Plenty That’s New

February 8th, 2013

There’s always something new at Roseground ? Sure is, particularly right now ! Here’s a small selection -

Tatting Treasures, the latest book by Jan Stawasz is here. Jan’s first book – “Tatting Theory and Patterns” was a run-away success and has long been out of print so it is not surprising that his latest book has been eagerly awaited.  Once again, he uses his innovative tatting technique together with over 50 well presented and very attractive projects which are sure to please.

And, while we are mentioning tatting books, be sure to take a look at the latest from Japan – Tatting Accessories and Tomoko Morimoto’s Tatting Lace.

Aerlit Shuttles – There have been plenty of shuttles over the years with inbuilt  spool but, since the original one, which has been out of production for decades. few if any have been completely satisfactory.  Now we have the ‘Aerlit’, a careful reproduction, thoroughly tested by leading shuttle tatters, which is sure to please. And, you will surely love the bold colours, each with a contrasting spool !

Diamant Thread – you will really like this metallic thread from DMC, which has a special coating which makes it very smooth when used as a lacemaking thread.  We now have it in gold and silver colours.

Idrija Lace – Broad Tape – we now have books 1 & 2, both with traditional patterns from the Idrija Municipal Museum,  probably originated in Idrija at the end of the 19th and early 20 centuries and now meticulously re-presented by local experts for modern use. These are intended to be worked using the široki ris (broad tape) techniques characteristic of Idrija lace which continues to be popular today.

And there’s more about the Idrija technique in Idrijska Cipka and a collection of smaller Idrija lace projects in Bits of Lace.  We are expecting more Idrija titles soon, we’ll let you know when they arrive.

Crochet Lace – We are big fans of Barbara Ballantyne’s ever-growing range of crochet lace books and we particularly like her latest and, if you are a crochet lace fan, we know you will too. Irish Crochet Lace in Austria & France and Irish Crochet Lace in the Nineteenth Century have arrived and are already selling well.

Don’t forget, you can always check out what’s new on the Roseground site, in any year. This year, type new2013 in any search box. And, with this year only recently started, its worth typing new2012 to see what was new last year too.

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New Ways to Save

October 16th, 2012

More and more people are buying on line and it is important to us to make sure our customers get the best possible value and have increasing flexibility in the way they are able to use our site. That’s why, with mailing costs on the rise we took another look at the options we offered for delivery.

Yesterday, we launched a new-look checkout and already we find that our customers appreciate the increased range of options for delivery that it offers.

Previously, for delivery within the UK, we offered only First Class mail. This has been and still is, almost invariably, a fast and efficient service and we regularly hear from customers who are delighted to have received their order after placing it only the previous afternoon!  However, with the big hike in postage rates earlier this year, we know that our customers are realising that they can wait just a few days for their thread – or all the other things that tatters and lacemakers need – if it means they save on delivery costs.

So, we set out to offer a choice at the checkout, so that you can choose to balance cost and delivery time to match your needs. If you still need fast service you can choose it – but if you wish to save you can select from other options whenever they are available.

For those in the UK, offering the choice to opt for Second Class mail was an obvious and easy option to offer – but we wanted to go further. That’s why, for over three months now, we have been trialing courier delivery and, as a result, we are now absolutely confident in offering this service as a selectable alternative for delivery within the UK. This service, which is normally provided for us by Hermes couriers, has proved to be an extremely efficient service which is fully tracked and which delivers within 3 to 5 working days and at very economical rates – cheaper than even Second Class mail for packages over 1 kilo and the difference is markedly greater for heavier parcels.   But that’s not all – if you are worried about being out when the courier calls you can nominate a ‘safe place’ of your choice, where the package can be left if you are not at home. Of course, most of these features of courier service are well known to all of us, but we wanted to make sure that we chose a provider that provided a distinctive personal service,  and one that was keenly priced and geared to household deliveries. We think you will find that our courier option – serviced by Hermes – meets those criteria.

And we’ve looked at new options for our growing number of customers who live, tat and make lace outside the UK.  For those who live in Continental Europe, airmail continues to be the most efficient and cost-effective option available – although we continue to consider courier services for heavier deliveries where is more cost-effective and we will be looking to extend this option if appropriate alternatives become available.  Elsewhere in the world, airmail remains the choice of many but some will welcome the option that is now available to select surface delivery – where big savings are available to those who are happy to wait.

We are confident that you will find this new flexibility helpful and economical.  Its all part of the Roseground service!

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After ‘Discover’ Comes ‘Explore’ -

October 4th, 2012

When, last May, Ulrike Voelcker launched her ground-breaking and wide-ranging three-part work on Torchon, with Part 1 (‘Discover Torchon‘), it was an immediate best seller – and continues to be so, as lacemakers appreciate its comprehensive coverage of Torchon techniques, its many innovative insights and its excellent presentation. Now, the promised Part 2 – ‘Explore Torchon‘ –  has been released  - and we are certainly not disappointed and we are pretty sure that Ulrike’s many fans won’t be either !

