In a message dated 12/2/2007 1:50:58 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
FWIW, textiles are stored in museums in plastic that is the same as Rubbermaid/Sterilite containers sold in the USA as they are acid free and will not harm fibers. I don't want to misquote the exact plastic as I have brain fog this morning, but they will help seal out oxidizatation and prevent acid factors. All you have to do is make sure it is clean and away from sunlight. I think that safe storage and care of products in some ways was more proactive in the past, though there was less available to use to protect. I agree with the "needle stuck in thread" and people not even knowing the "nap" of threads, etc. to facilitate execution of a project, which can also enhance longevity. I hope your threads all stay safe and last a long long time... ------------------------------------ Dear Collectors of Lace and Lace Threads, A late reply, but may be of use for you to consider in New Year. May I suggest you still wrap your laces and threads in acid-free paper or pieces of clean white cotton fabric? Thoroughly washed and rinsed white cotton sheets cut to size would be a good choice. When you lift wrapped laces out of any storage box, the stress of gravity will then be on the wrapping materials. Second, plastics can attract dust and dirt and soot to the surface (electrostatically), which will be transferred to lace. Remember the source of plastic, and that it eventually will break down. By using a anti-soiling buffer between plastic and your valuable laces, you give your laces a better chance. You do not want to make washing necessary. Every time you wash lace or textiles, threads become weaker. Larger pieces require padding at the folds, so folds do not become creases and the threads at the creases then become subject to breaking. By the way, I've just noticed in a sewing magazine (again!) "Sew Beautiful" #118, 2008, page 69, that when they refer to washing old wedding gowns, they do not mention distilled water or room temperature water (they show a picture of a hot water faucet!). They recommend soaps that are advertised as kind to your hands, and a bleach. In museum conservation classes, I was steered clear of washing compounds that say they are kind to your hands, and I have become wary of all bleach formulas - the damage may take time to become visible. Was taught that insects may feed on lanolins and similar. Chemicals do funny things over time. When they are combined with earlier chemicals used in manufacturing processes, or home formulas devised by ancestors, the result may be permanently yellow laces. It is an ugly yellow. Please remember my numerous warnings. Use no bleaches. Use distilled water in the final rinses. The water should be so clean you'd be willing to drink it! And, remember museum conservators use Orvus WA Paste (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), a Procter and Gamble washing compound, on cottons and linens. Jeri Ames Lace and Embroidery Resource Center **************************************See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
