Dear Debbie and Bobbin Collectors, The subject line title above has been changed from "Harry Armstrong's cottage industry and the Springett's bead book", to correspond with the part of Debbie's memo about antique Dutch bobbins (text at bottom of this letter). I took the lace tour in connection with the Groningen OIDFA Congress this past Summer. We went to the Rembrandt House in Amsterdam, and Lia Baumeister was in the kitchen area with 3 lacemaker-demonstrators. There was a display case showing original old Dutch bobbins. The story, as I understood it, was that a bobbin was found in the house's cess pit (outdoor privy) at the back of the property, the contents being dated to about the first quarter of 1600's, whereas Rembrandt lived in the house for about 20 years, starting in 1639. From this found bobbin, historians have determined that lacemakers probably lived in the house in the early 1600's Similar, but not exactly the same, bobbins can be seen in OIDFA Number 4, 2007, page 27. I think there was an article by Lia about the Rembrandt house laces, and if someone can find it in a bulletin, it may have a picture of the actual found bobbin. Reproduction wooden bobbins are available in the gift shop of the house. They are rather slender, 3 1/2" in length, with a round bead-shaped bulb (about 5/8 " in diameter) to add weight, and cost 5.95 Euros each in July 2008. Finish is either light or dark. I chose the dark because it looked more antique. Jeri Ames Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
In a message dated 10/17/2008 9:19:38 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I remember Lia Baumeister was given some bobbins that had been discovered when they were digging during work in Amsterdam. Maybe one day, someone will discover a treaure trove of similar English bobbins that have survived at the bottom of a dried up pond or a sand pit... sigh **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000002) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