In this part, we have a collection of larger Torchon patterns which encourage those who used the projects offered in Part 1 to move on to produce any  (or all!) of the excellent pieces that are included.  The range is wide and the variety is impressive with the author following her maxim that “Form Follows Function”  - that is, the design should suit the use to which the lace is to be put.  Thus, there are patterns for stylish shawls, attractive curtains and table runners, mats and edgings – some particularly innovative – and a sampler and more. With so much on offer, this is a book that can be used, not only as a follow on from Part 1, but also as a stand-alone pattern book for experienced lacemakers who will surely be attracted to what it offers.

Those who have progressed to this Part from the ‘Discover’ section, will welcome the references back to the relevant techniques in Part 1, that are included with each of the patterns – which are themselves presented in meticulous detail with copious and very clear photographs, prickings and line drawings – colour assisted where needed – and appropriate pattern notes in  English and German.

The book is, once again, presented as a set of sturdy loose pages, punched for holding in a loose-leaf binder of your choosing – alongside Part 1 for those who own it and to await the addition of Part 3 should you eventually choose to purchase it.  This approach has proved very popular as  it avoids the increasingly expensive cost of binding and allows for individual prickings to be taken out while in use and to make copying easier.

If you missed Part 1, don’t worry – its still available here !  And Part 3,  ’Master’ which, we are promised, will deepen our knowledge of Torchon even further, is promised for 2013.  This is a series that is highly recommended for all Torchon lacemakers !

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It’s That Time Again …

September 20th, 2012

Yes, the time to buy Christmas bobbins – and, as usual, Roseground has brought you some attractive new designs to add to your pillow and to give as gifts to your lacemaking friends.

This year you have a choice of three new designs which have been produced for us by our popular bobbin painter, Amanda D.   All are, of course, available on East Midland style bobbins in lemonwood or bone with a matching spangle with painted bottom bead and, this year, those who prefer a Honiton or Continental bobbin are not forgotten as two of the designs are available on these format bobbins.   There is also a choice of East Midlands shape on ebony for these two designs.   Our picture show all these options painted with our Festive Stocking design which features a Christmas stocking and gifts, in bright red, blue, green and yellow.  The body of the bobbin (except ebony) is painted in a soft gold colour.

Also available in all formats, is our Festive Tree design which features a tree in snow, with baubles and topped with a star, again painted on a soft gold body (except the ebony option).

Many are finding our growing number of all-over character designs, on East Midlands bobbins, both amusing and very attractive.  In past years we have featured a Santa and a snowman and this year’s has a happy Christmas Elf, in festive red and green as its  all-over design.

And we haven’t forgotten the tatters – this year we are offering our Festive Tree and Festive Stocking designs painted on tatting shuttles.

All of these attractive bobbins and shuttles are available now – so order now to avoid that last minute rush .

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Jaquie’s Tatted Bracelets

May 17th, 2012

Lacemakers have enjoyed making bracelets using the bangle frames that Roseground has been supplying for some time so we thought it was about time that tatters had a chance to join in the fun !

So, we approached the well-known tatting teacher, Jaquie Teal and asked her to develop bracelets for the tatter.  And, with her usual enthusiasm, she has produced three excellent patterns which we are now able to make available to you.

We think you will react in the same way as we did – “Wow, that’s great” – and won’t wait long to get started !

You have a choice of patterns, with or without the frame, for the shuttle or needle tatter and you may buy additional bangle frames at any time.

We look forward to seeing you wearing one next time we meet at a tatting event.

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Even More for Tatters

May 15th, 2012

Roseground is always on the look out for what’s new in the tatting world – particularly as it is obvious to us that the craft is growing in popularity. For many, of course, it develops into a major hobby but, equally, some find it to be the ideal pastime for those odd moments we all like to discover in a busy day.

All tatters will welcome the the recent addition of six new and very attractive variegated shades to the deservedly popular Lizbeth range of tatting and crochet thread.  This thread is now a firm favourite for its excellent texture and wide range of colours – now in 76 variegated and  88 solid shades. Roseground stocks the full range in size 20 and a many of them – and growing all the time – in size 40.

Established tatters should take a look at two new booklets from popular designer, Jon Yusoff  which have followed her popular snowflake book – now ‘Elegant Tatting Gems‘ continues the theme and ‘Tatting With Rings‘ includes the plastic ring as a design element. Those who like to work attractive, wearable projects should check-out ‘Tatted Jewelry‘, an attractively produced booklet by Marilee Rockley (shown above). And everyone should take a look at the Lizbeth thread holder,  designed to keep your thread safe from dust, spills and curious pets while you are tatting   – and which comes complete with a free sample ball of Lizbeth thread !

And, for those who wish to get started, our starter kit provides an inexpensive way to have a try.  This is great value and  is available with a choice of the ever-popular ‘how-to’ sheet or a small pattern book, both by  Rosemarie Peel.  Or, take a look at a more recent addition to our range, ‘Learn to Tat‘ by Janette Baker which provides step-by-step instruction supported by a DVD.

There really is no excuse not to be part of this old-established craft which is being re-discovered by more people each day !

