At 06:17 AM 5/13/2004, you wrote:
I'm trying to spangle some new bobbins & am having a terrible time of
it. What gauge of wire do you usually use? Also, how can I tie the
spangles so they don't "flop" all over the place while I'm lacing?
Shirlee
Here is a copy of the spangling message I wrote up last year for
someone. Hope some of it is some help.
SPANGLING
Don't be afraid of spangling your bobbins. There's many ways of doing it,
and most any way you do it is right.
I use wire. If you want to use wire, get 24 guage. The local craft store
has 24 and 28. The 28 is too fine. It will break easily. I think 26 would
probably be best, but they don't sell it in the USA. You can only get 24
and 28.
You'll need a pair of needlenose pliers -- the skinniest ones you can find.
Check in an electronics store, or even one intended for jewelry. You'll
also need a wire cutter. A small one is fine because the wire is not thick.
My method - one (Through the Bobbin):
I like to put the beads on the loop of wire, put both ends through the hole
in the bobbin, then twist each end 3 times around the loop wire.
After the wires go through the bobbin, I clip them to about 2 inches. Using
the pliers, I push/pull the wire through the loop and around, and around.
Snug the wire up tight to the bobbin, then twist it around the loop wire
three times. Leave first wire sticking out, then do the other one. When
you do the second side is when you make sure the wire loop does not have
slack in it. If there's no slack, the spangle will not move much.
After both sides have been twisted, clip the excess wire, and squeeze the
cut ends into the middle of the loop, against the loop wire. I trim it as
close as I can to the spangle, and squeeze the sharp end against the wire
twists. If if goes through the loop and out the other side, it is too
long. Trim it again. No sharp end should be able to be felt by your fingers.
Method two (Through Bobbin and Beads):
Some people like to thread the wires through the bobbin and also through
the top one or two beads, then twist the wire ends to secure them. This
will make
stiff 'shoulders' at the top of the spangle. I think this is the Springett
method.
It makes a broader spangle than method one. but very firm.
Method three (Through Bottom Bead)
When the hole in the bobbin is too small to take two thicknesses of the wire,
the spangle loop needs to be reversed. That is -- thread the big bead and
the beads on one side, the bobbin, then the beads on the other side so you
are back to the big bead with the end of the wire. Thread the wire through
the big bead again, and twist the wires around on each side of the big bead.
Be very sure that the wire ends are tucked tight on the inside of the loop
so the fingers cannot feel them. (See method five for a related method).
Method four (Fishing Line):
Used mostly in Australia, I think. Use fishing line instead of wire. It
makes a soft loop that will bend, wiggle, and flip. The fishing line needs
to be tied at one side or the other of the bobbin, and a permanent glue
dabbed on the knot so it cannot come undone. Then trim line ends close.
I haven't done this myself, but I have some bobbins from Aus. with this type
of spangle.
Method five (Bead and Hidden Wire Loop):
I watch a person doing this, but never succeeded myself. The beads/bobbin
are put together like method three -- with the wire ends meeting at the
big bead. One end goes through the bead. It is bent back on itself and
the loose end threaded back through the bead with only the end loop peeking
out. Thread the second wire through this end loop, tighten and fold the
second wire back on itself. Using the pliers, grip the wire loop somewhere
along its circle and wiggle it so the wire connection slides inside the
bead. Trim both wire ends very closely to the big bead.
This makes a hidden wire connection.
GENERAL NOTES:
In general, spangling means putting a circle beads on a bobbin for weight.
It also helps control rolling of the bobbins.
Use glass beads. Plastic has no weight. Tiny metal spacer beads can be
used.
Keep your spangling loops no larger than 1 inch across from outside of
bead to outside of bead. A bit smaller is better.
Have nothing on the loop that has an edge or point that will snag threads
or the pillow or your fingers.
Match the size of spangle to the size of bobbin. Travel bobbins would
have smaller spangle loops.
The opinions expressed are entirely my own. They may or may not agree with
someone else's ideas or methods. Make use of the parts that you want to,
and discard the rest.
The last point is to have fun with the process. If you cannot find some
fun in it, hire someone to spangle your bobbins, or use a different kind.
Happy lacing,
Alice in Oregon
-
To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line:
unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
