streaming from their hair. Women doctors in the operating room, lappets demurely tucked into their scrubs. Women directing traffic, lappets peeking from underneath their safety helmets. Ditto women on the construction site. Probably the men will want to get in on the fun, too. OK, I admit it. After far too much sleet and snow the sun has come out and Iâm feeling frisky. Adele West Vancouver, BC (west coast of Canada) > but if you were thinking of going > about in impressive cap streamers, this will probably be a disappointment. ð > Devon - 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/ - 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] Support pin in Binche cloth areas
Back in my beginning days, a teacher told me to use temporary support pins any time it helped me out. I use them a lot. I tend to use the long yellow-headed pins as temporary pins so they stand up among the gaggle of pins on the pillow, and I pull them out when they are 3-4 rows back. They don't stay in long enough for the pinhole to get set. If I intend to leave the extra pin in, I'll use a normal pin. The pins are just there to control and herd the threads into position. When you have a cantankerous thread, you have to give it extra help. When a thread changes direction, a pin is most helpful in keeping everything in order. Alice in Oregon (where winter keeps going on -- freezing rain yesterday and snow tomorrow) - 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] Christmas
Holiday Greetings to all Arachne friends! Stay safe and warm if you are in the bad weather areas. It's cold but mostly dry here in the valley today but higher altitudes have snow and ice. I spent the day baking muffins and fruit loaf for church coffee time tomorrow. After I'm home tomorrow, I look forward to working on my lace. I will be able to just relax and enjoy it. Merry Christmas -- Happy Hanukkah -- Happy Winter Solstice -- or whatever you celebrate. Alice in Oregon - 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] Stuffies Night Out
I know this is not lace, but the list has been very quiet. I just read in the local paper that our library is holding a "Stuffies Night Out". Children are to drop off a stuffed toy on a certain day, and pick it up the next day. They will receive pictures of the stuffed animals' adventures during the night. The whole idea greatly amused me. Such harmless fun. Someone has an imagination. Now I can go back to choosing which lace project will receive my attentions during the holidays. My house is thoroughly decorated since I hosted the lace group (with orders that I HAD to decorate), so I'm enjoying the lighted tree and all the rest. The lace ornaments from exchanges are on display (thanks everyone for such lovely work over the years). I treated myself to some new bobbins on eBay, and want to set them up on a project. it's been rather nasty weather-wise so I've spent alot of time indoors -- perfect for lacemaking and quilting. Best wishes to all celebrating a holiday this month.  Make lots of lace. Alice in Oregon - 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] Arachne Christmas Exchange
Agnes -- Your lovely green and gold bangle ornament was received long past. I wrote you a thank you message, but it must have fallen in the Pond on it's way across. It was the first one to come to me in this exchange and has held a place of honor in my Christmas display. Both the lace and the card are loved and appreciated. Thank you,Alice in Oregon On Tuesday, December 13, 2016 1:07 AM, Agnes Boddington wrote: To date I have not received an email to say that my Christmas ornament to Alica Howell in the USA has arrived there. It was posted on 7th November. I have received hers a couple of weeks ago. Agnes Boddington - 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/ - 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] Linen thread
Not all brands of linen are the same. I used Fresia brand linen in the tablecloth I finished this year. It was quite smooth. The few slubs were far apart. I think the Fresia thread was made for lacemaking. The linen that is full of slubs was probably made for weaving, and the slubs were intentional for texture. Alice in Oregon On Sunday, October 16, 2016 1:59 PM, Susan wrote: Thank you Adele! I particularly appreciate your reference to linen clothing as there as some very fine linen clothes out there. Beautiful to wear & launder--& they last for years. Others are unsuitable for much of anything & they don't last long even on delicate cycle! So It seems that finely spun linen thread is currently available for high-quality dressmaking. I was just hoping that there might be a discernible difference among thread brands for our purposes. Slubs are less egregious in 40/2 thread where the lace is more robust, but from my perspective, they aren't welcome in 90/2 for finely textured lace. I won't name names, but the one I used is well known & not cheap stuff. Bummer. Thanks again for the wake up call. You can probably tell that I use more cotton & silk thread. ;-) Still growling, Susan Hottle USA Sent from my iPad > On Oct 16, 2016, at 4:14 PM, Adele Shaak wrote: > > > I must say that I love to use linen thread and I donât notice the slubs in the finished lace. Maybe Iâm just so used to them, maybe itâs because mangling makes the lace look different, maybe they just donât bug me the way they do you. I donât know! Youâre right in thinking that you will risk breaking the thread by picking out the slub. The thread will also be less twisted in the place where the slub used to be, and will be weaker in that spot as a result. - 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/ - 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] List is quiet - been busy
I wondered about everyone but I was busy myself. So far this month I've attended two regular lace meetings and our annual Lace Day, taught a short bobbin lace class in Tillamook, and am trying to get my things ready for a 3-day Bucks class starting tomorrow. The teacher threw in an extra chore of drawing a diagram of the pattern I'm using in the class. (There's no diagram or picture with this particular pattern.) In addition, I've put away all the patio furniture and garden decorative items before the strong winter storm that's hitting later today. And I'm chairman of a sale at church in another week. I've been finishing my projects for that sale. I've never drawn a Bucks diagram before -- only Torchon. It's been a challenge. There must be some basic rules/methods that I'm not aware of. I enlarged the pattern 250 percent and have been making a lot of use of my eraser. I can see why some diagrams are 500+ percent larger than the actual pattern. Now I need to run some errands while it's raining gently before the main storm comes in. Rain is forecast for the foreseen future with an even stronger storm (remains of a typhoon) hitting Saturday. Lovely weather to drive 30 miles each way each day to the lace class. I'm really glad Lace Day was last week when we had a nice day. Alice in Oregon - 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] Metal lace on TV
Same idea but different artist. Thanks for the link. It was lovely to look at. Alice in Oregon >And I forgot to add the link I was referring to. >http://www.demilked.com/feminine-lace-filigree-blowtorch-steel-cal-lane/ - 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] Metal lace on TV
Sorry -- left out one detail. The TV program is called Oregon Art Beat. Thursday night 8pm. On the TV schedule, the metal artist is listed first so may be at the start of the program. I'll let you know when it can be seen on the web. Alice in Oregon On Monday, October 3, 2016 8:44 AM, Liz Roberts wrote: Is this the same lady you were referring to who cuts lacy patterns in metal? What is the name of the show she is supposed to be on? Liz in beautiful, sunny Missouri, USA - 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] Metal lace on TV
The program showing the lady who cuts lacy patterns in old car bodies will be on this week Thursday at 8:00pm Pacific Daylight Time on Oregon Public Broadcasting (channel 10 locally). After it shows, it will be available on the OPB website. When it has a web address, I'll let you know. I don't know how fast they are getting them online. The glimpse the advertisement has is very intriguing. Alice in Oregon -- where the weather varies from wet to gray. I think summer is over. - 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 Strange Places
A preview advertisement of an Art TV program (on Oregon public TV) featured a lady who cuts lacy patterns into the roof of old hotrod cars. I hope I get to see the full program since the glimpse of the lacy roof was very enticing.  It's sometime next month. I'll be watching for the exact date and time in future ads. The car would be fun to drive, but only on dry days. Alice in Oregon -- where we're getting ready for Lace Day on Oct. 8.. Details on portlandlacesociety.com - click Calendar. - 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] Dividing pins help
You need a glue that will stick to metal and glass. Check the details on your available super glues to find the right one. Alice in Oregon -- where the weather has cooled to autumn temperatures. Nicer than roasting but I hate to see summer end. On Tuesday, August 30, 2016 8:26 AM, David C COLLYER wrote: Dear Friends, Over the years I have found the best dividing pins to be ordinary sewing needles with a middle sized bead glued on the top. I recently broke my second last one and tried making new ones but when I used the acid free craft glue it didn't hold. Could someone please tell me what glue they would recommend? I also use these for the occasional bit of pricking in a tight spot. Many thanks David in Ballarat, AUS - 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/ - 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] Olympic Tribute to Lace
Did you see the closing ceremony with the tribute to bobbin lace? What a surprise! And so lovely. I would have liked to have seen the working side of the pillow to see if there were really bobbins on it, or just the finished piece of lace. Probably just the lace. Do we have any List members in Brazil? Alice in Oregon -- where the extreme temps cooled down a bit to just Warm 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] Sewing out
