Jill Scheetz
Hall, Australia

"In 1997 I worked on an entry for an International Lace Competition conducted by the Power House Museum in Sydney. I taught myself various needle lace techniques and set to work. My loyal little family were rather annoyed when I didn't make it to the finals. But I moved on purchasing a republication of Threads because I was attracted to the cover photo of a pair of hand knitted gloves in Norwegian style pattern. The article was spot on. I immediately identified with the author. Gloves were the ideal project for someone who liked to knit and experiment with various techniques.

Then my plan took shape. So many friends had been supportive and interested in my Needle Lace project I decided that I would knit each a pair of gloves. From the beginning I decided that the only in-put from friends would be their measurements. I would choose colour design etc. I told the curious that their gloves would reflect their personality!

I spurned patterns and thought I'd create my own. After numerous false starts with four needles I abandoned that idea and rediscovered a basic pattern using only two needles. I also talked to a friend who is still producing wonderful work at age 88. Glad has won prizes in the Royal Melbourne Show and was a member of the Victorian Embroiderer's Guild. Glad's advice was to use a pair of size 14 needles and 4 ply wool.

These days there is not much variety in fibre at the 4ply range that can be purchased over the counter. So, to obtain small quantities of interesting wool I started haunting second hand shops. On one occasion I unearthed enough wonderfully soft cashmere to knit a pair of gloves. On another I found an antique collection of sock wool still in its original skiens with tags attached. The tags were so aged and brittle they crumbled to the touch.

Meantime I had also discovered that patterns and suppliers could be found on the INTERNET. I downloaded an old pattern for a lace collar that had possibilities and had the thrill of discovering The Needle Arts Book Shop in Ontario. I immediately ordered Kilt Hose and Knickerbocker Stockings and the Latvian Mitten book.

Interpreting personalities in terms of gloves became a great challenge and of course the first pair were the hardest. I had notions of knitting 'Willow Pattern" inspired gloves for Trish. I knitted (and unknitted) more gloves for Trish than any other person. Eventually I abandoned that idea and started again, recognizing that the first gloves should be comparitively simple and perhaps my interpretative skills and techniques would improve in time."

Jill hosted a special gathering of her friends to present them with their gloves - it must have been an exciting and touching event! The lucky receipents were Trisha, Denise, Jane, Leanne, Jill, Margaret, Foong Mee, Kay, Robyn, Margaret Brennan, Joy, Mary, Stephanie, Julianna, Marguerite and Maureen.

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