I guess that would depend on what your want to do with the thread. If you're going to keep it as an historical sample, then I'd keep as much intact as possible. I have some of this old thread and have used it. It's a bugger to work with--since it's so old, it is very brittle and will withstand only the slightest of tensioning. I did get one miniature doll's fans complete with the old thread, but in a way I wish I hadn't used it and the slips were still in place.
Carole Dublin, OH USA -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brenda Paternoster Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 7:18 PM To: arachne Arachne Subject: [lace] Slip threads Dear Spiders I have recently acquired some old slip threads - thank you Lynne - and my quandry is whether or not I should break the packaging in order to measure the threads. Slip thread, is gassed cotton in skeins as traditionally used by lacemakers in England. According to Thomas Wright, 'Romance of the Lace Pillow' the thread came in 2 ounce packets; each packet containing 4 parcels and each parcel divided into several slips - (hence the name slip-thread). The slips are separated from each other by a red thread twisted between each slip. I *think* that the slips are joined together, ie one long length of thread. What I have is two packets plus one parcel of 12-slip, two packets plus one parcel of 10 slip and one parcel of 6-slip, plus a couple of individual slips that I don't know the size of - once a parcel has been opened and the red thread cut the "size" information is destroyed!! When I weighed the four parcels they only weighed 4 ounces - I think that could be an error by Thomas Wright (I know his book is not now considered 100% accurate), and I think the thread was manufactured by E Peat, Son & Co of Nottingham as there's a blue paper wrapper bearing their label in the bag that the threads came in. Wolter-Kampmann's book (German edition page 26) shows a parcel, a packet, a wrapped packet and a larger wrapped packet (2 ounce) of this thread. My question is; should I break the wrapping threads to measure the thread or should I keep it intact? Brenda in Allhallows, Kent http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/index.html - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
