This course is intended for the complete novice, who has no idea at all about the terms, stitches and techniques used in bobbin lacemaking. It is ideal for anyone who is unable or unwilling to attend classes, but doesn't feel that sufficient information is given in books on the subject to enable them to start, as I describe in great detail exactly what has to be done, and why. It is based on the first three parts of the correspondence course that I ran many years ago, and should then enable the student to continue their work from books.
Those following this course are able to e-mail me when needing assistance, and I will do my best to get back to them as quickly as possible.
I have set out below the initial equipment that is necessary to start bobbin lacemaking, and on the following page information on how to prepare the lace pillow, and how to move lace up the pillow when working on a long piece.
If you would like to join in, please contact me using the e-mail link on the following page. I am currently able to accept a few more students on this course.
Equipment Needed for First Lesson:
A lace pillow. A round domed polystyrene pillow is quite adequate, covered with a dark blue cloth.
Two squares of dark blue cloth, hemmed. These are called cover cloths.
Seven pairs of bobbins.
Seven different coloured threads. Sewing cotton is quite satisfactory, although polyester thread is more difficult to work with in the early stages, as there is a certain amount of stretch in it. Using coloured threads for the first lesson enables you to see how the threads work through one another, and also makes it easy to see that the pairs remain together. If, however, you are unable to find coloured cotton, white is quite all right.
A piece of card to make the pricking (pattern on which you work). Any strong card can be used, such as cereal packet.
A pricker. To make a pricker, put the eye end of a sharp needle into a cork.
A pin cushion fixed to the top of your pillow (at the right if you are right handed, and the left if you are left handed), with a good supply of clean sharp pins.
A piece of felt to make a bridge -- see "Moving your work up your pillow" on the following page.
