Today after school, I put a fabric cover on my bobbin lace pillow and practiced the first lesson in my book Bobbin Lace by Gilian Dye & Adrienne Thunder. I learned how to wind bobbins and work a plait. It went fairly quickly and for a first time effort, I was pleased with how my plait turned out. I'm sure I'll look at this picture in a few months and wonder how I could ever have been pleased with this effort, but for now I'm happy. I really don't like the pillow, though. I have a feeling I might have to buy a decent one soon! Any suggestions from experienced lace makers are welcome!
I've had that bobbin lace kit for a few years even before I learned tatting but have been too scared to try it! I have to admit I'm still scared about it but I do want to learn. I'm going to watch how your learning comes along and see if I might want to try it sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I have never attempted bobbin lace. It will be fun to watch what you do with it.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I wasn't going to put a cover on mine. Are you supposed to? I just figured it was temporary but I'll bet it would be nicer with a cover, but in that case, I'd probably get a wooden base to put under it and then maybe something to stuff between the wood and that ethafoam. Can you tell I've never taken it to guild yet?
ReplyDeleteGood first try at lacing!! I still have my first piece too. DO KEEP IT!
ReplyDeleteI figured that was the BL kit you mentioned you had. In the lacemaking world it is called the "Kit from Hell" and we all wish that Lacis and JoAnn's would trash them all. It has turned away many would-be lacers. But in a pinch just to practice it is fine. If you want to purchase a GOOD beginner kit, go to Snowgoose website and get their one and only bobbin lace kit. Choose the 18 inch cookie or larger. The 16 is too small to do much with. Here is their website: http://www.snowgoose.cc
Also making your own BL tools and pillows are easy. If you like I can email you my pillow and bobbin instructions that were on my tat-man.net website.
Just my opinion
Me again!
ReplyDeleteI should add that you can make this ethafoam pillow work better for you. Good that you covered it. But the foam board is still a bit hard and after many many prickings with pins it will break down. SO I would cover it with layers of wool felt. THEN cover it with a heavy dark cotton fabric. As Gina mentioned about adding a board for weight to the bottom...this is a good thing to do. The foam board is way too light and it is good to have the extra weight from a plywood base to help keep it on your lap or from sliding on the table. Also you may want to put the non-skid shelf liner on the bottom of the board to prevent slippage.
Can't wait to see more bobbin lace pictures and experiences from you!
Well done, I made my own pillow from thick polystyrene and its fine for a beginner...I began to think i would need another as I dont like having to be stuck with just one UFO on the pillow..then I lost interest again!!
ReplyDeleteI am so used to be able to start something with a spare tatting shuttle while something else is on the go.
I think Tatman has covered most points here, and I agree that the 16 inch pillow is too small if you decide to buy a cookie pillow (I found out the hard way, had thoght that all my pillows were at least 18 inch and was soon proved wrong part way into a circular piece when the bobbins started rattling on the table!!) Looking forward to seeing how you progress :-)
ReplyDeleteI think I can't add anything to the good advice you've already had, but congratulations on getting started.
ReplyDelete(My first make was the snake book mark, in cloth stitch, it is very easy, if you would like me to send the pattern and instructions, just e-mail me; snowydavid at gmail.com.It requires 7 pairs of bobbins.)
Snowy, my first project was the snake bookmark too!! and I haven't the faintest idea how I did it!
ReplyDeleteBobbin lace is easier than tatting if you ask my children - they can manage it better than tatting. I find it difficult to find time to sit down at the table and concentrate, so I didn't have much bobbin lace to show, but no matter what, it's always satisfying to learn something new. Keep it up and hope to see finished projects soon!
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