aprox. size 4 1/2" long
aprox. size 4 1/2" long
Large ended bobbin found in both the north and central regions of Portugal.it is deceptivly light as the wood used is not a heavy wood. Frequently made of pine, cherry or orange.
These bobbins are held palms up.
Traditional position of Vila do Conde lacemaker with "tombolo" pillow
in a basket on the ground.
Contemporary Lacemakers now use a saddle shaped stand to hold the pillow
and they sit in chairs.In northern Vila do Conde the pillow is usuall a medium size with the width about 21" wide and 24" in circumference with a hole in center called a rolo. these pillows are firmly stuffed.
Centrally located Peniche has a larger pillow which is 28" wide and 46" around as well as the medium size and also a smaller one only 16" wide and 36" around. These pillows are lightly stuffed and are light for their size. Due to their lighter weight they are counterbalanced with a weight hanging in the back of the pillow to hold pillow in place when tensioning.
Peniche, each year, has The Day of The Lacemaker with contests and celebrations. Lacemakers make lace in the Public Gardens and many visitors add to the fun.
Photo from Portugal Lace school
Photo from Portugal Lace Museum
BOOKS
- "Rendas de Bilros de Peniche" (Bobbin Lace of Peniche) by Janne L.G. Hill and Graca Maria Ramos.
It was published by Barbara Fay Verlag. ISBN 3-925184-72-4 Gammelby 2001. It is written
in English, German, and Portugese.Peniche is a fishing town by the sea in Portugal. This lace has been made here for at least 2 centuries. It is still being made and some can even be purchased. The book gives the history of lacemaking in this town, and has about a dozen patterns.
This lace has two forms -- popular lace and erudite lace. The popular lace
is quite basic -- simple motifs, grounds, leaves, plaits. The erudite, or complicated, lace can be any shape or size, and tends to be very intricate. However, directions must be carefully read even with the popular lace because it does have its special characteristics. For example, the basic ground stitch is CT pin CTTTT.Most likely, anyone with a basic knowledge of Torchon and a bit of Beds, and
is willing to work with fine threads, can do these patterns with success.
(submitted by Alice Howell)
- História da Renda de Bilros de Peniche- by Mariano Calado
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