Beginner's Guide to Bobbin Lace (Beginner's Guides (Search Press)) [Paperback]

Everybody loves the delicate beauty of lace, and of course you can buy machine made lace easily, but there is nothing like having a go yourself. Handmade lace is nothing like its modern counterpart, and you can have it made of whatever you like, in the colors you choose to go with your wardrobe. This is a book aimed at the beginner, and shows you how to make one type of lace called Torchon, which is the type usually recommended to start with. All the equipment associated with the hobby is described, and refreshingly it is all there in its least expensive form. You might well have much of it already, and you can make lace out of almost any type of thread or yarn, which certainly flies in the face of what I was taught. But this is a refreshingly modern type of book, and I was delighted to find that I could understand every word, which puts it way ahead of every other lace book I own or have seen. This is mainly due to an absence of the mystique surrounding this notoriously difficult craft, and the presence instead of lots of fairly large and very clear diagrams and photographs. The projects are attractive and either modern or timeless: bookmarks, a bag, cushion trim, shawl and scarf. They are inspired by the seasons, which adds a nice touch. I think I might not keep my other lacemaking books now, but get out my pillow and bobbins and maybe have a bit more success this time around. Very highly recommended. --MyShelf.com

A very competitively priced book of 80 pages, 25.7 by 20.1cm in format, printed on high-quality glossy paper throughout, it contains full colour photos and close-up step by step black and white photos of six bookmarks, along with five further designs entitled 'Four seasons'. These include a purse, two scarves, a bag and a pattern, which could be used either to decorate a cushion or make into a hanging. The prickings are also available in the back of the book along with details of the neccessary enlargements when photocopying. The book is as it says a beginner's guide and starts with an introduction to lacemaking along with a guide to the neccessary materials. The photos here are lovely-lots of bobbins, modern brightly coloured threads (no white in sight) and beads. The bookmark collection starts with more tempting photographs, followed by the necessary preparatory work. A plait is then worked with excellent photographs of each bobbin movement; however, the completed plait (worked in cotton perle) is far from exciting. A series of bookmarks follows, introducing a variety of stitches and techniques, also worked in cotton perle - all with excellent instructions. The second section, however, is the most inspiring part of the book. Large scale patterns and textured yarns are used to make or decorate usable objects - the photos really make you want a trip to the local thread shop, to try something different! A complete beginner could easily use this book to teach themselves the basics of bobbin lace; a super publication, which even more experienced lacemakers should buy - particularly if they fancy having a go at using the more exciting modern threads on offer these days. Best if all, it's written in English by English authors. --Sally Wadsworth, Lace --Sylvia Quixley, West Country Embroiderers Newsletter 67

A very competitively priced book of 80 pages, 25.7 by 20.1cm in format, printed on high-quality glossy paper throughout, it contains full colour photos and close-up step by step black and white photos of six bookmarks, along with five further designs entitled 'Four seasons'. These include a purse, two scarves, a bag and a pattern, which could be used either to decorate a cushion or make into a hanging. The prickings are also available in the back of the book along with details of the neccessary enlargements when photocopying. The book is as it says a beginner's guide and starts with an introduction to lacemaking along with a guide to the neccessary materials. The photos here are lovely-lots of bobbins, modern brightly coloured threads (no white in sight) and beads. The bookmark collection starts with more tempting photographs, followed by the necessary preparatory work. A plait is then worked with excellent photographs of each bobbin movement; however, the completed plait (worked in cotton perle) is far from exciting. A series of bookmarks follows, introducing a variety of stitches and techniques, also worked in cotton perle - all with excellent instructions. The second section, however, is the most inspiring part of the book. Large scale patterns and textured yarns are used to make or decorate usable objects - the photos really make you want a trip to the local thread shop, to try something different! A complete beginner could easily use this book to teach themselves the basics of bobbin lace; a super publication, which even more experienced lacemakers should buy - particularly if they fancy having a go at using the more exciting modern threads on offer these days. Best if all, it's written in English by English authors. --Sally Wadsworth, Lace 130

This book is designed for the newest recruit to bobbin lace making. It is attractively presented and gives an introduction to the tools used, instruction in basic stitches and several small items for the beginner. In addition to the basic stitches, there is instruction in preparing a pricking, tying in new threads and finishing off, and the final section includes some quite complicated projects. One criticsm: the instructions are easy to follow, the photographs show threads in two shades of grey on a dark blue background. I think two brightly coloured, contrasting threads would be much easier for the beginner, who may progress to something more elegant later. This is a very practical book, and as it progresses from very simple to fairly difficult, I think it would keep one busy for some time! --Sylvia Quixley, West Country Embroiderers Newsletter 67

Explore the world of Bobbin Lace with this book, which takes you through simple Torchon ground pieces to scarves, purse and bags.This book features an extensive techniques section makes lacemaking clear, simple and enjoyable. It includes five full step-by-step projects with pricking patterns.It gives advice on adding decorative features, beads and tassels. It is suitable for both beginners and more experienced lacemakers. It presents a clearly illustrated step-by-step guide to all the stitches and techniques needed to create beautiful bobbin lace. It also includes prickings and easy-to-follow photographs showing how to use them. It provides full instructions for a selection of colourful Torchon lace projects using a variety of yarns: a bag, a purse, a scarf and a cushion.