Thanks, Beverly, for sending me the original message. I now know that it's more the last ending threads rather than threads in and out of the main part of the lace. Please -- don't use glue on fine lace. The ending threads -- something we all have to learn to deal with. A square knot is usually used to tie off threads. I have seen (and used0 the triple knot only on the last 2 threads. Then. You can be a practical traditionalist and trim off the last threads and just leave the ends. I have seen this in many pictures of laces in books out of northern Europe. Or -- You can be a perfectionist and hide those ends by sewing them back into the lace, following the lines of the lace. Yes, it's finicky. And takes some practice to learn how to best hide that extra thread. If you explore some of the Finishing books available, you can find some methods using magic threads that pull the ends back into the lace. They take a bit of planning. Russian Lace has a method of pulling the threads back into the trail without knots. I have seen it diagrammed out but don't remember which books show it. Be brave and keep practicing. You will eventually think it no harder than doing it in the knitting and crochet. Alice in Oregon -- resting after demo-ing two days in the heat at Harvest Fest.where I actually made 2 square inches of lace between talking to people. They gave us a free lunch for out efforts.  That was nice of them. - 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] Sewing Out - Anchoring threads
I cannot find the starting message of this series of messages, but it seems like someone is wanting to put glue on threads ends in a piece of lacewhen pairs are frequently added and removed.. I don't want hard spots that may turn color in something I've worked many hours making. I've never had a thread pull out of something that had threads added and removed. I anchor the threads when starting in a tight stitch or with gimp. A looped pair is easy because it can be looped around another pair or thread and a pin. If I have two single threads, I tie them and pin the knot above the place needed. Enclose the threads in a tightly made pin stitch.  When ending, I make sure the loose ends go through a firmly tensioned stitch. Throw back the bobbins.   Soon, I cut off the bobbins leaving several inches of thread ends, which are trimmed neatly after the lace is out of pins. When I say "go through" a stitch, I mean that I'm using two other pairs to make the stitch with the new threads being caught tightly in the stitch. I may not always do it exactly the same, but here is an example of laying in two single threads. I've never seen this in a book so the traditionalists may want to scold me. Lay new pair to one side of the stitch pairs. Make the first part of the stitch with the two stitch pairs (CTC)  Weave the new pair through both stitch pairs, twist new pair once at the end. Insert pin. Tension. Weave the new threads CTC back through both stitch pairs. Then close the stitch CTC with the stitch pairs. Tension firmly. The new threads should be well anchored within the stitch so they cannot casually pull out..  Alice in Oregon -- where it's hot and getting hotter this 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
Re: [lace] working with a bolster pillow
My friend does a lot of Idrijan lace on a bolster and has Idrijan bobbins. She recently was in Slovenia and took lessons there. She reports that the bobbins must be wound left-handed (backwards to us right-handed people). Also, the thread does not stay well unless the bobbins are wound full. If your desired thread is in limited supply, wind the bobbins half full with another thread then put your good thread on top. I have noticed that the antique bobbins I've gotten from various parts of Europe often have several different threads on them if I unwind them.  It must be common to leave old thread on the bobbins and just add the new on top. I don't remember what my friend said about the hitch she was taught to use. I'll see her next Saturday and will try to remember to ask her about hitching on her Idrijan bobbins. Alice in Oregon On Tuesday, August 2, 2016 10:43 AM, sylvie nguyen wrote: Hello, Having just finished my first lace motif on a bolster pillow, I'm in need of advice. My Idrija bobbins, wound with linen thread, repeatedly had "growing" leads (distance between the bobbin and the pillow) on them. What do people advise, to maintain shorter leads? Thank you, in advance, your suggestions. Sylvie, in hot and humid Cherry Valley, Illinois USA - 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/ - 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] Wearing and Caring for Lace
You can find articles about cleaning lace in the Arachne archives. Please check there. I want to point out that there are different viewpoints on cleaning lace, and things to be considered. Clealning old lace will have different considerations than new lace.  If you have very delicate and possibly very old lace, you don't want to use anything that can chemically damage the threads further than they already are. Oxyclean is a strong cleaner that I would never use on my old lace. If you have a new, modern piece made of new, strong thread, it can probably take that sort of cleaning occasionally -- BUT you should not plan on this lace lasting 100 years as a family heirloom. The bleach components of Ozyclean will gradually eat into the threads. It should last for many years of use but will eventually disintegrate. When other methods don't work, and the item will have to be discarded if it can't get cleaned, then you have nothing to lose using a strong cleaner. If you have a christening gown that you hope will become a family tradition for generations, don't use bleach products. Start your cleaning process with pure water (hopefully with as few chemicals as possible) and soak the item -- for several days if needed. Change water as the item soaks off dirt. For tougher dirt, the current recommended cleaner is Orvus. It has no harsh chemicals. Use a pea-size bit in a pan of water, soak item as above with occasional gentile agitation of the item to move the water through it. Then put it through as many rinses as needed "until you are willing to drink the rinse water". You want to be sure that no cleaning agents are left in the threads. Always support wet lace. It is very fragile when wet, especially if old. Spread out flat to air dry. Avoid putting a hot iron on it. Heat can also damage fragile threads. Again, I suggest checking the archives. There are some very detailed messages from experts available for your information. Alice in Oregon -- off for day 4 of the nine-day county fair duties. Yesterday was the longest day so today should be easier. - 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] Survey Request
I am 1C and 2B. Alice in Oregon -- starting today on a 9-day county fair work marathon. Today is Entry Day. - 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] Knit In Public Day
According to my local newspaper, tomorrow June 18 is Worldwide Knit in Public Day. The local knitting store promotes it and has people on the sidewalk outside the store doing needle arts. They say all needle crafts are welcome. The weather here is supposed to be really nice so I may take my pillow, chair and table to town. I've sat with them and made lace the past two or three years. It's rather fun to do. It will be a change from my normal routine. Alice in Oregon -- where four members of my group just left on a plane headed for Slovenia and OIDFA. Wish I could have been with them. - 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 Anchor
I have seen thread anchors which are a flat piece of wood with pinholes drilled on each end.  We made some for a conference once. They were about 1/2" wide and 3" inches long. We did put a small handle on each to hold while pinning, but it isn't really needed. I use a tongue depressor stick which is laid across the threads in front of the bobbins, and pinned with four pins (two on each side, slanted inwards to hold the stick tightly to the pillow). Anything flat and sturdy could work, as long as you can anchor it to the pillow. Even a multi-folded piece of paper would work, with several pins holding it steady. Wrapping the threads around a pin just next to the head of the bobbins does work. If there's a problem keeping the threads straight, use a separate pin for each thread. Wrap it once or twice and pin at the head, and it should not move while working the first half of the threads. When you switch sides to start the second half, anchor the first side threads like you did before. This will help keep everything in place until the project is well started. Alice in Oregon - 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] Core ground
When I read "core ground", my thought was that it was someone's private term for the central/main/basic stitch, which would be the CTTT pin that is used so much in Bucks. I've never heard the term "core ground" before. it will be interesting if someone turns up with a special stitch. Alice in Oregon -- where we face a cool, wet week. On Saturday, May 21, 2016 9:34 AM, Jeanette Fischer wrote: A friend is doing a Buck's piece and the instructions use the term "core ground". Neither of us have heard the term before and I wondered if anyone on the list has ever come across this term and how is the ground worked? Jeanette Fischer Western Cape, South Africa. - 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/ - 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 Congress
Four people from my lace group are going to OIDFA this year. The rest of us are envious. We hear all about their plans and turn a bit green. I did get to go to one in the past and enjoyed it very much. The OIDFA in 2020 in Estonia intrigues me. That's far enough away, if I begin saving now, I might be to save up the funds to be able to go. And if I go that far away from my home, I'd want to look around a bit at some other places (Copenhagen?) and make a real trip of it. It gives me a goal to work for. Meanwhile, I have a bookmark I need to finish, and some plants to get in the ground in my garden. Alice in Oregon (who just returned from a visit to Florida to see the Harry Potter theme parks.) - 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] Happy 21st Birthday
Arachne had just celebrated it's first year when I joined in May 96. My DH got me a computer, set it up, and told me to "type in something". I typed "bobbin lace" and the rest is history. I have learned so much from all the discussions on the List, and even got to attend the one and only Arachne Conference in 1998 in Nottingham. That's where I met Tamara, and also a lacemaker who lives only an hour from my home. We've been friends ever since. Many thanks to Liz for sponsoring Arachne all this time. Alice in Oregon -- where our sunshine has gone away and it's raining again. - 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] Rauma lace and Kortelahti
