I've been terrible at keeping up the blog recently - but doing much better on Facebook and Instagram!
Especially in our Facebook group, where I am able to answer questions more directly.
I think, for the sake of my own sanity, I will continue to add the link to new videos here, but probably not other posts for the time being. I always find it so hard to figure out what to say!
I do hope the above video is of help - it is one of the things I am asked often.
My latest video over on YouTube is a tutorial of the steps to create one of the square lace patterns that come with our #8 Teneriffe lace loom.
Different shapes can create their own sets of issues that must be considered. With a square shape, there are two main things to think about. The threads must be pulled more tightly for some designs along the straight sections - as they have to travel further. The corners, in contrast, are usually quite close together. The edge treatment can be a little more difficult too, with something like a scallop edge, the corner will be more rounded, which is natural.
And in other news, still cracking on. We've been working over the weekend (and still have quite a bit to do) re-arranging the unit, to get a new machine in place. I will say more when it does arrive - it is coming quite a ways and we have been trying to get it to us since October! It could all still fall through.
We have a Create & craft show on March 7th that we are also busy getting ready for, and the great Spring Clean has begun!
Only a week late on my self-imposed new schedule - not bad considering we had to take Toby to the vet last week (he's on the mend now!) and I had to re-film this as the first choice of colours was way too close to really see what I was doing!
Hopefully, you are all well, happy, and not too cold, wet, or otherwise concerned with winter weather. I am slowly getting into spring clean mode - as the sun changes I can see everything that needs doing. Even slightly contemplating re-decorating the bedroom this year...
I've had a couple of interesting online meetings this past week, and so new projects to work on.
I'll be teaching a Dorset button workshop at Debbie Shore's place in April, which should be lovely! Do you know, that Debbie was the presenter on my first-ever show on Create & Craft? That's going back some years.
Happy new year! Can I still say this on the 19th of January? Of course I can!
I have actually uploaded two videos today - this one, which is a super easy way to make a square fabric button. Of course, being me, I also have to add other things to the basic video, including working a thread shank, adding a button back, and making the same button using finer threads.
The other is a product support video for out PaperLathe Tassel & Bead system.
We are moving this over to USB only, and our original Hints & Tips videos won't run from a USB. So I will be adding remakes to YouTube so that they can easily be found.
We came up with the PaperLathe system when I became frustrated at not being able to find tassels moulds easily - yet I still wanted to learn how to make them. We now have a companion kit too - for tassels stands and new designs. Of course, these are available on our website at https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/
