Dear "Wired" Lace Experts, We have quite a few newbies on Arachne each year who do not have access to the wealth of classes and books some of us have accumulated. The subject of using wire to shape laces may be new to them.
In my collection are a pair of tatted lace mobiles, circa 1950 (a period when Alexander Calder was a very popular artist). Each mobile has 25 tatted motifs in graduated sizes, hanging from 5 strands of thread hanging from several wire bars. All but one of the 50 motifs hanging from the bars of the mobiles are starched and have kept their shapes nicely. However, the maker used wire to surround one very airy shape. These mobiles were stored in a damp place by a previous owner - and as a result the wired motif and motifs that came in contact with that wire have rust stains on the threads. It would be a service to Arachneans to explain the importance of selecting wire with great care when combining it with a fiber. It would be helpful if an expert would explain which wire products are safe to use with lace and where to obtain them (suppliers). This is an international list, and rust-less wire information will be very important to lacemakers who live in damp climates throughout the world. Many thanks, 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]