>I only know that Rauma was an important bobbin lace making area. I think the >lace was largely torchon with some guipure elements. I suspect Kortelahti's >work style derives from that tradition. I have a couple books of Rauma lace patterns but I don't have them right at hand. My memory of reading them is that Rauma lace is on the Torchon style. The thing I remember best is that they figured out that most edgings tend to pull up a bit on the footside and ruffle slightly on the headside. They wanted flat handkerchiefs with flat lace, so worked out a solution. Their corners are a few degrees off of 90 degrees. When the lace is forced to fit a 90 degree corner, it flattens out that extra bit of ruffle. Kortelahti's style is based on the Early 20th Century Dutch Lace development. When I got that book, I could see elements of the Kortelahti lace all through it. My guess is that she learned from someone who learned from the Dutch school. She adds some of her own tweeks to it. I have done lots of her lace, and some from the Dutch book. It's probably my favorite style of lace, though I do a bit of many kinds. Alice in Oregon -- where we are having (finally) a week of sunshine. - 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] Working an edging on a roller pillow
I need to modify my description of using a change stitch to trade passive and worker threads. Doing CTTC will change both sets of threads. I like to change only one at a time when preventing passive threads from being able to ruffle.. When doing CTC, add a second twist to only the left OR right set of threads, not both. With careful tensioning, this single extra twist will disappear. If the worker thread is much longer than the passive thread, they can be traded back to their original places in a row or two. Preventing extreme ruffling by trading out threads will not guarantee a perfectly straight edging. A simple woven edge will need less space than many decorative headside patterns, which will result in a slightly curved edging when off the pins. I don't know how to prevent this. Alice in Oregon On Thursday, March 10, 2016 4:29 AM, Susan wrote: Hello All! While working my Springett edging, I inadvertently "gathered" the footside while tensioning the passives. Is there a clever way to avoid this? Or is this an inherent risk when using a roller after the first part of the lace has been completed? Even after smoothing the lace, my edging was no longer flat. Using the roller is easier (for me) than moving up the lace, but I obviously have not developed a gentle hand when tensioning! Any suggestions? I did not find this topic specifically addressed in the archives. Many thanks. Sincerely, Susan Hottle, Palm Beach Gardens, FL USA Sent from my iPad - 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/ - 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] Working an edging on a roller pillow
The gathered edge is a common effect on edgings. The passive pairs just lie straight while the rest of the threads have twists and various weaving actions that cannot be tensioned quite as compactly. The passive pairs need a lighter hand with tensioning but it's very hard to so. I usually have a tight tension so may have more problem with gathering than someone with a lighter tension. Here is another solution. There is no rule that you have to leave the same threads as the passive pair throughout the whole project. I've had the gathered edge problem and could not leave the pins in very long so started changing my passive threads every two inches. I changed one thread at a time by doing a change stitch (CTTC) instead of a cloth stitch (CTC) as i worked toward the edge. i'd wait 2-3 rows before changing the second passive thread. If there's more than one passive pair, I'd do the next pair a few rows later. If you tension carefully on the row with the change, it will not show in the finished project. Changing out both (or all) threads in the same row might show, but doing one at a time will not. In that project, I had 2-3 inches of pins so I was changing the threads before the edge was out of the pins. If you have a smaller pin area, change sooner. If you do tension tightly, the pins will protect the threads in the short space since the threads were traded. Gathering is impossible past the point the threads were changed. Happy lacingAlice in Oregon -- where we have one rain storm after another. On Thursday, March 10, 2016 4:29 AM, Susan wrote: Hello All! While working my Springett edging, I inadvertently "gathered" the footside while tensioning the passives. Is there a clever way to avoid this? Or is this an inherent risk when using a roller after the first part of the lace has been completed? Even after smoothing the lace, my edging was no longer flat. Using the roller is easier (for me) than moving up the lace, but I obviously have not developed a gentle hand when tensioning! Any suggestions? I did not find this topic specifically addressed in the archives. Many thanks. Sincerely, Susan Hottle, Palm Beach Gardens, FL USA Sent from my iPad - 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/ - 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] Bucks pt Garter
I've lost the original email about the Garter so I'm replying generally. I wanted to remind people that a special pattern is not required. Any edging in the width desired can be used. There are a variety of versions of garters. One is just one strip of lace attached to a double thickness of ribbon with elastic inserted in the ribbon. The ribbon can be decorated with embroidery or tiny ribbon flowers, etc. A popular version has two strips of lace with the double ribbon and elastic between them. The key to a garter is the size. It's best to be able to measure the leg it's for. Make the garter a bit larger so it can be easier slid on and off. If it's a fitted gown, the garter can't have much bulk because it's not supposed to show through the gown. My computer is down so I have only a borrowed laptop that does strange things. I hope this message comes through normally. Somehow, on my screen, it has enlarged all the letters. I hope my new computer is ready soon. Alice in Oregon -- wet and windy winter weather with a few sun breaks. - 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] Using a pin pusher as a pin puller
The pin pusher in discussion is the narrow metal rod with a dimple in the end of the metal. A caution, though. There are two versions of this made by different people.   One has the dimple curving in from the edge of the metal rod. The other has a tiny straight-walled section cut in the rod in front of the curved dimple. It's the second one that works well as a pin lifter. The tiny straight section will catch under the edge of the pin head for lifting. The first kind has no edge to catch on the pin. It is much more difficult to lift pins with. Another caution to new lacemakers. One common pin lifter looks like the forked tongue of a snake. Be very careful with this one. It's very easy to catch a point under a thread instead of just under the pinhead. It can cut the thread when lifting the pin. Of course, you can skip using either of these tools if your pattern is completely finished. Use the Cantu method -- just grab the edges of the pricking and lift the whole thing off the pillow. It takes a tug, but the pins are much easier to remove from the project when not stuck in the pillow. If it's a large project, lift one corner or section at a lime. When the teacher demonstrated this in class, I thought of all the pins I had laboriously pulled out of projects over the years. Happy lacing,Alice in Oregon -- where we had lots of rain interspersed with brief glimpses of the sun. PS -- My lace exhibit is now up in Tillamook, Oregon, for the next two months. On Wednesday, November 11, 2015 12:15 PM, Susan wrote: Hello All! Just wanted to share a hint I learned from Louise Colgan--use the pin pusher sort of sideways to lift pins. Since it is a smooth cylindrical surface, it doesn't have little "feet" to disturb your lace. Just slip the lip of the pusher under the edge of your pin head. Hope this helps Julia with her scarf adventure. Sincerely, Susan Hottle, Erie, PA USA Sent from my iPad - 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/ - 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] Oregon Exhibit
Yesterday I set up the lace exhibit at Latimer Quilt and Textile Center in Tillamook, Oregon. It will be there the months of November and December. Visitors to the Oregon coast who stop by will find a whole room filled with lace -- both antique and modern. I forgot to take pictures but I'll be back next Sunday for the Open House and plan to take pictures then. Since several of my pillows with works in progress are in the exhibit, I'm trying to figure out what lace to work on at home the next 2 months. Yes, there's few Christmas ornaments for the exchange, but that won't take all my lacing time. I think maybe Miss Channers Mat will come to the top of the list. Alice in Oregon -- having a lovely day between storm fronts - 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] Cookie pillow question, and digest
Yes, the List has been very quiet for a while. Thanks for posting. I don't the the historical answer to your question, but wanted to make some comments on pillows. There are many styles of pillows -- flat, cookies, round balls, bolsters of various sizes and shapes, roller pillows in a variety of sizes and shapes. Lace developed all over Europe in the days when communication was much more difficult than today. The style of lace varied, and the bobbins and pillows used in an area were developed by the people in that area to suit their lace type. The threads available to a region varied.  It's easy to imagine how variations in equipment styles would develop as people found out what worked best for themselves. The cookie pillow does seem to appear mainly in the UK, but the continental seagrass pillow is much the same shape. Which came first? Pictures of early UK lacemakers often show big round balls of pillows. My imagination can see someone saying that since only the top portion of the pillow was used, so why not make a pillow the shape of the top portion only. That would result in a sort of cookie pillow. Parallel to the pillow development was bobbin development. When and how did the Midlands bobbin develop? They are used on cookie pillows but are not suitable for bolsters. Which came first -- cookies or Midlands? Did they develop together? So -- I did not answer your question, but just make it bigger. I will be watching for comments from those of you who know about one pillow or another. Alice in Oregon -- starting a week of mostly sunshine and warm for October. Will be spending the next 3 weeks getting ready for my lace exhibit at Latimer Textile Center in Nov and Dec. Wish it was closer to all of you so you could see it. On Monday, October 12, 2015 11:49 AM, Sally Jenkins wrote: Hello lacers, It seems I have not received the digest in several days. Has there been no activity, or have I been inadvertently dropped? (I will find out if I see this message posted, right?) I have been wondering about the history and/or development of the cookie pillow and its use. It seems all over Europe except for the U.K., the bolster is the primary way of making lace, but in the U.K. and the U.S., the cookie pillow is customary. What caused the change? Maybe this is addressed in a book someone can point me to. Just curious, Sally - 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/ - 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] Transparent Film
