Poole Bobbin Lace Circle

Poole Bobbin Lace Circle
NEWSLETTER 203
5 MARCH 2016
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Since our last meeting I have spent time setting up our new website; our address is
www.poolebobbinlace.com. I hope that you approve of it - please have a look around it and get back to
me with your thoughts. If you have any suggestions for improvements let me know - on the ‘Contacts’
page there is an email address that you could use.
We have purchased a reconditioned and more modern photocopier, thank you Lily for recommending this
to the committee. Hopefully you will find that the reproduction of the photographs has improved.
Margaret Eaglestone
WHAT IS HAPPENING AT TODAY’S MEETING
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Our speaker is Eve Morton talking about Binche Lace
The display is by Eileen Deacon’s group
Our supplier is Harlequin
Jenny G will have a sheet for you to complete with your details if you are interested in the trip to
the V and A to view the ‘Undressed – a brief history of Underwear’ Exhibition.
Pat will have a sheet for you to add a suggestion for our 2017/18 charity and also the list for
demonstrating or helping with the ‘Have a Go’ session at our Easter Display and
Demonstration. See later in the Newsletter
THE FRIENDS OF DOLPHIN CHARITY BOBBINS 2015/16
These are available at today’s meeting for all those who ordered them earlier in the year. Jenny Green
will be distributing them.
Margaret Eaglestone
CHARITY FOR 2017/18
Is there a local charity that you would like PBLC to support in 2017/18? If so, please complete the sheet
that Pat has at today’s meeting with details of your suggestion. I already have one suggestion but the
committee would like another two more. These will be presented and voted on at this year’s AGM. It
would be appropriate if those that put forward a suggestion are willing to make the presentation at the
AGM. Thank you very much.
Margaret Eaglestone
VISIT TO STOUR LACEMAKERS’ PILLOW PARTY
This popular visit to the Stour Lacemakers’ Pillow Party at the church hall in Manston will take place on
Saturday 23 April to arrive at around 10.15 am. The day is from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm and the cost is
£3.50. Please bring your own packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be available all day.
Transport to Manston is by car share so it can be arranged at today's meeting if you haven't already done
so. Likewise, if you didn't previously sign up but would now like to attend you may do so as long as you
arrange transportation. The list of those who did sign up will be available at the meeting today.
Jenny Harris
PBLC OUTING FOR 2016
Sixteen members of PBLC have so far expressed an interest in coming on
the outing to the V and A to see the exhibition entitled ‘Undressed: a brief
history of Underwear’.
This exhibition addresses the practicalities of underwear and its role in the
fashionable wardrobe - it sounds fascinating! If you are interested then
there is another opportunity to sign up today. As last year, transport will
be by National Express Coaches, starting at Poole and picking up at
Ringwood. With just two pick-ups we can minimise the coach fare, also with
a group booking of over ten the entrance fee to the exhibition is reduced by
10%. From Victoria Coach station it is only a ten minutes bus journey to right
outside the museum. The committee has agreed a date of Wednesday 5
October 2016.
Margaret Eaglestone
Satin corset with handmade bobbin lace
PILLOW PARTY REPORT 6 FEBRUARY
‘Tea and Cake’ break and a chance to
view beautiful ‘lace in the making’
The weather was atrocious on Saturday, the day of the Pillow Party – strong
winds and driving rain. Even so eighteen ladies braved the weather and came
to make lace and chat. This month we welcomed two new members Ruth and
Linda.
As usual we had lovely cakes made by members, thank you for that - they were
delicious. Pat Gilbertson finished mounting her (long worked-on) piece of lace
to rapturous applause. Well done Pat!
It was a lovely afternoon, despite the weather, with lots of beautiful lace being
worked and even more chat. My idea of heaven!
Barbara Jackson
‘ALL WAYS THREADS’
Last July we put a note in the Newsletter inviting enquiries about setting up a new group of mixed textile
enthusiasts in order to exhibit our work. We didn't know if anyone would want to join in with us. The
response was almost better than we had expected. We now have seventeen members, nine of which
could put lace into an exhibition. The name for the group 'All Ways Threads' was decided upon to cover
all interests in textiles.
At our first meeting suggestions for a theme were discussed and the title 'Coastal Reflections' was settled
on as it covered most of the ideas of the group. At the second meeting we all brought in the beginnings of
ideas, some sketches or some samples to fit in with the theme. This turned out to be amazing as there
were so many different interpretations of the title.
We have enquired about the use of a local exhibition space next year but have yet to confirm a definite
date. We hope that by putting on an exhibition it will encourage more people to join in with textile groups
or try different techniques as well as the ones with which they are familiar.
Eileen Deacon and Linda Carswell
PBLC COMPETITION TROPHIES – PART 2
In January's Newsletter we published a list of PBLC trophies with the names of the people or organisation
donating the trophy. This month shows the trophies and how they are awarded for different aspects of
lace for adult and junior members of PBLC. I have kept them in the same chronological order as last time.
