First steps in Bobbin lace making

We all started our bobbin lace making experience with two pairs. As soon as you know how to make a chain (=whole stitch) you move forward with supersonic speed.

And when you try to make something similar to bobbin lace, with only two pairs, you all of a sudden realize that solving mazes at some point in life helps a lot at this tackle.

To have the courage to make a lace pattern in different ways with different pathways. In a way, it is just like solving a maze. Each path offers you different outcome chances. Don’t expect a miracle to happen, but one pattern can give you various outcomes. They will not look the same only alike. And when you practice, that matters.

You may ask here, why so much talking about boring, unadventurous and prospectless two pairs?

Well, they are not so characterless when you learn to use them properly. Of course, you need to become knowledgeable about several techniques. You can read that in my other short post.

What I used two pair projects for was the tension. You need to stay consistent throughout the whole project. The easiest way is something simple. Don’t be fooled though. My first attempt to work consistently inflated from one hour project to one-week suffering. And after all that time I would say I could be better.

Here are the pictures of three snowflakes. I used one pattern in three different ways with somewhat different outcomes. The technique used is the simplest one, only cord and picots. Everyone could do that, don’t you think so?

Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to show you the wrong tension. I do have a picture of too much tension example. The easiest way to describe this problem is your lace changes its shape after it’s taken off the pillow (not in a good way).

And out of this whole shebang you also learn to adjust the thread thickness through the various pattern sizes. For instance, when you take, too big and too lose pattern and you make it with a too thin thread you get a useless result.

And this is why you need two pairs, short projects. To experience and learn on your own. To understand the basics of this ancient trade, that we far too often overlook. Why not make your life experiences quick, simple, fun and effective? You can always use your failures in a way that everyone thinks that that was a success.

Have fun, be creative, loosen up and enjoy as much as possible.

Till next time.

Sabina