Lace Fish Demonstration Project
Lacemakers of Puget Sound owns a
have-a-go kit that members may check out for demonstrations to allow visitors
to "have-a-go" at lace. It accommodates up to four lacers on one large
pillow.
The kit is set up with prickings for a small fish, created essentially by
beheading the popular snake bookmark. This makes the project much shorter,
encouraging visitors at a demonstration to "have a go" at lace, with the
satisfaction of having a completed piece to take with them after a relatively
short time.
To accompany the kit, I created a file with the patterns, diagrams, and tips
and tools for demonstrators, all printed out and clipped in a 3-ring binder,
together with a pouch containing extra thread, bobbins, scissors, and
pencils. The file itself could be useful to lacemakers who want a ready-made
lesson suitable for their own have-a-go pillow, or for group lessons (for
example, for clubs or school groups).
Anyone is welcome to download the file. If you don't have access to the LPS
kit, you'll also need, for each student, a pillow, a dozen bobbins, Perle 8
thread (preferably several colors), and pins; the teacher also needs
scissors. Builders foam covered with a cloth or pillow slip works for an
inexpensive beginner pillow. Pony bead bobbins are cheap and fairly quick to
make. Pins with plastic heads are easier for children to handle.