In a message dated 12/2/2007 4:58:11 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I drooled over the lace fan, then looked at some of the other objects: number 2 is a cigar box. This box would tie in nicely with the discussions about storing lace threads: cigar boxes were and are made of special woods, that allow the cigars to breathe and not dry out. I wonder if this would work for lace threads? I store mine in the wooden workbox produced by Richard Gravestock: pricey, but it was a lovely present from my husband. -------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Lacemakers, My memos may be long, but they are meant to say more than *do not*. They are meant to explain why - so as to avoid heartbreak. It is important to be sure the finish applied to the inside of a wooden box will act as a proper barrier to protect against acid damage from off-gasing. Wood and many papers present a danger to lace threads and lace. Acid damage causes visible discoloration (acid burn - meaning the fibers gradually turn beige to brown). As this destruction process continues, threads become weak. When this happens, threads will break under pressure (handling or washing). Also, some wood products attract insects which will leave stains behind. I have written about this danger *many* times on Arachne. Some will remember my story about winding 6-strand embroidery floss on emptied old-style wooden sewing thread spools (as a teen). When I took the threads out of a wicker and wood storage box, it was possible to snap the embroidery floss into pieces. The threads were no longer of any use. There have also been warnings about wooden drawers and trunks as being poor places to store precious linens and garments. This warning applies to entire Earth and all environments, not just one place on our planet. We have lacemakers all over the globe. There are many woods and many papers and many methods of manufacture. There are pH Testing Pens that instantly test pH content of paper products. Look at following site, and copy information about Item # 2396 to take to a local supplier: _http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/_ (http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/) You can line wooden boxes with acid-free paper as a buffer, but it is not a 100% fool-proof solution. The acid-free paper should be replaced regularly, as it will absorb the acid and transfer to fibers. I replace at 5-year intervals. Close inspection will indicate when new acid-free paper is needed. Some years ago, I read about Leonardo da Vinci works of art (on paper) belonging to Queen Elizabeth II that had suffered from acid damage due to improper storage. A scandal in the museum community. This sort of thing happens to all types of collections. Beware acid damage. Jeri Ames Lace and Embroidery Resource Center **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
