Why bobbin lace ? Everything started because I'm in search of an appropriated metal trim/ribbon to use for covering the edges of the stumpwork mirror when it will be finished...well still there is a looot of time but I like to do things "in time" :)
I think that the original trim is made using a weaving loom tecnique but when I saw the edgings of the 17th C. English coifs and jackets that are made in bobbin lace, I thought that maybe was possible to achieve something that could work for my purpose too.
One of the main stitches used in bobbin lace can give a nice trim that I will probably use once I have mastered a bit more the tecnique and found the correct size of metal thread.
Have to say that I'm not interested in bobbin lace in general, just on how to make 17th C edgings because I think it would be nice to be able to make my own finishes, just in case ...
Here is my first try for the braid, not perfect at all but I'm starting understanding the method.
Then I tried this motif, which is from the Nottingham cap in the Middleton Collection.
The thread used here is not a real metal one, I have used Anchor gold Ophir that was indicated in the book but to be historically correct, it should have been made in 9DRM gilt Tambour which is much more similar to the old one ...still waiting for it in the mail.
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| Starting. I needed to use mini hair clip to avoid the thread unravelling from the bobbins. And the pillow is self made, velvet very stuffed with vegetal fibres ! |
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| Working... |
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| Finished sample, again not perfect as bobbin lace really needs practice. |
I have learned the basics stitches here:
and:
The books that have been fundamental are from Gillian Dye:
They have the patterns for all the laces shown inside and some instructions.
This is another very interesting one from Rosemary Shepherd but I still not have it:
The most common metal threads to make this laces are 9 DRM silver or gilt Tambour and No.3 silver or gilt smooth passing, all available from Neil at Benton and Johnson in UK.
And the adventure goes on....
