Date: Sun, 1 Jun 1997 17:11:09 -0700 (PDT)
From: Alice Howell <lacey@pnn.com>
Subject: [lace] Demo-ing
Shere'e, ... and everyone,
Don't fret about demo-ing at the fairs. It is fun. These are suggestions I have learned...assuming you are doing BL.
1. Most of the people who look at your project don't have the faintest idea what you are doing. They will be amazed at just the pillow with the bobbins on it. They won't know if what you do is right or wrong. Don't say anything if you make a mistake, just take it out when they leave.
2. Take a project that you have worked on enough to know the pattern without having to read directions. I have worked on collars for demo. After a couple repeats, I don't need to check the diagrams very much. However, the diagrams are left pinned to my pillow so people can see them. An edging is also good. The more bobbins involved, the more amazed people are.
3. Have an answer ready to "What are you doing?", "Is that tatting?", and "Does it bother you if I watch?" (And possibly, "Where is the restroom?")
4. Display on a colored cloth any completed lace you can get--borrow--steal-- or otherwise put your hands on. Some people like to have a sample of tatting, crochet, knitted lace, or whatever on display, also, for contrast--especially the tatting. Various suggestions have been given on the list for display methods. Generally, cover the display with a clear plastic cloth. Or put each item in a 3-ring page protecter. Do something to protect the lace from fingers.
5. If you have an extra pillow, set it up with large thread and a simple clothstitch bookmark so people 'can try it themselves'.
6. If you have more than one project started, take the others and just have them on display, especially if they are a different style of project (like a roller vs a cookie pillow.)
7. If you can, take a TV tray or pillow stand to work on. Most tables are too high. I can usually make do with any chair available if I have a low working surface. (At the local fair, I even take my own chair since access is easy to the building before and after the fair.)
8. If you need good light on your pillow, you may want a small lamp that can be mounted on your table, or sit on the regular table aimed at your pillow. And an extension cord or two. Knowing 'where' you will be working can make a difference on what to take. Otherwise, do the best you can. (I have been known to take a goose-neck floor lamp with me to be sure I have adequate light.)
9. A few lace books or magazines are good on the display table, also. And a sign on the front of the pillow and on the table that says "Bobbin Lace". If you belong to a lace group, have some papers printed that give the name and meeting place, etc. You might gain a new member.
10. Most of all--ENJOY the chance to make lace, and spread the news about the art.
OK--all you lacers---what else can you add to the list?
Happy lacing,
Alice in Oregon "Enjoy the little things. One day you
may look
lacey@pnn.com back and realize
that they were the big things."
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 00:34:28 +0000
From: Blanche Krbechek <bkrbechek@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: [lace] Demo-ing
Alice in Oregon has some very good points.
>Don't fret about demo-ing at the fairs. It is fun.
>OK--all you lacers---what else can you add to the list?
I would also suggest to have ready (in case you are asked) a few words about the care of lace.
And one other thing, please do not pin the lace so it hangs and stresses the piece. Either have it laying flat, or with many stitches, stitch it to a cloth which can be hung. I think we owe it to the public when we are demonstrating to show the proper respect of lace pieces.
Blanche
Date: Mon, 02 Jun 1997 15:45:50 +1030
From: Christine HANCOCK <lacey@dove.mtx.net.au>
Subject: [lace] Demo-ing
Greetings All,
I would just like to add a few comments to Alice's Suggestions.
Always remember - You know more about lacemaking than they do!
Another question often asked is "How do you know where you are?,/How doyou know which bobbin to use?
If you are making a pattern with more bobbins on it, which, as Alice said always attracts attention, but it also makes the process of lacemaking look complicated and may put off prospective new lacers - perhaps if you took along a pillow with lots of bobbins on it (for show), and worked a pattern with fewer bobbins. This would also show the onlookers that it is not necessary to use lots of bobbins to achieve a spectacular result.
Use a thicker thread type pattern, so the onlookers can see the work.
Be prepared for everyone to come up and touch the lace you are working on.
It may be wise to push down pins in your work for the purpose of the demonstration. At one Demo a "person" came up to the lacemaker (doing Honiton) grabbed the pins, and pulled them out - saying "what happens if I do this". I was not present at this demo, so you could say this story is hear-say. I guess the thing is to expect the unexpected.
One final suggestion, take along a notepad and pen to write down some of the more unusual comments like "I have a phD in unpicking". Some of the comments are quite ammusing and should be re-told to other lacemakers. We'd like to hear them too!
---
Chris in Adelaide, Sth Australia
lacey@dove.mtx.net.au
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 07:17:54 -0400
From: hcrews@exis.net (Helen
Crews)
Subject: Re: [lace] Demo-ing
>Greetings All,
>I would just like to add a few comments to Christine's Suggestions.
>Be prepared for everyone to come up and touch the lace you are working on.
I would suggest taking along a larger thread, simple piece ready made for people to handle, something you don't care about at all, just a sample piece. I have had people come up with very dirty hands and want to feel the lace. If you gently tell them that you never touch the threads and why, showing them the respect you show your work, they will learn more, and respect you more. I never let them touch a piece I am working on. I even show them how I unwinde the bobbin hold the stem so I don't touch the threads. Most are quite impressed, and go away feeling better knowing they have seen something precious.
Thanks Chris, for some good tips. We all need them for demonstrations!
Helen, Virginia Beach
hcrews@exis.net
Date: Mon, 09 Jun 1997 23:59:38 -0500
From: "Alissa B. Barton" <alissa@jti.net>
Subject: [lace] Demonstration Tips
I have just now thought of one more tip that I wish I had learned sooner!
I always bring my own folding chair with me. The sight will usually supply you with one, but I often find them to be less than comfortable, especially after sitting on one with a sloping seat for 3 days straight. (also helps hide your knickers if you are sitting up straight!) They can be a bit much to carry, what with all the lace supplies etc, but I have found it to be well worth another trip to the car. It also helps to stack your stuff on a luggage cart (the kind that fold up real small and will sit behind you while you work). There are some days that I just don't think I would make it out of the building if I had to carry all that stuff!
Good luck!
Alissa
- --
alissa@jti.net
http://www.jti.net/alissa
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