blue rose thebluerose

Teaching myself to make Bobbin Lace

9:24 pm - 07/29/2012
So for various reasons a couple of years ago, I decided to learn how to make bobbin lace. I had a few lessons but didn't pursue it at the time due to lack of proper equipment. Last Xmas I got my act together and got a pillow and some lovely square wooden bobbins and have been getting stuck into it.

Here are some of my learning experiments













These are all variations on the Torchon Ground as that is currently what I am working through learning, as its a key component of the Torchon style which is my preferred choice. Yes, in case you were wondering, I *am* insane but having fun. Its not nearly quite as complicated as it looks, but it really is quite fiddly.
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katzb101 29th-Jul-2012 10:46 am (UTC)
Oh that's wonderful, something I've always wanted to learn but never really had the patience for. I crochet and tat lace instead *smiles*
thebluerose 29th-Jul-2012 11:02 am (UTC)
Thanks, it certainly requires a lot more startup investment than crochet or tatting. As well as the threads you need LOTS of pins, the bobbins and a proper cushion. Handy tools like the pin pusher/lifter I have found useful. Also cardboard, a pricking surface and somewhere to store it all.

And around 70% of your time is preparation, winding the bobbins, setting up for the pattern, preparing pins. It does require a lot of patience, but when you have settled into a piece and its starting to take shape, its really satisfying :)

I havent tried tatting but have tried needlelace and crochet. My tensions always suffer!
cookie_chef 29th-Jul-2012 11:52 am (UTC)
It is beautiful. I'm so impressed. Adding that I love when people do 'forgotten' arts.

Edited at 2012-07-29 11:53 am (UTC)
thebluerose 29th-Jul-2012 09:22 pm (UTC)
I am in the SCA and wanted to do a craft that no one else was doing, something pretty but yet useable. I am hoping I get good enough to be able to sell pieces for others to use on their garb - handkerchiefs, sleeve trimming and eventually a full elizabethan ruff!
nisie 29th-Jul-2012 10:38 pm (UTC)
As soon as I saw the bobbin lace, I knew you were :P. What book are you using to learn?
thebluerose 29th-Jul-2012 11:29 pm (UTC)
I have the Gillan Dye book which is where this pattern is from, I am working through all her bookmarks.

I also have a lovely book from Jan Treggido but its not really a beginner book even tho she seems to think it is. Every new piece she introduces several new concepts, and any one of them would be a challenge. Once I have a better idea of what I am doing, I will tackle her stuff.
nightchild01 29th-Jul-2012 01:09 pm (UTC)
This is lovely!
courtierka 29th-Jul-2012 03:05 pm (UTC)
Congratulations on learning something new! That is beautiful! Keep up the hard work!
yesididit 29th-Jul-2012 05:16 pm (UTC)
oh how beautiful!

i really enjoyed the pictures showing how you set it up and what the spindles/bobbins look like. i've never seen this before. thank you for sharing.
thebluerose 29th-Jul-2012 09:23 pm (UTC)
Glad you liked it, it does help make a lot more sense of how it all fits together :)
toadflax234 29th-Jul-2012 05:48 pm (UTC)
Those are lovely - nice even tension. Well done!

There's a community for bobbin lace, but it isn't terribly active. I'd love to see more posts there though, so take a look if you want?
http://bobbin-lace.livejournal.com/
thebluerose 29th-Jul-2012 09:23 pm (UTC)
Thanks will take a look
shimmerngspirit 29th-Jul-2012 07:52 pm (UTC)
Wow!!! That's awesome.

I've taken one class in that and it's so difficult! I am incredibly impressed with your success :)
thebluerose 29th-Jul-2012 09:24 pm (UTC)
Thankyou, I struggled initially with a few stitches, half stitch particularly, but then it all 'clicked'. And yet I cannot knit to save myself!
star_trackie 29th-Jul-2012 11:08 pm (UTC)
This is incredible!
froselle 30th-Jul-2012 12:29 am (UTC)
wow so that's how those things get done. :P
thisprairielife 30th-Jul-2012 01:57 am (UTC)
Beautiful! I don't know how you do it, my eyes went wonky just looking at your pics. I have the patience for huge gauge crochet and knitting at best!
thebluerose 30th-Jul-2012 08:13 am (UTC)
You have to be more than a bit nuts I think :) I can crochet but not very well and I am HOPELESS at knitting, so its nice to find something that doesnt end up looking like a dog chewed it after I finished :)
homespunmama 2nd-Aug-2012 04:31 am (UTC)
Gorgeous! These are learning experiments?? You are going to be fantastic at it. You obviously have a natural flair
thebluerose 2nd-Aug-2012 04:58 am (UTC)
Yes they are learning but I am following a pattern. It does seem that my brain copes better with this than it does with knitting! I have had a couple of awful disasters as well tho!
crafts4others 10th-Sep-2012 01:53 am (UTC)
love the items you made. I have yet to try bobbin lace, although I have some of the items to start. I love watching videos on youtube of people doing bobbin lace.
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