In the USA, it's Back To School time in the stores. I found transparent film book covers in my local dollar store. They come in various colors, some quite bright, and some of them are light enough to use over patterns. It's a cheap way to get film for a one-time project if it's a color your eyes are willing to look at. I got the orange and the blue. The orange will work very well. The blue is a mite dark but will work over a sharp black & white pattern. I may go back and get a pink one, which I think will also work. One year I found a light green that worked well. It's removable sticky film so doesn't stick really tight. I tape the edges in a few places to be sure it won't loosen. Then it works great. Alice in Oregon -- where I just survived County Fair with record high heat. Thank goodness for air conditioning. I had the only building with it. And thanks to all the lacemakers who demo-ed every day. We had a great lace display. - 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] Pins
As a beginner, I was told to leave the pins in "overnight". I think this was a general rule to cover the chance that the thread being used took longer to conform than usual. I have seen a bookmark that had the last inch curled when the rest of it lay flat. I contributed this to the final pins being removed immediately. I may or may not have been correct. In my experience, a good thread conforms to shape very fast. Working a narrow edging on a roller pillow has the lace falling free of the pin area in 2-3 hours. I never saw any difference between those sections and the ones that stayed pinned for weeks. To support this fast-conforming idea is the rule I was told about making leaves. If I make a leaf and it's bad so I take it out, use a different worker thread on the second try. The incorrect bends put in the worker thread on the first try are still in the fiber memories. Use a new worker that has not been 'bent'. That first leaf was shaped for only a few minutes yet that was long enough to make that thread difficult to re-shape. Conversely, when I end a bookmark with a tail of the threads, I want the threads to lie straight. They have been wrapped on bobbins for an unknown length of time and will curl if cut off. I unwind them for 6-8 inches, pull them straight, dampen them, and pin them down firmly. Then let them stay there at least overnight. This is forcibly removing the 'curl' set into the threads by being wound on the bobbins so I give them plenty of time to be re-educated. So --- my conclusion is that it depends on the thread. That's hard to explain to a beginner. I think that's why my first teacher told us to leave it sit overnight. It didn't hurt the good thread to sit, and gave a chance for a poor thread to conform. Beginners have a greater chance of using a thread that's not the best quality. Alice in Oregon -- where it's very hot this weekend. It's been a very warm year so far, setting many heat records. - 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] Bobbin storage
After years of putting bobbins in small cabinets with little drawers, plastic shoe boxes, and even plastic bags, I decided I needed something better. I bought a vertical cabinet with seven drawers. Midlands went in the top drawer, and continentals were sorted by size and style into the other drawers. A style with only a few were bundled with elastic bands. Large quantities were loose in a drawer. One drawer is just the odd bobbins that don't match any set. (It's surprising how many odd bobbins I have accumulated.) This cabinet works quite well -- as long as I have several projects in process on the shelf!! It I stripped all my pillows, these drawers would not hold them. I think I may need a second cabinet. After ending some projects recently, my midlands drawer was over-full. I had to put the bobbins neatly in plastic baggies so they could lie flat and straight before they would fit. I'm still missing a bunch of my favorite midlands, so I'm sure there's a project or two on my shelf with midlands. (I have enough to do Miss Channers mat, so that project is on my list to do next year.) I bought a similar cabinet for my lace tools and threads. It was amazing how many thread spools I have now that they are collected into one place. I sorted the cotton, linen and other threads. Now it's easier to 'shop' for thread for a project. ( I wish I had inventoried them before going to lace conference. I managed to buy duplicate spools of some sizes of thread.) When I started lacemaking, I never dreamed I would acquire this many pillows, bobbins, etc. Storage of supplies can indeed be a challenge. Alice in Oregon -- in the middle of a record-setting heat wave. PNW Lace Conference went very well. Now I can rest up. On Friday, June 26, 2015 2:29 PM, Web wrote: I am wondering how you store your bobbins when they are not in use? Are you storing English Midlands or Continentals? I just finished a project. For the first time (probably in my life) I do not have any bobbins on a pillow. I discovered that I have many more bobbins than places to store them. Since I am going to the IOLI Convention this year I am going to try not to start anything new. I have plenty of embroidery to work on so I won't be idle for the next month. Liz R Raleigh, NC, USA - 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/ - 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] Sweet Briar College to Stay Open
Our TV news said that it will be open for the next year while waiting for a judge's decision on litigation. Keep your fingers crossed that it will be in the college's favor. it's a lovely campus. I enjoyed the two Sweet Briar Retreats that I was able to attend. Alice in Oregon -- where we just finished the PNW Lace Conference. We had a good time, good weather, good food, and good friends. I learned the correct way to make a rolled tally. It looks so nice when done right. On Sunday, June 21, 2015 9:33 PM, "robinl...@socal.rr.com" wrote: jeria...@aol.com wrote: Buried deep in today's Maine Sunday Telegram is an Associated Press news story: *Settlement sustains women's college in rural Virginia*. What wonderful news, Jeri! Lucky for us you have such an eagle eye--thanks for letting us know. Robin P. Los Angeles, California, USA robinl...@socal.rr.com "Be yourself. After all, everyone else is already taken." source unknown (by me) - 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/ - 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] Knit in Puble Day
Tomorrow, June13, is Knit in Public Day in the USA. The local knitting group is planning to sit outside the knitting shop most of the day, knitting. They have invited crocheters and spinners -- all forms of fiber art. They didn't mention 'lace' but last year two of us joined them and made lace while they knitted. Tomorrow is rather busy, but I want to try to go down a few hours in the afternoon and sit with them, just to promote lacemaking. International Lace Day next week is the last day of Lace Conference. I'll be in the last session of class, packing up, and traveling home. Lacing in public is just no in the program. Perhaps next year I can do both Knit Day and Lace Day. Alice in Oregon -- where it's lovely weather right now and I'm indoors working on my last minute Lace Conference chores. - 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] Copying a brown pattern
I have a brown pattern I wanted to copy. Yes, I know they were printed that way to discourage copies, but I like to have an extra copy for study and marking. I accidentally found a way to copy it when I gave it a try on my printer. Copied with just black ink was impossible to use. My color cartridge was running out of ink.  I tried copying on color and discovered that with the colored ink gone, the background became plain white and the black pattern dots printed neatly. I may just save the empty cartridges in case I have another brown pattern I need to copy. Changing out cartridges is a minor nuisance for the great result achieved. Alice in Oregon -- nine days and counting for the Northwest Conference. Getting the last minute things ready keeps me busy. - 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] weekly insertions & edgings on Gon's site
Pattern 11/2015 is interesting. Yes, you will have at least three weavers at any one time -- one on each edge and one or two in the ribbon. At times, you will have a section of half stitch and a section of cloth stitch going at the same time so the center might have two weavers.. The weaver on each side is a steady weaver. You can use the same pair all the way down. All of the center pairs (all except the outside edges) will alternate between passives and weavers.   Each edge has two passives and a weaver, so a total of six pairs.  The other 22 pairs may or may not be a weaver at some point in the pattern. All of these pairs should be wound with plenty of thread so you don't have to worry about running out no matter which pair or thread ends up as a weaver . Starting -- depends on what you want to do with the lace. if the ends will be sewn into a seam and hidden, or you are just making a sample, you can just pick a spot on the pattern and start (Like in the sample on the webpage.) If you want to make a bookmark of the pattern, you can hand all the bobbins along a straight line, work a row or two of cloth stitch all the way across, and then start the pattern across a straight line. Use your judgement on hanging on the pairs. If two pairs start at the same point, use one pin. If the pairs are separate, use separate pins. On this pattern, the outside edges will have a passive and a weaver pair on the first pin, and a single pair on the second pin. The straight line passives are really two pairs braided (which separate when part of the half stitch ribbon) so hang the two pairs on one pin. The cloth stitch section in the middle can be double hung. or single hung -- your choice.  