Personal opinion ... You don't need to do anything special since you are framing it. I would let the last bit set in the pins over night (recent discussion suggests even that is not necessary). Stiffening is used only when you really need the lace to be stiff -- 3-D flower, Christmas ornament, etc.-- or if the lace turns out to be more floppy than you wanted (thin thread). Most lace is used however it comes off the pillow.
To frame it, you will need to mount it on a backing fabric. I would use the same thread and tack it to the backing, all around the item. Tacking means using a needle and thread, come up from the back under a thread on the item, loop over the thread and return to the back either in the same needle hole or just next to the original needle hole. This tacking or sewing will hold the item securely in place without stiffening. The spacing of the tacking will depend on the firmness or openness of the item. I start with about one inch spacing but that is adjustable as needed... especially along the upper edge of the item where the stitching will support the weight of the lace. If you need to freshen and smooth a piece of lace, you can lay it out on a flat waterproof surface, pour water on it until it's standing on the lace surface, smooth with fingers into shape, and let air dry. It might take a couple days but it makes the lace flat and fairly crisp without applying heat (iron) to it. When framed, the lace should not touch the glass (if you have glass in the frame). Use a spacer that is thicker than your lace so you have air inside. Do not seal the back so air can circulate. If you frame it without glass, then there's no problem. Enjoy your lace. Alice in Oregon ----- Original Message ---- From: Jensen Marilyn <[email protected]> I am finishing a small oval of Hungarian lace (from Louise Colgans class)and before removing the pins, what should I do? I plan to frame it. Marilyn Jensen - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