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Rose Bowl – awarded for bobbin lace of overall excellence, may only be won once
Portman – awarded for the most stimulating bobbin lace entry
Yvonne Lenton – awarded to a Junior Lacemaker, for the most outstanding bobbin lace entry
Design – awarded for the best original design of bobbin lace
Lin Allen Trophy – awarded for bobbin lace of overall excellence, open to Rose Bowl winners
only.
Bro Dowel – awarded for the best piece of bobbin lace submitted by a member who attends
lace classes
Premier – awarded for the best piece of bobbin lace submitted by a member who is a first
time entrant
The Margarets' Bobbins – awarded for the best presentation of bobbin lace (NB this is not
the wrong use of the apostrophe – there were two Margarets!)
Needlelace – awarded for the best piece of needlelace
Granny's Bobbins – awarded for the best under 12 years of age entry
Bobbin Lace Techniques Course – awarded for the best piece of Bucks Point lace
Jan Banwell – awarded for the best piece of lace submitted by a member aged between 18
and 25
Susan Mason – awarded for the best 3D/modern bobbin lace
Lacemaker – awarded for the best piece of lace that can be worn
Jill Zigadas – awarded for the best piece of Continental lace
Erratum - I am indebted to PBLC member Anne Vernon who pointed out that the Bro Dowel Trophy was
donated by Siân Luscombe and not Susan Luscombe. Anne took lessons from Siân.
Linda Burn
EASTER DEMONSTRATION SATURDAY 12 MARCH
PBLC will be out demonstrating, displaying and running another ‘Have
a Go’ session – making a lace daffodil, on Saturday 12 March, 10 am
to 3 pm, at Wimborne Library, Crown Mead, rear of 55-57 High Street,
Wimborne, BH21 1HH.
Our display is entitled ‘Easter’ and we would appreciate pieces of lace
with an Easter or Spring theme. If you are able to demonstrate or help
with the ‘Have a Go’ session for all or just part of the day that would be
wonderful, just give your name to Pat Jenkins this afternoon.
Thank you very much.
Margaret Eaglestone
HONITON LACE
An exquisite piece of Honiton lace, made by Mary Gibbons and
donated to PBLC for demonstrations, has been mounted and
placed in a frame by a committee member.
The committee thought that you would like to see details of this
example of perfection. Margaret Eaglestone
COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR JULY 2106
As you know, the committee has been working with one member short for the last two years and we have
coped, however in July another four members of the current committee are stepping down, this will leave
just four members. It will not be possible for us to continue to offer the same level of commitment unless
we have at least another four members. I am sure that you wish PBLC to continue so do think very
seriously about putting your name forward to join us.
Talk to current members of the committee if you are interested. If you are approached by a committee
member to join us – please take it as a compliment! Thank you
Your Committee
KUMIHIMO BRAIDING
The Dorset Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers held a Skills Day in Dorchester at the end of January
and Jan Burton and I got an invitation to attend. The story started last year at the PBLC Lace Day with
Jacqui Carey's talk on braids, when unfortunately not enough members were interested in a follow-up
Kumihimo Workshop (braiding) on a marudai.
Many years ago my daughter, studying textiles at Farnham in Surrey, wrote her dissertation on Japanese
Textiles. It turned out to be an absolutely fascinating subject. She had bought a marudai and made braids
galore. I had too much going on at the time to have a go then, but about 15 years later I had the chance
of buying a marudai from a lacemaking friend. Now was the time for me to take up the Japanese Braiding
Challenge as, at this Skills Day, someone would be teaching us how to thread the bobbins, set up the
marudai and teach us some simple braids – all in preparation for the February workshop to be taught by
Jacqui herself. The cost of the skills day was £4 for the day so it was definitely
worth having a go!
On the day there were several skills on offer – felt making, knitting and
weaving. Jan, Margaret and I stuck with braiding. The sales table was a
veritable treasure trove of equipment, books and threads of all kinds and
Margaret was lucky enough to find a perspex marudai which she purchased
with joy!
It took a while to get sorted. Choosing the threads; learning the knots to
connect the braiding threads to the short leader threads on the bobbins; finding
the right weights for the little bag attached to the start of the braid – less weight
produces a very tight braid, more weight makes the braid softer and thicker. All
this needed to be addressed.
At last we were ready to have a go at
braiding. With a braiding disc you move only one thread at a time. In
Kumihimo you move two threads at the same time, one with your right
hand and one with your left. It took me a while to find out that it
mattered which hand you used for which
thread (you may detect the messy part of
the braid in the photo). And, contrary to
bobbin lace where you keep the fingers off
the thread here you hold on to the thread,
move it and the bobbins follow.
