Dear Lacemakers, It is natural to think you should iron linens before putting them into storage. It is what we see in magazine pictures and in linen closets in historic houses. Often, nicely tied with pretty ribbons. Some people will still want to do this...
However, consider this labor-saving information... I was taught in conservation classes that although it is imperative to wash linens immedately after use (remember white wine and milk spills do not show, but develop into brown stains later) -- that unless you have a museum-quality storage system of rollers onto which you can put your linens or a way to store linens flat without folds -- it is best to put the linens away without pressing or ironing. Why? Because, chances are you will have to touch them up with an iron when you take them out to use anyway! That equals two exposures to ironing equipment. Double work for you, or a person you employ. Ironing/pressing to remove wrinkles involves heat and steam. You flatten the threads of the linens. Now, think what that means. Weaving is an over-under process, so the threads really are raised over one thread and then lowered under the next, both north/south and east/west. When you press heat and steam into these "bumps", tiny fibers break away. You do not see this until a lot of them in one area do this - perhaps helped along by organic material left in the fibers, or bug activity. The point is, ironing/pressing is hard on all fibers (including your everyday clothing) and helps to speed the process of wear. Never press creases into linens, laces or handkerchiefs. The fibers will first break along the lines of creases. In most homes today there is no hired person to do the ironing/pressing. So, cut your labor and do this once -- before you need to use the linens. There! You have been given the gift of a reason and a way to have more time to make lace! Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
