Hi Clay
I don't know which threads the Maltese use - as Karen says it's not
even silk now but a rayon. I have a Maltese runner/scarf which is
rayon and much whiter than the typical golden corn colour.
However, I'm pretty sure it would be a filament thread such as reeled
silk or uncut rayon fibres. Au Ver a Soie is a spun silk which is why
it's less glossy.
I have a photocopy, given to me many years ago, of a little
leaflet/booklet sold in Malta as a tourist souvenir. It has
instructions for making Maltese lace but I doubt anyone could learn
from the very basic instructions - the words (sort of) tell you how to
make the bobbin hitch, but shows a picture of the thread tied to the
bobbin! It then explains half stitch and plaits, there's a very simple
plaited edging and then a couple of pictures of finished complex
designs. Maybe the intention was to make the tourist think that the
lacemakers are exceptionally talented.
Re thread it reads:
"Thread used does not necessarily have to be very fine, but must be
strong and twisted. Pure linen thread is recommended. It can be found
in no. 30, 40, 50 in ecru colour. This is usually used for household
linen, such as tablecloths, napkins and other similar articles. Black
silk thread is used for mantillas, shawls and evening wear. White silk
thread is used to decorate handkerchiefs, shawls, stoles and doilies.
White cotton and linen is used to decorate dresses and for collars and
cuffs."
Brenda
I don't claim any expertise in Maltese lace, or silk threads either.
But recently, I used Au Ver a Soie to make a small piece, and it was
delightful to work with. My hunch is that this silk is not glossy
enough for Maltese. The weight of the thread is probably right, and
the color is the wonderful natural (unprocessed) silk color.
So, for anyone knowledgeable about the silk once used for Maltese,
could you please tell us how Au Ver a Soie measures up for this?
Brenda in Allhallows, Kent
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.uk/index.html
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