I love the sound when using my wooden
stand and the wooden weighted bobbins,
but there are cheaper options as explained
My braid
in Jacqui's book. The advantage of a
perspex marudai is that you can easily see
how the braid is growing. The cheapest version is using a lampshade, a
cardboard disc with a hole in the middle and filling camera film canisters with
gravel for the bobbins.
True to form I am experimenting with a braid where the weight isn't always in
the centre. Perhaps I will have finished this one in time for the meeting in
March!
Lily Wills
Margaret’s braid made
into a cross
LACE DAY SATURDAY 4 JUNE
This year we have ‘Ace Lacers’, as our speakers – there are six in the group and they are all members of
PBLC. They describe themselves as a small group of experienced lacemakers, who work together to
develop their ideas in textile art. They produce original designs, using traditional and experimental
techniques, sometimes with unexpected additions. They have asked to give their talk with 'slides' before
lunch, so that after lunch there is an opportunity for everyone to look at the display and Ace Lacers will be
there to interact and talk to individuals and answer questions. This has been incorporated into the
programme for the day. The theme for the lace competition, suggested by Ace Lacers, is “A piece of lace
with your ‘own spin’ put on it”.
The timing of the day is as last year, 10.30 am to 4.00 pm and the venue is St George’s Hall. This year we
have an extra choice for lunch – as well as bringing a packed lunch or going out for lunch you may order
one of our lunch bags. Laura Navrady-Pitcher has kindly volunteered to make up lunch bags with a choice
of sandwiches, fruit and cake. Laura works in the catering business and she has approval from the
Environmental Health Office to prepare the food for us. The committee hopes that this will be a welcomed
addition to the day. Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits are available for most of the day at a cost of 30p per
cup.
We do hope that you will wish to attend the day, support Ace Lacers and enjoy your time making lace and
buying all your lace essentials.
Attached to this Newsletter is an application form for both tickets and lunch bags. We have maintained the
price of the ticket – Adults - £4.50 prior to the day, or £5.00 on the day and Juniors - £1. The lunch bags
are £4.00 each. Elsie Bainbridge has agreed to sell the tickets prior to the day so please give your
completed form and money for both tickets and lunches to Elsie. The deadline for ordering lunch bags is
Friday 13 May.
Thank you
Your Committee
PATTERNS
Did you know that the Sales Table holds various folders containing patterns that PBLC members have
donated over the years? If anyone has copies of patterns that they have used recently, of their own
design, that they would like to donate for other members to use, they will be most welcome and available
for viewing on the Sales Table.
Wendy Oliver
EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
More details for some of these events can be found on the noticeboard.
Sat – Sun 23-24 April
Brockenhurst Needlework Fiesta Village Hall, SO 42 7RY. Tickets
£3.00 at the door. Saturday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Sunday 10.00 am to
3.30 pm. Free car parking. Light refreshments by the W. I. More info at
www.brockenhurstfiesta.co.uk
Sat 4 June
PBLC Lace Day Details as in this newsletter
Sat 9 July
Lace and Craft Day 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. Bromham Social Centre,
SN 15 2JB. £5 entry. Details from Ann Hannah 01380 850589
EDITORIAL
As the days get longer and hopefully a bit warmer and less wet we begin to look forward to spring and
summer activities. There are a number of events taking place which involve members – the Easter
Demonstration at Wimborne Library, the trip to Stour Lacemakers and of course our own Lace Day in
June.
In compiling this edition of the newsletter it has been great to welcome Linda King and Ruth Oldridge as
new members of PBLC. It has also been encouraging to hear from Eileen Duncan and Linda Carswell
that their appeal for like minded 'textile-lovers' has borne such fruit and we will look forward to advertising
their exhibition when the details are finalised.
The charities supported by PBLC have always been a positive aspect of our group. I eventually took my
LEAF pig to their offices at the beginning of February! The news that the East Holton Carriage Driving
Centre suffered a burglary was an unwelcome shock but it seems, from recent Echo reports, that there
have been more donations. Hopefully the loss of their equipment hasn't resulted in too many missed
sessions for their clients. The Friends of Dolphin Charity talk in January was well received and it is
expected that one of our members will be able to go out with them and experience their work first hand,
when the weather gets warmer. Next year PBLC will embrace ‘About Face another local and much
needed charity. Please take up Margaret's request to think about any local charities that you know of and
add any suggestions to the list.
Finally, I wish you a happy spring and Easter. When you read this I will be in Southern Spain where, by all
accounts, the winter has seen sensational weather. However, last week the temperature plummeted and
there has been torrential rain. So don't envy me too much! Items for the May issue of the newsletter
should be sent to Margaret by 16 April 2016.
There will be a Pillow Party on Saturday 2 April at St. George's and our next meeting will be on Friday 6
May at 7 pm when we will welcome Alan Cooke from Upton House as our speaker. This meeting is the
deadline for entries into this year’s Annual Competition. Please bring your entries and if you were a trophy
winner last year, return that as well. Thank you.
Linda Burn