Re: [lace] Questions for those who use bobbins
One is to get a fat drinking straw the next time you're in a restaurant that has them. Cut sections of the straw roughly the size of the neck, and then slice the straw open from top to bottom. The straw can then be slipped over the neck and thread and hitch, and keep it under control. i have those hook headed bobbins which work really well for metallics. but the straw i use for covering pre-wound bobbins to keep the threads clean and if i have a project that i know i cannot work on for a while, i cover those for both clean threads and holding the thread in place. i like using metallic threads. Hugs, Lin and the Mali "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." Ralph Waldo Emerson > > - 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] Questions for those who use bobbins
Metallics do present their own kinds of challenges, most annoying of which is throwing their hitches and running away! Several ways have been suggested to prevent this. One is to get a fat drinking straw the next time you're in a restaurant that has them. Cut sections of the straw roughly the size of the neck, and then slice the straw open from top to bottom. The straw can then be slipped over the neck and thread and hitch, and keep it under control. Another trick some people like is using the miniature clippies which can be found in the section of a store that sells things for styling hair. The only drawback to the clippies is that they sometimes get snagged in other threads, but then the straws aren't perfect either, so you'll have to try and see which you prefer. But I can pretty much guess that you'll want some help with those metallics! Have fun! I enjoyed working a large s'Gravensmore shawl with metallic accents! Clay Clay Blackwell Lynchburg, VA, USA Sent from my iPad > On Apr 19, 2015, at 9:10 AM, wrote: > > I am about to take on an ambitious challenge and although I have used > spangles with sewings I have worked a sample with square bobbins without > spangles which was obviously easier and am going to see if I can handle the > larger continentals I bought some time ago but have never used as I want more > thread on the bobbins than I think the square ones will take. I have at > least another one sample to work and also decisions to make about whether I > need a toning colour as well or bite the bullet and try metallic thread. When > I tried years ago I didn't get on well but maybe there is a special trick I > need to know to keep the bobbins wound. > Sue T in Dorset UK > - 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] Questions for those who use bobbins
Yes we would all prefer you were happy and making lace which ever way you can. Long may it continue. There are many of us out in the world of lace who have to choose the best way we can do something and not worry about it not being the correct way. Just loving lace and lacemaking and making the best lace you can do. I am about to take on an ambitious challenge and although I have used spangles with sewings I have worked a sample with square bobbins without spangles which was obviously easier and am going to see if I can handle the larger continentals I bought some time ago but have never used as I want more thread on the bobbins than I think the square ones will take. I have at least another one sample to work and also decisions to make about whether I need a toning colour as well or bite the bullet and try metallic thread. When I tried years ago I didn't get on well but maybe there is a special trick I need to know to keep the bobbins wound. Sue T in Dorset UK I also pick up and move bobbins by the spangles because that's the easiest way for me. And before anyone says that's wrong, if I didn't do it that way I wouldn't be able to make lace. After all, there are no lace police. Jean Nathan in Poole, Dorset, UK - 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] Questions for those who use bobbins
The trouble is there are a few people around who think they are the lace police! (just a gentle joke but I'm sure most of you have met one at some time) RegardsHazel Smith    > On 19 Apr 2015, at 08:00, Jean Nathan wrote: > > After all, there are no lace police. - 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] Questions for those who use bobbins
The booklet is available on the Springett's website for £3.50 plus p/p: www.cdspringett.co.uk/acatalog/Lacemaking_Books.html I was at the lace fair at Haydock Park yesterday, and bought Christine's latest pattern. It is huge, will need to retire to get time to do this. Agnes Boddington - Elloughton UK Christine Springett published a fantastic booklet called spangles and superstitions which is worth reading if you can get hold of a copy. Her introduction talks about the movement from fine thread to corse and the idea that then it was needed to have more weight for the domed pillion. - 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] Questions for those who use bobbins
I'm tempted to print this phrase out and put it on my wall. Thanks Jean, it's one of the reason I love lace making L Kind Regards Liz Baker > On 19 Apr 2015, at 08:00, Jean Nathan wrote: > > After all, there are no lace police. - 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 for those who use bobbins
I've used continental bobbins for Bruges, but, probably because I'm not as dexterous as most found them difficult to handle and also the threads untwisted as they rolled about. The spangles on Midland bobbins stop them from rolling and I also pick up and move bobbins by the spangles because that's the easiest way for me. And before anyone says that's wrong, if I didn't do it that way I wouldn't be able to make lace. After all, there are no lace police. It makes sewings a bit more difficult, but I tend to make continuous lace so that's not usually a problem and the spangles do break sometimes. That's a price I'm happy to pay and always have wire, pliers and a few spare beads with me to do running repairs. Jean Nathan in Poole, Dorset, UK - 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] Questions for those who use bobbins
Jenny, Christine Springett published a fantastic booklet called spangles and superstitions which is worth reading if you can get hold of a copy. Her introduction talks about the movement from fine thread to corse and the idea that then it was needed to have more weight for the domed pillion. I use different forms of bobbin depending on the work and pillow I am using. If I am making lots of sewings I tend to choose a flat pillow and continental bobbins however I don't find continental bobbins work well FOR ME, on a domed pillow. For that I prefer midlands. If I'm not doing any sewings I may use spangles with dangling bits and I often use these when demonstrating as they are a good talking point however I tend to use standard midland spangles of a ring of beads, Whilst I can't talk for others here is what I do with spangles (and having just spangled a number yesterday its quite fresh in my mind) I tend to go for a particular size and weight of spangle of spangle because I tend to buy my bobbins from a particular set of makes so the weights are consistent. Over all, the total weight of my bobbins when spangled are the same. I was recommended to buy bone bobbins a number of years ago by a lace maker who made floral Bucks. Because bone weighs more, you can get a thinner bobbin for the same weight as a thicker wooden bobbin and this means that it is easier to put lots of bobbins on your pillow because they take up less room. I tend to go for slimmer bone bobbins because then with a standard spangle they weigh the same. For example I prefer Stuart Johnson's slim bobbins that he makes with the crystals on them to his thicker bobbins because they weigh and handle differently, Whilst any of Chris Parsons' bone or wood work well for me including his pewter inlay ones. If I'm given a bobbin or buy one that weighs different to my normal bobbins then I adjust the weight to match by using heavier or lighter beads as needed. For example` Chris Parson's pewter inlay bobbins; I've put lighter beads on these because the bobbin itself is slightly heavier. When I started making lace, I tended to work with heavier spangles and over the years have gone from a 7 bead spangle to a 5 bead. I also prefer a particular length of bobbin for working and of course`, have favourites that handle best. If I was less lazy on a sunday morning I would get out of bed and go and weigh my bobbins, Perhaps something to do this afternoon. L Kind Regards Liz Baker Have a look at my bobbins on my website; http://thelacebee.weebly.com > On 19 Apr 2015, at 01:43, Jenny Brandis wrote: > > So, What do your bobbins weigh? Does your tension change if you use a > different style of bobbin? > > - 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 for those who use bobbins
I have been told that the spangles on the English East Midland bobbins are there for weight to aid in the tension. I accepted this as truth. But ... My EM bobbins vary in weight depending on the beads used in the spangles. European bobbins vary in shapes (and I am guessing) weight If you work on a bolster pillow your bobbins hang down, thus gravity (weight) is affecting the tension If you work on a cookie pillow your bobbins have a slight gravity affecting them BUT if you are working on a flat pillow, Gravity has no affect? So, What do your bobbins weigh? Does your tension change if you use a different style of bobbin? Jenny Brandis Brookdale, Western Australia - 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/