If you start with the rows of cloth stitch all the way across, you can just hang all the pairs evenly across the edging, work the cloth stitch, and then ease the pairs into position as you start the pattern. As for the "X's" -- they just mark the area where the half stitch sections start and end, where you change your stitch. Good luck and have fun.Alice in Oregon --- just three weeks until PNW Lace Conference so am very busy with last minute activities. Registration still open. On Friday, May 29, 2015 12:25 PM, "hottl...@neo.rr.com" wrote: Hello All! Is anyone else working thru some of these? Today, I'm attempting #11/2015, the Dutch lace with half stitch/whole stitch ribbons. It is quite charming & the mix of half & whole stitch seems like it will bring out the character of my aquamarine colored linen thread. My current conundrums are: 1) how many weavers, 2) how & where to hang in all the passives since it is not a straight start & 3) what do the two large Xs on the pattern mean? On the supplemental diagram, it looks like passives switch to weavers & vice versa. Looking at the finished lace, it almost seems like there are 3 "regular" workers--one on each edge (that sew into the ribbons) & another to get the intertwined ribbons started down the center. It's not clear to me whether the passives should be hung two pairs per pin, singly on a line or some combination thereof. And the two big Xs are a total mystery! I've checked Practical Skills & reviewed some of my previous projects but can't find an! ything that looks similar. How do I diagnose what I need to do? Or should I work a few rows of cloth stitch just to get going, then try to assign the various pairs to the pattern on the fly? Does anyone have some sage advice? Many thanks. Sincerely, Susan Hottle, Erie, PA USA, not giving up yet! - 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/ - 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] Bolster Pillow
Using a pool noodle does give a good base to a roller or bolster if it has enough layers of wool to take the brunt of the pins. I bought a pillow with a roller that gave out in 2-3 yards of lace work. When i took it apart, it had a pool noodle without any wrappings. An inch of wool wrappings would have made a great difference in the life of the roller. I think I remember seeing 5-6 inch pool noodles in the store previous years. You might watch for the larger size if you want a fat bolster. The main thing I wanted to comment on is the lightness of the foam bolster. A light bolster could roll easily when tensioning threads. A well-fitting basket, box or stand would give support. I suggest putting a layer of rubber shelf lining between the bolster and the holder. This shelf lining is usually available at dollar stores or even the market. It's thin but provides a non-slip surface. I have a vague memory of seeing or reading about a temporary bolster support on a table. A large towel was rolled up from both ends until the rolls almost met. It was turned over so the rolls were down on the table, and the bolster sat in the valley between the rolls. Add a layer of the rubber shelf lining, and it might make a usable, portable bolster support. I haven't tried it. Is anyone on Arachne familiar with this idea? Alice in Oregon -- on my way to check out the final arrangements for the Northwest Lace Conference next month. Preparations are well advanced for a great conference. See portlandlacesociety.com for details. Registration is still open. - 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] Questions, bobbins
We can have so much fun with our tools. Six centuries of development have given us a large variety to play with. I learned with Midlands. That's what the teacher had and I knew nothing else for quite a while. I made lace for several years with them. Continentals looked like they rolled too much. Then I started making lace styles with sewings, etc, that made Midlands awkward to use.  After acquiring and using some continentals -- surprise! They worked just fine. I usually had enough of them on the pillow that they didn't have much room to roll. Besides, all the different shapes and sizes intrigued me so I started a collection. Now i choose bobbins for a project according to: type of lace, size of thread, quantity needed, size of pillow, and what's available in my bobbin drawers at the moment. (Yes, I usually have several projects 'on the go' at any given time so what's left in the drawers can be critical.) I find the Midlands sit in the drawer a long time between uses. (Such a shame since I have some very pretty ones, and enough to do the famous mat pattern.) However, my Beds class this summer will see some of these in use again. As to spangles, over the years I've tended to smaller and smaller spangles. I also removed the dangles that some people put on bobbins. I don't weigh my bobbins so don't know how close in weight my various Midlands are. I find length of bobbins more important, and choose bobbins the same length when selecting a set for a project. My fingers like both the heads and the spangles of the bobbins to be fairly even on the pillow. I may be more tolerant than some people for variation in size/weight of my bobbins, but I'm not bothered much by variation. I don't like to mix Midlands with continentals, but I will mix continental styles. I've been working a series of patterns and didn't want to spend a long time winding nor waste any more thread than necessary. I chose to wind one bobbin full with 20 yards, and then pull off one yard for the partner bobbin after each use. It takes less time to reset the project, and saves some thread. Bobbins capable of holding 20 yards are on the larger side of my bobbin selection. To fit better on my pillow, I matched each fat bobbin with a skinny continental for the one yard half. Besides, I didn't have enough to the fat bobbins to use only them. It worked better than I expected, and was not a problem for my fingers in handling them. Most people start out with the type of bobbin their teacher used. Some people go on to try other styles, and some just use their starting kind. As long as they work for the project and for you, use whatever bobbins you want. The most sensitive part of choosing a bobbin is the weight compared to the thread. When you start working in the very fine threads, the bobbins will need to be light weight. A heavy bobbin can break a thread easily. Conversely, if you are working a a heavy thread, a larger bobbin is needed just to hold the thread for a project. So, choose your own style of bobbins. Just smile when someone insists there's only one right way to do something. It may be the way they were taught. Alice in Oregon -- where it's only two months till the Pacific NorthWest Lace Conference, June 18-21. See details at portlandlacesociety.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] Arachne Aniversay
Arachne was started April 12, 1995 by Liz Reynolds. She has maintained it all these years, even when she was too busy to read the messages. Many thanks to Liz. There has been nothing said about commemoratives this year. I think it's been a year or two or more since we had any. It was always a lot of work for someone when we had them, though it was fun for the rest of us. April 12 is on a Sunday. We can make it Arachne Day, and all plan to make at least a little lace that day -- and toast Arachne. I have learned so much over the years from this List and it's many people. Thanks to everyone for the education and encouragement. Alice in Oregon -- where it's pouring outside right now. - 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] Add Color to lace edging
I think you could add one color to this week's edging. It would be the cloth stitch ribbon down the center. You would have to add a color pair at the pin that starts the ribbon strip (where a passive pair normally turns and becomes the ribbon worker) and let the intended worker pair be an extra passive pair down the ribbon. At the bottom-most pin, lay back the colored pair. At the next center ribbon section, lay the colored pair back in. It's easier for trimming off the threads later if the laid back pair loops around some pins before being used again. Another point is to be sure that the pin stitch where the inserted pair starts or stops is a firm stitch so the colored ends cannot come loose. I have done two large projects where a colored pair was inserted and thrown out. One was a scarf that gets lots of handling, and I've not yet had the colored pair come loose so I know it can be done. Give it a try.Alice in Oregon -- where we have a gray, rainy day after weeks of mostly sun - 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] major disaster
My friend made a round tablecloth. The instructions on the outside ring listed the wrong number of repeats. It was too small by one repeat when she tried to assemble the rings. She had to cut it open next to the start/finish line, remove the old tie-off threads, wind and sew on a new set in the loops of the start, and make a couple repeats. This then required the overlap method of finishing to attach the new section to the old neatly. She had no choice of method since this ring had to fit around the previous ring on the cloth. If you stretch/shrink the lace to fit, it will revert to the original size when it's washed. You have two choices to make it look good. One is to do as listed above, and make another repeat. The other is to cut the long side, overlap the edges one repeat worth, and sew together in the overlap method. Since both methods will require the same type of overlap finishing, it would be faster to shorten the long side instead of making more lace to lengthen the short side. It depends on the item you are putting the lace on, which way would be best. Do you need the full length of the long side? Or will the shorter length work? Best wishes to the project. Alice in Oregon -- where it's gray, no sun, just fog all day. - 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] Identification of a type of lace
>is anyone able to tell me which type of lace this is? >I haven't got a clue, so any info is appreciated! >https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/stevienixed/15811206704 According to Kurella's "Guide to Lace and Linens", this mesh is Maglia de Spagna, or Spanish Point. It appears in some Italian and Spanish lacesl, and some Torchon, usually peasant-style laces, not high fashion. It's an uncommon mesh, seen occasionally in 18th century Italian and some Spanish laces. Usually a relatively coarse mesh used in household laces. Since it's not high fashion, it's hard to date. Alice in Oregon - 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: [lace-chat] Joining
