Ron,
I have good insurance and am being reimbursed for damaged goods as well as
time and materials spent airing/washing things (like the imported linen
fabrics that were only mildly aromatic and my handwoven items) that had no
soot damage.
Fortunately, the worst of it was odor and natural fibers are pretty good -
hanging things on the wash line for up to a week took care of what the
coffee didn't. My Flokati rug from the show window didn't need to go go the
cleaners - after a week in the fresh air (lots of fog that week) it smells
only faintly of the New Zealand sheep that produced the wool. My ancient
loom bench sheepskins from our old herd fared just as well.
Linen yarn and fabrics shed odors more easily than other fibers. Wool soaks
up odor, but given enough fresh air, gives it up readily. Commercial yarn
like mohair blend with synthetics and yarns in pull skeins are wasted.
Skeined handspun can be gently washed and hung up to dry - much of it looks
nicer than before.
Naturally the insurance guy is kind of surprised at my old fashioned
methods, but I have a big back yard and more patience than I thought. When
it comes to damage to that vest out of one's first handspun, you learn
quickly how to freshen it back to its original condition.
We hope to move back in as soon as the ceiling tiles are replaced and the
carpet/store furnishing are cleaned. I'm already studying my color cards and
new sources for a spring collection to go with the new "fresh" atmosphere.
Many thanks to those who suggested baking soda, coffee and charcoal - have
used all three with tremendous success.
PS: My handwoven damask shop banners proved really resilient - simply
handwash, mangle and keep on a roll until we reopen. And even the landlord
was relieved when the drawloom took no damage.
Sara von Tresckow
Fond du Lac, WI
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Visit Our Site: http://www.woolgatherers.com
Dutch Master Loom/Spinning Chairs/Handwovens/Vxabdck Countermarche Looms
To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
