NOT - Margaret Black's Work - We would like the needlewoman to come forward!

Here's a feature of lots of her stuff:

A lovely needlecase - look at that!

Look at this gorgeousness!

12/06/14-Update - we think this might be Linda Wallace's work above and below....???

One of those beautiful blocks in progress - though be warned - if you attempt it, you will labour for your love!

12/06/14-Update - we think this might be Chriss Smith's bag???

A lovely lavender bag......don't be misled, those little baubles on the ends of the cording are a pain in the keester - so I hear - I haven't attempted yet. I'm scared!

And the back - still beautiful!

Thank you for sharing, Margaret!

Fore!

Check me out!

This is part of one of those famous 8-sided bags. This one is being done by Unagh McCullough. This is the famous Pattern 36 (I'm going off memory here). It has taken me donkey's years to do the one I just did. At my rate, I'll have an 8-sided bag in 20 years.

Unagh looks like she's not having the battles I was!

It's a Hat Trick!

For you USA folks who might not be up on your football (soccer) lingo - that's three goals in one game!
I'm here to post some more - maybe I can crash the blogger site with loads of uploads?
I'll see how much I can get done before my laptop battery dies....or I fall asleep....

This is a bit of work by The Unknown Lacemaker (UPDATED 6th February - it is Anne Makin-Taylor!). We actually can't remember who has done it! Anyone have any ideas?
This is a traycloth - something that everyone usually starts with - but this person has done quite a bit....and puts me to shame! If you know their name, please let me know so that I can update!

It's TwoFer Thursday!

Can I do two in one night?

Quick question - why does blogger hate me so? I'm sure there are tutorials on how to do this, but somehow I think I should just be able to divine how to do these posts! Excuse any silliness on my part - as I have no idea what I'm doing!



This is Doris Stokes who let us take a photo of her working. You'll find that when you do Ruskin lace, whether it's your first time, or you've been doing it for 10 years, you still need the book! The book is the line by line coach. Elizabeth Prickett did a fantastic job of it, but unless you know how to take it sentence by sentence, the book can give you a headache! Paracetemol (Tylenol for you USA folks) is required for your lace kit!
Thanks, Doris!

A New Post!

Hiya Everyone,

I'm sure you know worse bloggers, but I just can't imagine how bad they must be!

I've had a sit down with Angie and she has helped me put names to photos that she has taken. We'd just like to say, this is all done from her addled brain, so if there are any mistakes - please let me know!

Let me see if I can remember how to do this posting thing!

This is a selection of some of Karen Quickfall's needlework cases.

Are you envious? Because I am.

I covet them.

Her work is immaculate.

Disgusting, really!

(She knows I love her, don't worry!)

Let's see - can I get two photos in one?

This is another set of gorgeous needlecases. Because who can have just one?

If you're like Joey and want to learn Ruskin (though it would be better if you didn't live in the USA!) get yourself to Karen Quickfall. If she can teach me, she can teach anyone. Patience of a saint. And very entertaining stories!

Yay! It's 2012 and only January and I've managed to post!

Wa Hey!

:) Misha

Karen Quickfall's Biscornu Pincushion - Pattern New

A beautiful piece of work by Karen! She has made up her own pattern and I've asked Ang to get a new photo of the top....so hang in there everybody!

:) misha

Ang's Trinket Box - Pattern No. 23

Hiya Folks,

Here's some photos of a trinket box that Ang has made (she has slightly altered pattern 23..and created a circle around it):



I think we can all agree it will make a beautiful Christmas present for someone like me!

:) misha

Angela's Start - Patterns 21, 32, 7, 12, 13, 14

I asked Ang to give me a little bit on how she met Ruskin Lace and here's what she's cooked up:

In 1993 I started embroidery classes at Harraby School with Irene Coulthard, to learn Hardanger.
While there, Irene was also teaching Ruskin Lace to two other ladies. I was really interested in it, so I booked a weekend course at Higham Hall with Elizabeth Prickett, and started my first piece, a traycloth. This seems to have patterns 7, 12, 13 and a variation on 14 in it. Corrections, Ang?


I was soon hooked, and continued (in fact, continue) to go to Higham Hall at least twice a year since then.
I also continued classes with Irene at Harraby for another 2-3 years (until they stopped) and completed the framed wall hanging under her guidance. Looks like this might have patterns 21 and 32 customised....Ang? Correction?


