Robin I have heard of buffing needlelace. It was the historic practice, by specialists. The tool used was called an aficot. My impression is that it was sculpted laces which received this treatment. The laces were probably made in linen, not cotton, during the time period when this was done. Photos I have seen of aficots show a curved highly polished stick. The curve touches the lace, not the point or any part which could snag threads.
But I do agree this seems idiotic. They must have liked the look. Maybe it pushed down the little hairy fibers that linen gives off and produced a smoother surface. Lorelei - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