Somewhere, in one of your lace group libraries, should be a copy of "Het Lassen en Aannaaien van Kant" or "Joining and Attaching Lace" by Louise Allis-Viddeleer. It is the thesis she wrote that was published, though I don't know how many copies. The front of it also says:Lace Teacher Training "kantentrum" Bruges14th pormotion, 19th June 1993Pormotor: Martine Bruggeman There was a separate English translation published with it. It contains detailed instructions and diagrams for overlap joining of many different styles of lace. It's a bit rare to find, but there may be a copy in the library of the Lace Guild or one of the local guilds in your area. If anyone ever sees a copy on sale, grab it. It's worth it's weight in gold if you are trying the skill for the first time. By the way -- it sounds a lot scarier than it really is. The main hint is to be sure you work plenty of overlap length to give the best choice of pathways across the lace for the joining. Do at least a full repeat, or even two if the repeats are small. More if your start was rather messy and you want to bypass the first few inches. Alice in Oregon On Monday, February 2, 2015 2:50 PM, Sue Harvey <2harv...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote: Having nearly come to the end of a very long term project of a wide tablecloth edging, I have been contemplating joining it by the overlap method as I have been told how neat it looks, the problem is I don't know how. Has anyone on Arachne ever worked this method and knows where can I get instructions? Sue M Harvey Norfolk U.K. Sent from my iPad To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace-chat y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/ - 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] Northwest LaceIf you Conference
Online registration is now open for the Pacific Northwest Lace Conference June 18-21 in Newberg, Oregon. All the details of the classes, teachers, and activities are on the webpage portlandlacesociety.com. If you have questions, contact either me or the person listed on the webpage. We hope to see some of you there. Alice in Oregon -- where it's wet and warm, at least for mid winter. - 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 management
If I have lots of thread left on the bobbins, I try to do another project immediately that will use it. I have learned that if they are bagged and stored, they will not emerge when a suitable project appears. I'll have forgotten all about them and wind new bobbins.. So, it's use 'now' or throw it out. Once, when I had lots left after a big project, I started an edging on a travel pillow. The bobbins stayed with the project. When a thread ran out, another bobbin was inserted. I had that project on the travel pillow until the wound bobbins ran out. Over time, I have found it easier and easier to rip off thread and toss. Thread is the least expensive part of all our equipment. When I look at my thread stash, I think I have more than I can possibly use even if I live to be 100 while still making lace. And, I've found it more important to have the bobbins ready to use than to save a batch of thread. It's discouraging to be ready to start a project and not have bobbins available. I try to keep in mind, all year, that I'll want Christmas ornaments later. If I make a few during the year, I'll have fewer to have to do in November. Another easy small project is the bookmark. It's always nice to have a few on hand to use as gifts. This sort of thing is fun to do as a break between larger projects. Do what works for you, but don't worry about throwing out some very curly threads. If it really bugs you, you can put them in a jar instead of the bin and use them to stuff a pincushion when you accumulate enough. I have a couple friends who do that. Alice in Oregon -- where it's only a few days before registration starts for Northwest Regional Conference. Find details at portlandlacesociety.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] Butterfly project
Since it's been quiet on the list, I'll make some comments on the butterfly I've been making the past three weeks. It's 18 inches wide. Originally, it came from a Bayeaux pattern that's four inches wide. This is the working diagram for the tiny butterfly. To deal with the large size, I'm using size 20 crochet thread with perle cotton gimp. I'm heartily glad that I'm not trying to make the tiny pattern from this diagram. I haven't counted, but I'm guessing I have about 60 pairs going at one time and 6-10 gimp. Even with every thread pathway drawn out, it's slow going in places. Plus I've found a few mistakes -- such as a 3 pair crossing that had 3 pairs coming in but only two going out. Some gimp lines are drawn in such a way that's it's impossible to work the way it's marked. I've become very good at adding a pair when one was needed, and throwing out extras. I have one Bayeaux book that I read through before starting since it's been probably 15 years since I did a Bayeaux project. But the author of this pattern never read this book.  The butterfly is full of three-pair crossings but the book has none listed. I had to guess on how that stitch was made. (Hey... maybe I invented a new crossing!!) I'm 2/3 done at the moment. I've spent a lot of hours on this since Christmas since my DH has been under the weather, so I stayed home with him, and then our weather turned very cold -- below freezing for several days. Good lacemaking weather. By the time DH was feeling better and the weather had warmed up, he had kindly shared his bug with me, so now I'm staying home for myself. I figured this was a good way to spend the next several days. Who knows By the time I've got rid of the bug, the butterfly might be finished. If you want to see my butterfly, you'll have to come to the June18-21 Lace Conference in Oregon. After all this work, I'll be showing it off there. (Check the webpage portlandlacesociety.com for details and info on the conference.) Alice in Oregon -- under very foggy skies but no rain. - 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] pattern for a large star
My star experiences have been in the 3-5 inch range, but I can imagine one a bit bigger. I think you could take any star pattern you like and enlarge it to the size you want. Adjust the size of thread to fit the new size, and make it. For the top of a tree, I can see various ways of mounting it. One is to insert a string or ribbon through lace at the center back and tie it to the tree top. Another is to make two stars and sew them together leaving the bottom open. The third is to make a paper cone or cylinder and attach the angel to it. Any star you make should look lovely on your tree. Alice in Oregon -- where it's supposed to pour rain for the next two days. Good time for making lace. On Tuesday, December 9, 2014 3:53 PM, Regina Haring wrote: I was wondering if anyone has made a large bobbin lace star that could be used at the top of a Christmas tree - a star perhaps six inches across. If you have tried this, does it look as good as you had hoped? And where did you find a pattern? Looking forward to your comments, Regina Haring Nanuet, NY - 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/ - 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 received
Yesterday I received two Christmas exchanges. Both were on handmade cards. Lorri Ferguson and Dawn Podsiad are both very creative people. I hope pictures were sent to Jenny so you all can see the torchon decorated Christmas ball and the bangle enclosed lace star. Each lace ornament is lovely Thank you so much. I'm proud to show them off at the next lace meeting and display them in my home. Alice in Oregon -- where plans are moving forward for Lace Conference June 18-21, 2015 in Newberg, Oregon. Check the Portland Lace Society webpage for details. - 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] Another needlelace question
Needlelace 'technique' would not transfer to bobbin lace, but the 'style' of the finished item was copied. You just need to look at the old pieces of Reticella to see the similarity in the designs. Then bobbin lace makers started exploring their own capabilities and a wide variety of styles appeared across Europe. The reverse was also true. As new styles of lace became popular, the needlelace people adapted their patterns to produce a similar look so they could compete in the marketplace. Alice in Oregon On Saturday, November 22, 2014 5:00 AM, Jeanette Fischer wrote: The designs for needlelace were often copied in machine made lace but was the technique of needlelace ever copied as in some of the bobbin laces?? Jeanette Fischer, Western Cape, South Africa. - 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/ - 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] Simple needlelace question
I've had just enough needlelace experience to be dangerous. I was taught by an expert, but arthritis makes my results nothing to brag about. No, the threads lie differently going the two directions. It's the nature of the stitch. That might be one reason the stitch was developed that works across the row, then returns with a straight line back to the start, then the next row of stitches overlaps the straight row. It makes a more solid fill stitch and all the stitches are alike. This would sooth the soul of the person who has to have everything lined up neatly. However, by the time an area is worked over and back until filled, then threads all blend together and the very slight difference between the two directional stitches is not noticed. So, just plunge right in and enjoy your lace. I'm sure you're doing just fine. Alice in Oregon -- where it's been raining for 3 days and won't stop for another 4 or more. Been doing lots of lace. On Friday, November 21, 2014 11:02 PM, Helen Clarke wrote: Dear Needlelace Gurus, I have a really basic question. I've received conflicting answers from 'experts' so I'm now confused. When you are making the 'buttonhole' stitch from right to left, is it supposed to look identical to when made from left to right or is it supposed to be the opposite? I do hope that this makes sense! Many thanks in advance ... Regards, Helen. - 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/ - 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] Cantu lace books
