My latest tricks - Miniature lace

[PattyD]

On my way to getting through one pattern, I had to make it 3 times. I was working on a small circle of lace from Roz Snowden's Miniature Bobbin lace. The first time, the thread was too thick and it was too hard to see the details of the pattern well enough to work it properly. Then I discovered that the pattern wasn't round or symmetrical. So I trued the pattern on my computer and worked it again.

The second time I chose a smaller thread (120/2 cotton, less than half as big as sewing thread). This time the problems were all mine. I skipped some pinholes and botched the join of the ends when I finished it.

The third time around ( I was really getting faster by this point), the outcome pleased me enough to say I was done!

In the pictures the green pattern is the original and the orange pattern is the one that I trued up and made round. Also the orange paper made it easier to see the threads.

Each attempt took about 3 - 4 hours and the finished pieces are less than 1 inch across.

[carolivy]

Oh so wow! I know there use to be (and may still be) a huge market on ebay for miniature lace for doll houses etc. You gonna sell this or are you just making it to see if you can? If you want an awesome site for 120d/2 thread it is http://www.threadart.com/shop/

[Josie Passell]

Wow, what are you going to use these for? I shoud imagine the finishing is the hardest part.

[Judy]

I was wondering if they might be used as a "frame" around a very fine stone and made into a brooch or pendant. A real question on the construction. How many rounds are there?

[JaneReese]

Oh, I am just blown away (not to mention pea-green with envy)! How fascinating and tiny! Thanks so much for sharing!

[BlueDode]

Beautiful, PattyD: thank you for sharing!

[PattyD]

My intention is to sell the lace, which is why I was so bent on as perfect a job as I could.
As far as making it into a brooch or pendant, the lace would have to be applied to something strong, or else stiffened. Since I have a piece I could experiment with, I might try that. The lace itself is just a whisper of thread, really, not at all like tatting that is so robust.
The whole piece is just one round made with 7 pairs of bobbins (14 threads).
The pattern was designed for the dollhouse 1/12 scale. The circle of lace itself would make a nice collar, or a picture frame or an applique for a cushion. I could even gather it to make a flower for a hat.

[soyloquesoy]

Amazing Patty!

[Lynn]

I can't imagine working on something that fine. Better your eyes than mine, my friend! It is really beautiful.

[jamlover]

[/QUOTE]The whole piece is just one round made with 7 pairs of bobbins (14 threads). [/QUOTE]

Bet you spent a half hour of time just changing shuttles!! I see the picots on the outside but my eyes aren't sharp enough to detect the super tiny stitches!! That is just elegant!!

[xstchntat]

Beautiful Patty, I am glad I am not the only one that likes tiny stuff.

[PattyD]

Jamlover,

Unlike tatting where the same shuttle stays in play most of the time, in bobbin lace a stitch is made with 4 bobbins. So, according to the pattern, movements of crossing and twisting thread occur, then one pair is set aside and the other pair continues to make a stitch with the next pair. So you can see that bobbin lace has quite a different process than tatting does.

[Susan B T]

What size magnifying glass did you use??????:question:

Seriously they are very nice. And perfect for a doll house or to put a tiny item on in a keepsake cabinet.

Thanks for sharing with use.... we love eye candy.:thmbup: