Comment

Comment by Elizabeth Ligeti on January 29, 2015 at 9:14pm

OOps, Sorry Margaret, I see I spelled you surname wrongly.  I used a v instead of a ph! 

Apologies.

Comment by Elizabeth Ligeti on January 29, 2015 at 9:13pm

Well, I received my copy of embroidered laces by Margaret Stevens, today. Simply Marvellous!  She had very clear diagrams of ever step - every Little step, and does Not presume you know what to do next. Her photos of each step as she works the samples are very clear, - Much better than some books show. Anyone interested in this type of lace, should get a copy, as it will be a big help. '

She has small simple motifs which can be put together later on, when you get more proficient, and then at the end of the book are some more complex patterns that you should be able to work, if you start at the beginning of the book!

A "Must have " book for anyone interested in this type of lace.

Comment by Lorelei Halley on November 16, 2014 at 3:50pm

A lady who does marvelous reticello

https://www.pinterest.com/gloriazalunardo/i-miei-lavori/

Comment by Elizabeth Ligeti on October 8, 2014 at 7:57pm

Thanks Margaret. I have some Butterfly thread, but I thought it felt 'rough" and wouldn't slip though the stitches.  

OK,. I will try it.  I have a couple of colours, gold and silver, - and a strange black and gold - not sure how that will look, though!  I think Josco Lace supplies stocks it.

Comment by Jenny on October 8, 2014 at 5:05am

Thanks Margaret. I'll keep my eyes open for it.

Comment by Margaret Stephens on October 8, 2014 at 4:44am

Liz,

Au Papillon ( Butterfly thread) is excellent for Needlelace. It comes in Gold, silver and my favourite is black/gold which gives an antique look. There is also a bronze colour .I have been using it for a few years now and just love it. Let me know if you can't get it anywhere.

 And .....DMC 12 for the bars, fillings and 4 sided stitch. DMC 8 only for the satin stitch.

I am self publishing and so the book will be available through me at the start and then probably through one of the book suppliers.

Jenny, I am hoping it will be ready for Summer School.

Comment by Jenny on October 8, 2014 at 1:10am

Waving hello to you Margaret! I too look forward to your book! Hoping it will be available at Guild HQ & I can get a signed copy!

I just checked out your cruise piece & love the coloured work! Alas I cannot join you on this cruise, I am cruising next week a little  further north & am am not sure the budget will stretch to a second one so soon after. I am sure you will have fun & I know all the lucky participants will love you. Hoping you get some time out to explore all that cruising has to offer.

Comment by Elizabeth Ligeti on October 7, 2014 at 10:16pm

Please let us know when your book is out and available, Margaret.  I want a copy!!!! As will Many others, I am sure.  I look forward to hearing about it.

I also look forward to hearing about the cruise.  I would love to be in your class for that, too, but I can only wish...!!!!

I must remember that - Perle 12 for the bars etc, and Perle 8 for the other fillings.

I really want to have a go at this sort of work, but something else more urgent gets in the way (At the moment a piece for the Australian Lace Guild's Triennial Awards next year!)

While I am here - Margaret - is there a gold thread that works in a needle?  Most shred after a few stitches, although DMC Mouline lasted a bit longer!

Comment by Margaret Stephens on October 7, 2014 at 6:21am

Hello everyone,

I have been teaching many workshops in Reticella for the Embroiderers' Guild and people have kept coming back and no one has made any mistakes or anything they weren't happy with. I have also been to Italy twice to learn but I changed my method of working the framework. Please remember that many of  the Italian ladies have been doing Reticella for 20 -50 years and are superb at what they do and we can't hope to be as competent as they are.

I always use Belfast 32 count linen (which is 32 threads to the inch or 12 threads to the cm.) I have used DMC No. 12 Perle which is easy to purchase and very forgiving. Examples of my Reticella may be seen on the website of Needlework Tours and Cruises which is on a Royal Caribbean leaving Freemantle April 1 2015 to Singapore. I am giving 2 workshops in Reticella. 

I am publishing a book which will be out in the next few months. It is called "A Guide to Embroidered Lace" but it is on Reticella.  Reticella is classified as an embroidered lace..

In the Italian books they use "embroidery cotton" or "cotone da ricamo" This is Coton a Broder and no.30 and 35 is used. 35 is finer and used for the bars and fillings. I know .......I was there and have used both these threads but prefer DMC 12 for the 4 sided stitch, needlewoven bars and fillings. I use No.8 for the satin stitch.

Keep at it!!

Comment by Jenny on October 7, 2014 at 1:47am

Hi Kathy,

I am basically self taught in this technique, but did use Giuliana Buonpadre's book "Il Reticello" as a guide. I have done two pieces, one on 32 count linen & the other on 36 count linen. Both were done using DMC Perle 8 & 12.

When I did the second piece on 36 count linen, I had a lady tell me "I had" to do it a particular size. When I did what she suggested on a sample, I didn't like it, the finish wasn't strong. So I changed the numbers as to what I was cutting & what I was leaving in as structure until I got what I was happy with. At the time I played with various threads including crochet threads & DMC Special Dentelles 80, but came back to the Perle 8 & 12.  The 8 was giving me grief with the buttonholing, it was a touch to thick for the fabric, so it kept bunching. I tried other threads but they didn't cover, so in the end I stitched a certain number of buttonhole stitches into the fabric, then left one space & continued with the same pattern. If you really look at the  piece you can see it, but if you do not know what I have done,it isn't really noticeable. The main thing to me was coving the edge without the buttonhole stitches bunching

I think the main thing is to sample until you get what you are happy with. Use different threads to see how they handle on your fabric, & work out what you like & what you don't. 

Also, don't be afraid to change the numbers of what you cut & what you leave. The more you cut, the bigger the hole, the more space to fill. It's also about getting the fill stitches right for the hole size, so the finished product is strong but still looks lacey.

There may be hard & fast rules, but I certainly do not know them. I am more about experimenting until I get what I want.

Just have fun & enjoy your journey.

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