>Apart from Mary McPeek (and I did a course with her years ago at Ithaca), >there are publications by Vera Cockuyt on Cantu and another called Lavori i >fuselli - Edizioni "Mani di Fata". > >Don't know if either of these are available any more. The above books emrege occasionally. I recently got Lavori at a lace day raffle. Keep checking lace dealers and online book sellers. Let people know you are looking for them. There are some new Cantu books coming out of Italy. I have a friend with a couple of them but I don't know the names. However, they are in Italian, and she ordered them directly from websites in Italy. There are also some videos (perhaps CD or DVD) also, which can be ordered from Italy. I was looking at them once and thought they were a bit spendy for my pocketbook but my friend loves the one she has. I suggest doing some internet searching. You might have to look up the Italian word for bobbin lace. Sorry I don't have the websites handy. Does anyone know the Italian terms that would be helpful? Alice in Oregon -- where lace has been set aside until our church Bazaar next week. I'm up to my ears in preparations. - 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] I survived the One Day Workshop! (long)
I was asked to report and so I'll try. A Textile center 90 miles away scheduled a week of textile skills with a different one each day. I was asked to do Introduction to Bobbin Lace. We would have five hours to do it. The class would be people who had no idea how lace was made, and no supplies. With help from friends and the Poole Lace Guild, we devised a version of the twisted Christmas ornament strip that looked much like the famous 'snake' for beginners. It used only cloth stitch with extra twists to make a little design in the center a couple places. The great thing about it was that it could be ended at any point down the strip. They were shown samples without stiffening, and a sample twisted and stiffened. I had specified a limit of 12 people, and solicited 3 friends to come with me to help. All bobbins were wound in advance, and the patterns were on the pillows. I collected all empty pillows I had, ones owned by the lace society that hadn't sold at the last lace day, some borrowed from other lace friends, and covered new pillow forms to finish out the count. . Three days before class, I got an email that they had registered 15 people!! Yikes! That meant 66 more bobbins to wind and more pillows to find. Luckily, I had also had a 4th friend ask to come. I did write a terse email to the registrar whom I had been working with and started winding bobbins. It turned out the two employees of the museum who had signed out, dropped out so we had 13 in the class. I was up early because it was a two hour drive to the Center. I picked up one friend on the way. The other 3 met in another city and came together. We were from four different cities, but we arrived at the center within three minutes of each other. (Good timing.) And the Center was locked. No one home. One student showed up very soon, and phoned the person with the key. She came driving in very shortly (it's a small town), very much surprised we were there 30 minutes early. I had made arrangements with the registrar but she neglected to tell the person with the key. But we got in, and then had to wait a bit while they set up the classroom (moving things off the tables). The students came in and got settled (two were late). I started with basic background. They wound one pair of bobbins, just to get the idea of prep needed, then we switched to the prewound bobbins and I talked them step by step through the start. After that, the five helpers rotated around the room coaching as needed. Almost everyone was getting well started when lunch was announced. We took a half hour break and continued. There was one man in the class. I had expected all women. He was one of the first people to finish. He had a bit of a problem keeping left and right straight. He said each time I came by to look, he did the stitch backwards. However, he got the idea quickly, and even put a third design element in the strip without it being marked on the pattern. The pattern was 8 inches long. I think 3 or 4 made it to the bottom. One could not get the concept of the stitch and had to be coached through every stitch. She got only a couple inches or so. One lady worked hard but gave up at 3 inches and had me finish it off. She enjoyed the class but learned that her eyes and hands just could not do lace. She would stick to her weaving. The others were at all levels in between the fast and the slow. One of the early finishing students took all the bobbins as people finished, and stripped them. There's only a few left for me to do. (That was nice of her.) Half the class was very enthusiastic about it and wanted to do more. I had taken my bag of beginner supplies I keep on hand for our local people, which had just been stocked up with beginner books and bobbins. I sold all the books (have to order more now) and half my stock of bobbins, plus three of the pillows we used. I think I'm going to be asked back in the future for a continuing class. If so... I will limit it to 8. I have to admit that I was almost overwhelmed with trying to instruct 13 people at once. I'm more used to single tutoring. I could probably do a better job if I did it again... having been through it once. Of course, hind sight is always clearer and I could see where I could have done better. I did learn that the noise level was higher with five instructors. There was always the sound of at least five people talking. The other thing was that I could have used an easel to hold up a demo pillow and/or a paper pad to draw on. Class ended half an hour early, but everyone was getting tired. We had normal tables to work on which were too high, of course. I had suggested each person bring a seat cushion so they would sit a bit higher, which helped, but the chairs were not the best for lacemaking. If a group continues, we can use TV trays or the common adjustable plastic folding tables that
[lace] One day lace class
Next week I get to lead a one day bobbin lace introduction class at a textile center. They are having a week of classes with a different skill/craft presented each day. I'll have 5 hours to teach the rudiments of bobbin lace to 8- 12 ladies. To have enough class time for be able to make something, i have the bobbins all wound, and the pillows will have the patterns mounted on them. I'm also taking four experienced lace makers to assist so all questions can be immediately answered, and mistakes caught promptly. We will be doing a Christmas Spiral which is mainly a straight strip of clothstitch, with a couple sections of twists in the middle to add interest. When finished, it will be wrapped around a dowel with or without hair spray, to turn it into a spiral. It starts and ends on a slant. The thread ends at the bottom are tied in tassels. The neat thing about this pattern is that is can be ended at any point down the length and still make a pretty spiral. Everyone can work as far as time allows, and then end it at that point. Even the slower students will have a finished item. I found it interesting when making samples that the strips would twist and hold shape without stiffening. We are using tightly twisted crochet thread, and the twist of the thread makes the whole thing want to twist. This sort of crash course is not our usual teaching method so we are rather curious if it will work out as we hope. The textile center is over an hour's drive from my home so this is a major excursion. The five people going are from four different towns so just getting there in only two cars takes planning. Finding 12 empty pillows was a challenge. I came up with 8 and the other ladies found the rest. I have lots of bobbins so that was no problem. I now have one week to finalize any diagrams and/or handouts to use with the class. Other than that, I just have to pray for good weather crossing the mountain. I don't like to drive that road in pouring rain. Alice in Oregon - 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] Northwest Regional Conference, USA
The next Northwest Regional Lace Conference will be June 18-21, 2015 at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, hosted by the Portland Lace Society. For classes, teachers, and details, look up portlandlacesociety.com website and click on the rainbow. The theme is rainbows and butterflies, and there's lots of lace butterflies on the website to entice you. (Lace note -- a couple of them are mine.) It's not time yet to register, but it is time to check things out and start making plans. If you have any questions, contact either me or the person listed on the website. Alice in Oregon -- where summer is over and it's rainy this 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] Knit in Public Day
My local paper has a Knit in Public demo listed on Sept. 14. They invite knitters, crocheters, and spinners. It's listed as a recognition of fiber arts. Fiber arts.Lace would fit in there. I think I may just take my pillow and chair, and join in, providing it's not raining that day . It should get some attention. By the way, I researched Knit in Public Day (USA version), and it's really a long week -- Sept 14 to Sept 22. Is anyone else involved in this? Lace in Public Day is not until September so it might be fun to join the knitters. Alice in Oregon -- in a stretch of warm dry weather. - 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 with and without an end use
I do both types of lacemaking. I have given away laces specifically made for exchanges, weddings, birthdays, Christmas, conference decorations and raffles, etc. Sometimes it's specifically for me -- a scarf, collar. or motif. I don't wear much lace on my everyday clothes, but will wear a dainty scarf or a collar to church or special occasion. I'm currently making a tablecloth just for myself. I'm guessing the cats will be gone by the time I get it finished, so it will be safe to have it on my table. On the other hand, I love to try different kinds of lace and interesting patterns. I make a lot of items just for the fun of trying the pattern. There's a variety of projects that were started in a class, and have not been finished. Some will be, but some will be cut off if I decide I'm no longer interested. Many of these projects have ended up on a display board that I take to demos. Hint: Most of you are familiar with the commercial display board that's 24 x 48 with 12 inch flaps folded in on both sides. If you take a sharp knife or cutting blade and score a line between the two flaps, down the center of the big board -- and only through the inside surface layer, the board will fold backwards right in the middle. This gives you four connected surfaces, each 12 x 48. The folded form 12x48x2 inches is much easier to transport than the 24x48 form, especially when it's windy. I put an elastic strap around it so it stays firmly closed during transport. Actually, I have three of these boards now, so I can take just one or all to a demo, depending on space allotted. Alice in Oregon -- where I'm working on a butterfly pattern from an old 'Kant' magazine. - 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] de-fuzzing lace in progress?
