Orenburg Lace Knitting

This video came through my Facebook news feed and I wanted to share. I attempted lace knitting over a year ago, and failed miserably...no matter how closely I followed the patterns I liked, I could never get past the first set of repeated rows...there was always something wrong on the next row, and I couldn't figure out what was wrong. OK, I tried and succeeded at "feather and fan" pattern, but it just wasn't interesting enough...the ones I liked in my little "Field Guide to Knitting" just never worked :-(

Tatting: Rings and Chains

Tatting: Rings and Chains, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

For decades, I've wanted to learn to tat. No-one in the family did it, and I tried to teach myself using a tatting shuttle. I didn't even know about needle tatting. I was clueless about the shuttle and gave up after trying a couple times. A few years ago, I learned there was another method, but never ran across a class that I could take.

On Sunday morning, I was reading the local section of the paper, and saw that there was a class taking place as part of the Victorian Day activities at the Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas, VA. I called about the time, and headed over there a couple hours later, throwing all my previously laid plans out the window.

In a matter of minutes, the teacher had me making rings and chains and I was amazed at how easy it was ! I finished my first ornament in under three hours, but the next one I hope to finish in under an hour. Actually, I don't plan to make coasters, doilies and ornaments at all. I've got some plans brewing for using other yarns, adding beads, doing freeform with other techniques, who knows ?

Upcoming Lace Day-April 25th

The Chesapeake Region Lace Guild is holding a Lace Day this Saturday in Fairfax, VA. I'm bummed because it's at the same time my students have their annual chamber music recital. Let me tell you, I would rather be having fun trying out lacemaking techniques than gritting my teeth behind a smile, praying that my students keep their ensembles together. The website lists a fall Lace Day, so I'm marking that in my calendar right now.

Bobbin Lace Finds

Lately, the thought of learning bobbin lace techniques has been surfacing. Not sure I'll actually be able to follow through on those thoughts. They probably have occurred since I missed out on a bobbin lace workshop held in March that conflicted with a beadweaving class I was scheduled to give (secretly wishing that no students would sign up !). Anyway, here is a little treat for the eyes from a talented Etsian: Pure Harebell Bobbin Lace Necklace from FiredragonLace.

More Paraguayan Lace

On Sunday I went to the Hispanic Heritage Festival in the Mount Pleasant area of DC. Our band Batala Washington performed in the parade. It was one of the best festivals I've attended and I enjoyed seeing the magnificent costumes of dancers from many Latin American countries. There were vendors selling handmade goods from Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Columbia and many others. I found these adorable lace earrings made in Paraguay. Some of the costumed performers wore dresses that were completely or partially made with this type of lace. I also enjoyed seeing costumes made of woven textiles from Mexico and Guatemala. One of these days, hopefully, I'll make a "pilgimage" to the weaving centers of Central and South America.

Brazilian Lacemaking

On Sunday I was treated to the sight of a highly skilled Brazilian lacemaker in action at the Brazil Day festival in Frederick, MD. She was working with a large tufted pillow with a leather pattern pinned to it and with incredible speed, shuffled handfuls of unmarked bobbins back and forth to create the beautiful lacy patterns. If I had been carrying more cash with me, I would have brought home something. I was there to perform with my new Brazilian percussion band, Batala.

Paraguayan Lace Technique

Ever scanning the web for fascinating and beautiful fiber techniques, I ran across these beauties: Paraguayan lace They are done by a fellow DC area resident who is originally from that country and who learned it from her family. She plans to use the proceeds from sales of her handiwork to help a leper colony back home. I would love to try the technique but I doubt I could achieve her level of skill.