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

Summer 08

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 criticism: 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, Penzance

Oct 07

I have always been mystified by the lacemaking process, but this book explains the methods so clearly that I feel I could possibly attempt a small sample. I was interested to find out that there are only two moves, twist and cross and only two pairs of bobbins in use at a time. Materials and techniques are well explained with good illustrations and photographs before the projects begin. The samples and finished products illustrated are quite beautiful, with a lively colour range which I would not normally associate with this ancient tradition. This book would be very useful to both beginners and more acomplished lacemakers.

April 09

I'm rather impressed with a new book by Gillian Dye and Adrienne Thunder, Beginner's Guide to Bobbin Lace ... It also has a lot of pretty and clear pictures showing stitches and closeups of projects in progress. It's a great book for learning BL on your own, although it may be a bit too basic for use with a teacher. I made sure that the local library (where I work) bought this book, about six months ago, and have been pleased to note that it has been almost continuously on issue since then! I know of one borrower who

isn't able to attend classes in the city (three-quarters of an hour away) who has taught herself, mainly from this book. Last week, we had a lace workshop day in the city, where we worked on various Torchon bookmark designs. I can't remember ever having started a bookmark at a point, but my copy of the Beginner's Guide had just what I needed for me to be able to start to work my bookmark at home, before the workshop - clear, large, coloured photographs. I took the book to the workshop, and it was much in demand for expert lacemakers who had forgotten (because of no recent need to use the technique), a very basic process!-Erica McLeod, in NZ

May 08

A very competitively priced book of 80 pages, 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 necessary 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 necessary 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 of all, it's written in English by English authors.

Sally Wadsworth