Corners are a treat to turn. If the pricking is not exact, it can lead to some interesting problems and takes time to figure out. Something that was easier than I had expected, was joining a new thread to one that was running out. The book was quite explicit on that and I had no trouble at all. The joined bobbins are a bit awkward to manage at first, but they can be cut apart fairly soon and then back to normal lacing.
I soon found that I could have made a larger pillow. The 16 inch one I made is alright for this particular border, and smaller projects, but anything larger I think would be awkward to fit on. Perhaps I have the rounded surface a little too humped. A larger pillow will be coming up soon.
I plan to mount this border on a piece of dark green satin and make a picture frame for my Mom for Christmas. Well, maybe dark blue satin would be better. I can try both and see which looks nicer. Either will match her rooms.
I continue to make bobbins from a piece of doweling. I find that I am not too interested in the bobbins themselves other than that they hold the threads. I am, however, very interested in the spangles and I think they will be my mementoes should I travel to any Lace Days. I love the glitter of the beads and the colors are very nice and interesting. They make a delightful sound as they rub together. The beads are quite expensive, though I have found a wonderful shop in Ottawa that deals with loads of beautiful ones, and generally stock up when I visit my sister there. Luckily, the doweling for the bobbins is very inexpensive, so I can spend the money saved there on the beads for the spangles.
Please click HERE to have a look at the picture of the finished frame. The page may take a few moments to load. Please be patient.
I used those key holders with the clear plastic separating backs and fronts, that are available in craft stores. They are generally used to hold a tiny cross stitch, but work extrememly well for bits of lace. The lace can be seen from both sides if the backing paper is not used, and light shines through. The only problem I had, was getting the lace to stay in place as I snapped the two pieces together. It tends to pull a bit and once the back is snapped in place it can't be taken apart again without scratching the casing. I solved the problem by making the lace insert a little larger than required, and after snapping the pieces together, carefully sliced off the bits hanging out with an exacto blade.
I removed the key ring from the top of the holder, leaving either just the hole in the plastic or the smaller metal bit and threaded a piece of ribbon through, and tied it in a bow. Then I glued beads and/or ribbon flowers at the top and around the sides and came up with a lovely little hanger that is light enough to hang on a Christmas tree. They also look quite nice on one of those suction cup hangers in a window or on a mirror.
Please click HERE to have a look at the pictures of the hangers. The page will take a few moments to load. Please be patient.
One thing I did learn in this particular project, though. NEVER, NEVER make the markings on the pattern, that tell you the paths the threads are to take, in pencil !!!!!! The pencil rubs off on the threads and it takes forever to get it out. The lace washes up just fine and is relatively easy to lay out on a towel to dry, but getting the graphite out of the cotton is not easy. I tried several kinds of soap or detergent and managed to get most of it out, but it is much better not to get it there in the first place. Luckily, I was using an ecru colored thread and not white or it would have looked terrible.
Please click HERE and scroll past the hangers to view the collar. Again, please be patient while the page loads.
It is April 2002, and I have finished the piece of lace. I did intend it to go on a pillowcase, but changed my mind and attached it to a fine piece of cotton for a place mat or a mat that could go on a dresser top or under that perfect spring bouquet of flowers.
Please click HERE for a view of the mat. It will take a couple of minutes for the page to load.
Please click HERE to have a look at the picture of one of the finished brooches. There are some ideas and suggestions below the picture. You will have to scroll down below the picture of the lace frame. The page may take a few moments to load. Please be patient.