I have both a light and a dark cat, so no matter what color I'm working on, I can see cat hair. Fingers and/or tweezers are the main source of removal. Sometimes I use masking tape to remove hairs from the pillow, to keep them out of the lace. The fingers/tweezers made need to be applied several times, even after the lace has been completed and used. When the light catches the lace 'just so', I find more cat hair. This will continue to happen until some time after the cats are gone. Their hair gets into everything and likes to stick to fabrics. Alice in Oregon -- where we had record high temps for 3 days and are now back to chill and rain. - 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] tape lace photos
The lace on these handkerchiefs is beautiful. It seems to me to be mainly Idrijan lace with modern designs. However, some of them show distinctive Cantu influences plus some from other laces like Hungarian that are found in the Eastern Europe area north and east of Northern Italy. A few looked more like needlelace than bobbin lace, but the pictures didn't stay on the screen long enough to really study them. If these were all done by one person, it's a lifetime worth of work. Alice in Oregon -- trying to cope with an "improved" email program that won't let me delete any part of a message when I Reply. And it repeats all messages with the same title. !! Frustration!! Not Arachne friendly. - 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] New job, and treasure
I just took on a temporary job as receptionist/clerk for a tax accountant, half time -- 4 hours a day for 8 weeks. My new boss said he needed someone for 4 hours but had only an hour or two of work each day so "bring something to do". Of course, I took a lace project. This is the first time I've been paid to make lace. As to the Treasure -- The second day of work, he brought out a box that contained his grandmother's lace. He said no one in the family wanted it, so he gave it to me. The box has various pieces of Duchesse and Point de Gaze laces, and a couple knotted lace doilies. One small piece I think is much older. I need to do research on it but I think it's a predecessor of Binche. It is keyhole shaped, about 4 inches high and might be for the back of a baby bonnet. Some notes on some of the laces make it look like they belonged to Grandmother's grandmother -- late 1700's. That's my story of a dream job and great boss. Alice in Oregon -- recovering from a long road trip to the Winter Conference in Costa Mesa, California -- 1000 miles each way. - 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] Ancient threads - Z and S twist
The TV program Nova was about some ancient Roman tombs where they found remnants of threads, both Z and S twist. They said the Z twist probably was made in northern Europe while the S twist came from the Mediterranean area. The reason was the way the spindle was handled during spinning. The northern people used a spindle that was spun/twisted from the top which resulted in a Z twist. The Mediterranean people turned their spindles from the bottom which made the S twist. I found this explanation of the two twists rather interesting. Alice in Oregon -- in a deep freeze for several days. May break record low temp records this 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://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
[lace] ] Christian Church Lace
I think you will find few church laces in Bucks. Crosses and other symbols are usually symmetrical. Bucks is worked on an angle that's not 45 degrees so it's difficult to make squares or symmetrical features. Torchon, or even 's Gravenmoerse might be the better styles to search in. I second the suggestion of Kortelahti's book. It has some lovely church lace edgings. Alice in Oregon - From: Clive & Dot I am wanting to take off in my New Year Project of doing the edging for the cloths used in our chapel and thought I would like to do something in Bucks with crosses somewhere in the design, I have been looking at the prickings I have and have failed to find even one in Buckspoint. Are there any out there and if so could someone point me in the right direction. Dot Goetsch - 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] "Dutch Lace" review, plus Kortelahti
I have been enjoying the book "Hollandsche Kant - met Passer en Liniaal" (Dutch lace - With Compass and Ruler), published by LOKK in 2008. No other identifying numbers found. 271 pages. Three languages which I think are Dutch, English and German. The book has history of Dutch lace from 1880 to 1942 (63 pages), then techniques with extremely good diagrams and instructions (16 pages), followed by 122 patterns (163 pages). The back of the book has several pages of pictures of new projects made using some of the patterns as an inspiration. The Technique section has this definition: 'Dutch Lace' consists of geometric and stylized floral figures connected to each other with plaits. It is a lace of continuous threads... The use of picots or tallies was discouraged but appear sporadically. The history section makes a good read if you are interested in history. It relates the lace activity to the social scene and details the struggle and growth of lace schools, with teachers training students who became teachers -- passing on the art. The schools involved art teachers to improve the designing of patterns. The industry was alive and well until the war stopped it all for 30 years. Lace was revived in the 70's. This book contains many patterns resurrected from attics and archives, and put back into use. The patterns are quite intriguing to a person used to seeing Bucks, Beds and Torchon. I think the style is more Guipure than Torchon. Some patterns insert some extra threads at certain points to complete a pattern design. The patterns are mostly edgings, straight or rounded. Most of the straight edgings have corner patterns. Some half circles are mounted on fansticks. Some patterns are small mats, round or square. The committee that did the study and prep work for this book provided detailed diagrams for the patterns, with extra ones for intricate spots in the patterns. There's a colored picture for each of the 122 patterns. The book is large (probably A1 size) and an inch thick, which makes it a bit expensive in the USA. However, considering all that's in it, it's a very good buy. I think it was a limited production and may be hard to find. If you ever come across this book, get it. It would be a great reference in a guild library. Now -- my reference to Kortelahti. Some years ago we had a discussion about Kortelahti lace, and what kind it was. All we came up with was 'Kortelahti Lace'. After my study of this book and it's patterns, I realize that Kortelahti lace has it's base in Dutch Lace of the early 20th century. Eeva-Liisa must have had basic lessons or reference books from someone trained in this style of lace. She took this training, and expanded it with her own patterns. Her designs are a bit more flowing, less geometric, but follow the same basic style. Since I really enjoy making Kortelahti lace patterns, that may explain why I like this book on Dutch lace. Alice in Oregon -- where we had a cool but sunny day. - 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] IOLI convention - on line
Go to IOLI, then click on Conventions. Click on Conference information. It brings up the class listings. Click on the one you want and you get the description. Across the top of this page are four boxes. The first is the class number. The second is the class name. Click on this name and you get the picture of the item to be made. Click on the teacher's name and you get info about him/her and maybe a picture. Just keep clicking and things and see what comes up. Alice in Oregon From: "hottl...@neo.rr.com" Hello All! Is there a FAQs section for newbies interested in attending the Sacramento convention? So far I haven't received the Bulletin, Handbook or convention info by snail mail. When I searched online, I didn't find any pictures of the various class projects. Am I looking in the wrong place? Or are pictures not available online? Please contact me off list to help me understand how this works. Many thanks. Sincerely, Susan Hottle, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA - 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] Oh ye Greek Gods!
Lovely! I remember this. It was stolen, so Alex made a second one with a change in one detail so it's possible to tell one from the other if the original one was found. So that 1200 hours was done twice! So, if you see this lace in person... and Alex is not with it you may be looking at the stolen one. Contact the police and Alex. Alice in Oregon -- fogged in under an inversion. No rain but no sunshine either. In a message dated 1/15/2014 _alexstillwell@talktalk.net_ (mailto:alexstillw...@talktalk.net) writes: My biggest and most challenging piece is my Oh ye Greek Gods! You can see it on my website www.alexstillwell.wordpress.com It took 1200 hours to make. Alex Dear Alex, Is this the famous lace that disappeared (or was stolen)? I'm thinking of the one that was so valued that notices and very clear photos were put in various national Lace Guild magazines at the time. And I remember a detailed article about it If so, how was this resolved?. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - 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] Embroidered flour sacks - history
I am not an expert in history but did read up on this a few years back. I'll try to summarize. For more detail, look at: http://www.hoover.archives.gov/exhibits/collections/floursacks/index.html During and after the war, food was in short supply. The Commission for Relief imported huge amounts of food with the flour packaged in cotton sacks. To prevent the cotton from being used for ammunition, the sacks were tracked and controlled to be used for clothing, teaching sewing, etc. Many ladies embroidered sacks which were returned as thank you gifts or sold to raise funds for food. The embroidery could be embellishment on the picture/lettering already on the sack, or personal creations. A large collection of these sacks are at the Herbert Hoover Museum. I saw a small part of the collection in a traveling exhibit at Hoover's childhood home a few summers back. They are most interesting. I think a few of them may have had a bit of lace incorporated into the design. If you are in a museum that has a few of these sacks, take a good look. Alice in Oregon -- where the storms are going away for several days. It will be dry but cool this week. From: Karen M. Zammit Manduca What are those? I am intrigued. Maybe some posts have not come through if you have been discussing them. Karen in Malta - 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] the biggest and the hardest piece of lace
Subject: Re: [lace] What is the biggest and the hardest piece of lace you have ever done? Biggest and hardest That's a challenge to figure out. In square inches, the biggest completed project must be the three yards of 6 inch edging I made... but I didn't consider it difficult. It was a Kortelahti pattern with mostly torchon techniques. (Ask me again in 3 years and I might be able to claim a 40" square tablecloth that's in process right now.) Hardest might be the Beds fan. The pattern was not really that hard.. lots of people have made it. However, I chose to do it in 13 color shades going from dark at the bottom to light at the top. It took lots of planning to lay out the color changes, and took a set or two of bobbins in each of the colors. When it was all prepared, I had used 170 pairs of bobbins. Putting in and ending all those threads neatly made it a big challenge. Sometimes a color was used for only 2-3 millimeters and then changed. I look on each pattern as a fun challenge. Some are a bit more challenging than others, but each has it's quirks. And a feeling of satisfaction when it's done. Happy lacing, Alice in Oregon -- on a very stormy, windy day. - 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] Christmas gift -- new item
It's early Christmas morning, and we have already opened our gifts. My DH surprised me with something I've never seen before -- a pin/needle sharpener. Actually, it's called a Fish Hook Sharpening Stone, by Bear Paw Tackle Company. It's about 3 inches long, 1/2 inch thick, and shaped in a long triangular bar. Two sides have grooves down them for the pin (hook) to rub down. I had recently commented that one of my longer stick pins was quite dull. I think that gave him the idea. He also gave me one the the BBQ lamps that were recently discussed. I mentioned them and we looked at pictures on the web. I'm probably the first person in our group to get one, but most likely not the only person who will end up with one. I really like the 24" stretch of 'neck' on the lamp. It can reach the center of my largest pillow. Now I have to see if I can clamp it on my folding lace stand. I may just have to settle for clamping it on a table next to my pillow. Finished my butterfly. Later today I get to start a new project... think it will be a carousel horse. Merry Christmas! Alice in Oregon - 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] Christmas greetings
Best Wishes to all Arachneans for a lacy Holiday! Relax, enjoy, and maybe make a little lace. I'm working on a butterfly and expect to finish it in a day or two. DH and I will spend a quiet holiday so I'll have lots of time to make lace. Seasons Greetings for whatever holiday you celebrate! Alice in Oregon -- where it's mostly dry but cold. - 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] arachne exchange
My Around-the-World Arachne exchange is completed. I exchanged with three partners this year. This is what I received: England -- A red bell with gold accent South Africa -- double poinsettia with tatted center Australia -- Gold bangle with gold/green/white star inside it. It's such a treat to get these lovely items in the mail. Thank you to the ladies who organized it and all the lacemakers who took part. I've been working on squares for a tablecloth...am now on #5 of 36 so I still have lots to go. Don't expect it done anytime soon. I want to inventory my lace books, then do some practice on a bolster pillow, so I'll be taking some time off of the tablecloth project this winter. Have a lacy holiday, Alice in Oregon -- where our deep freeze is due to end in a day or two. - 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/