In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Elizabeth Ligeti <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes
>If, as Tamara says, the silk net has an inbuilt stiffness, then that would >enhance the softer cotton lace, I would think, as it will sit better when >mounted. > >And surely, - silk lasts through the ages, doesn't it? I can't say that I have noticed stiffness with any silk I have used, in comparison to cotton. If there is, then my guess would be that either the silk had not had all of the seracin removed in its processing, or it had been treated in some way (eg the addition of metal salts). I have seen old silk in a very stiff and brittle state, which I suspect is as a result of this sort of treatment (no doubt Jeri will have a better view on that). Silk is a protein fibre, and thus, like wool, if stored incorrectly can be viewed as a feast by various insects. Cotton is a cellulose fibre. Silk and cotton are thus opposites in the cleaning field - silk is damaged by alkalis, cotton by acids; silk is weaker when wet, cotton is stronger. Are the future recipients of the veil likely to understand the possible problems that cleaning the veil, if a silk tulle is used, may throw up? My personal view is that it would be better to find a fine cotton tulle so that the fibres match in that respect, at least. Just a thought, in going to the "Lacemakers' Story' exhibition in Loughborough a few weeks ago, I discovered that John Heathcoate's (remember him, the one who developed the first bobbinet machines) factory in Tiverton, Devon, is still in production, and they produced the nets, if not the veils, for several of the recent UK royal weddings (and probably for the less recent ones, too). It might be worth looking to see if they are producing any fine cotton tulle, and if so, who they supply through. Chances are they will export their products. None of the Nottingham factories have survived. BTW, Liz, I spotted your piece in the Seven exhibition, it is absolutely wonderful, well done! -- Jane Partridge - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