Whilst attending courses at Higham Hall, I also met and became friends with Bridget Rylands, who was a member of York Minster Broiderers. She is an amazing embroiderer and teaches all kinds of embroidery, including Ruskin Lace in the Whitby Area of Yorkshire (although I have never done Ruskin with her).

Irene Coulthard also teaches "Calico Gardens" and has written the definitive book on the subject, "Hand Embroidered Calico Gardens". (hmm, Misha says to herself, as she has no idea what Calico Gardens are....and may have to have a peek at this book of Ang's!)

Karen Quickfall Pattern No. 65

This is a photo of one of Karen Quickfall's boxes. Yes, take a second, it's stunning, isn't it?


Let me put another closer photo of it for you:


I think Karen has done Pattern 65 here. Karen.....corrections are welcome!

You can see why she teaches!

One of her best tips (and might be the best tips of others, too) is to use red as a background, it shows off the lace beautifully! I think you'll agree!

:) misha

What do you need?

I'm trying to think of helpful bits of information for those that might stumble upon this looking for a new needlework challenge.

What do you NEED to make Ruskin Lace (well, besides some help?)? Here's what will keep you busy:

1. & 2. Elizabeth's Book and DVD (I'd say these were vital...and I do mean vital! - I've been doing it for only two years and honestly can't do a damned thing without the book to look at).

3. Glenshee Linen. Why, oh, why? It's strong. It's an even weave. It's nice, and can handle what you are going to do to it. Could you use something else? Probably.......but, I have my doubts it would hold up properly.......and I wouldn't recommend it.

4. Linen thread.....different weights, but you could use many different brands here, though I have the one I use, which I will post more about in the future...with photos.

5. Sharp embroidery scissors....with a fine point.

6. A tapestry needle.

7. A sharps needle.

8. A thimble.

9. A tape measure that measures to a 1/16" (that's a 1/16th inch for you Europeans!).

That's it. Not loads.....and most embroiderers will have at least five of these already. The linen is a bit tricky, but I lucked into a beautiful eBay moment one day when I found a huge amount of it on sale for peanuts.....to the envy of the other Ruskin lace team!

So - how do you start? Look at this blog as it evolves......you might think it looks a bit rough initially......but it might just linger in your mind. Look at the samples that are and will be posted, to see what you think.

See if you know anyone who does it (doubtful if you are out of Northern England).....sink the dough into the book and DVD.....and watch the dvd......do not read the book first....except for the history part. It can be a bit much. If it still intrigues you ...start small. Pick one of the easy patterns and start the challenge.

Let us have a photo of your work with your name! Email me......if you've goofed.....email us a photo and we'll see if we can help 'right' you over the 'net. You never know....stranger things have happened over the 'net!

Ang is headed to another Ruskin Lace Weekend at Higham Hall (without me the big jerk!). She is going to share our little adventure with them, and hopefully get the other ladies on board with their photos and samples.

For those of you working on Ruskin......if, as we go along, don't have a photo up of one of the patterns that you are struggling with, let me know and I'll check the photos I have in waiting to see if any of the patterns are there....and we'll get them up. It is really helpful to see a real worked piece, and we know it!

We want this to be a place we can all use. The only drawback is you have to send stuff to me....and I might not always deal with it quickly, but I promise to try.

Welcome everyone!

:) misha

So, Where Did Ruskin Lace Come From?

My suggestion here is to read Elizabeth's book. I'm afraid I'll say that loads.

I don't want to put what she put in her book, as that's not right, so I'll give you the real short version:

John Ruskin (strange historical guy) knew a woman who started it all by stitching embroidery to linen to sell more linen and keep everyone working. She was Marion Twelves. And it took off!

It is native to the beautiful Lake District of Northern England and Keswick in particular.

There's a historical part at the beginning of Elizabeth's book that is much more expansive than what I've given you.....so, check it out!

It's a craft that needs to spread its wings a bit.....so come on over to our side and become a lacemaker!

:) misha

Ang's Scissor Keep - Pattern 12

Ladies - Presenting our First Photo!

This is a collection of Angela Winter's work.....we'll get close ups later on!!

This Begins!

Hiya Everyone,

Angela and I had the idea that having a reference page where students and lacemakers could go to for an easy reference guide - and bragging spot would be a good idea.

This is the beginning!!!

If you have anything you'd like to add to the site, what we'd like is good photos, if you know which pattern it is you have worked, any tips or measurements you think are important when working the pattern, and lastly.....your contact information if you are willing to share it with others (it's ok if you don't....we just need to know one way or the other).

Let's get this party started!

:) misha & ang