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Discover Torchon

May 15th, 2012

Whether you are a real beginner or have some experience with Torchon lace making and wish to learn more, the latest publication ‘Discover Torchon‘ by Ulrike Voelcker, which takes a comprehensive and sometimes innovative look at Torchon techniques, is most certainly for you.

Ulrike’s books are always eagerly awaited and never disappoint. Each one is produced in meticulous detail with copious and very clear photographs, prickings and line drawings – colour assisted where needed – and thorough instructional text in  English and German.

This time, Ulrike has taken a different approach to the physical format of the publication by supplying it as a set of loose pages, punched for holding in a loose-leaf binder of your choosing. We like this idea and we think you will too – it avoids the increasingly expensive cost of binding and allows for greater flexibility in use – for instance, individual prickings may be copied easily.  And, as Ulrike will be following up with other sections, the binder can eventually keep them all together.

The future parts, which will be available for additional purchase, will build on this first part – ‘Explore’ (expected late 2012) will add larger prickings and ‘Master’ (expected during 2013) will deepen a knowledge of Torchon even further.

In the meantime, whether or not you choose to add these extra sections as they appear, this first part stands alone and  provides a very comprehensive manual for a popular and flexible lace form. Highly recommended !

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60 Glorious Years

February 6th, 2012

Today we pause to remember that it is 60 years since the accession of Queen Elizabeth II.

Some of us will remember vividly that cold February day in 1952 when the young Queen returned as Monarch, from Kenya. She had arrived there just days earlier as the first stop in a Commonwealth tour with her husband, Prince Philip and it was there that she received the news that her father, King George VI, had died and that she had therefore acceded to the throne.

It was one of those days when people remember exactly what they were doing. Pat Hallam was in a cookery lesson when the caretaker, holding his cap across his chest in respect, entered and informed the teacher that the King had died. It was moment that has  remained vividly in her memory and all around the country, similar memories would establish themselves in personal memories.

It had been some five years earlier, in a broadcast on her 21st birthday that the then Princess Elizabeth had said, movingly and firmly,  ’I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong’. This is a promise that she has certainly kept since and today, fittingly, she has renewed that pledge of service.

Those of us who have lived through these 60 years of her reign have found that our lives have changed beyond all imagination – but, one constant has always been there, our Queen has simply continued to serve the Country and the Commonwealth.  Her Majesty has, of course, also needed to respond to the changes we have all experienced, but this has always been in a careful and measured way. Long may she reign !

In celebration of the Diamond Jubilee , Roseground has produced a commemorative bobbin – designed by our popular painter, Amanda D – which many will wish to have on their pillow. It is available now, in a choice of wood or bone, and may be seen and ordered here.

And, for something extra special to mark the occasion, take a look at our inscribed bone bobbin, inset with two Zirconia stones – a  superb bobbin to remember this wonderful celebration year.

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New Tatters, New Tatting Materials

November 11th, 2011

It’s good to see that tatting is growing in popularity. At every event we speak to people who are keen to get started and to join those who have been tatting for many years.

Roseground has always made sure that it serves the needs of the tatter. We stock the largest range of specialist tatting books in the UK and a wide range of shuttles and accessories to suit every taste and need.  Recently too, we have brought several exciting new products which have been welcomed by tatters – from the beginner to the most experienced .

Lizbeth thread, specially developed for crochet and tatting has been exceptionally well received by tatters all around the world. Quite simply, they have fallen in love with it ! And, it’s easy to see why – it has the texture and qualities that tatters look for, a wide and ever-growing range of solid and variegated shades and is available from Roseground in both size 20 and 40.   If you haven’t already done so,  give it a try – we think you won’t look back

Traditionally, the skill of tatting was often passed from mother to daughter and many tatters treasure their mother’s or grandmother’s shuttle – but, of course, there is always room for a new addition. This year has seen some of the old favourites reappear with a makeover and at modest prices. Check out the new ‘Aero’ Style bobbin shuttle, the Lacis Shuttle, and arriving any day now, the Starlite Shuttle with a long pick end. And, they all come in a range of bright colours – check them out !

Posted in Tatting, Thread | 1 Comment »

What Can We Do ?

October 21st, 2011

As the world knows, northeastern Japan was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami on the 11^th March 2011. Now, seven months later, it is known that nearly 20,000 are confirmed dead or are still missing. More than 60,000 are living in temporary shelters and over 250 children are orphaned.

Rieko Tamura, a Japanese lacemaker, and her students live in western Japan which was undamaged but they were, of course, deeply shocked by the tragedy and were determined to do what they could for the victims.  They thought, “What can we do as lacemakers ?”.  Now, after approaching the Lace Guild and obtaining permission, Rieko has redrawn the patterns from the CD of the Rose Family Sample Book and 25 of her students have worked the samples and produced this well presented booklet of 30 Bedfordshire edging and insertion patterns. They are donating all their profits to the Japanese Red Cross Society which is working with the victims.

This is an excellent opportunity for lacemakers to obtain an excellent collection of  patterns  - and to support this very worthy cause at the same time.

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