Hi Lynn... Years ago, there was an extensive series of discussions about this issue. Our Polar Vortex has really affected the threads with which we work!
You are right to add moisture to your threads when the humidity is so low in our heated homes. As I recall, the collective advice was to place a damp cloth over the work, and then cover with something that doesn't "breathe", such as Saran Wrap. My instinct is to use filtered water to dampen the cloth, and to uncover it daily to inhibit the growth of mold or mildew. A tricky balance. It would be wise to launder this cloth on a regular basis. In addition, there is a difference between the reaction of cotton and of linen to humidity... So this means you need to know what you're working with, and treat it accordingly. I hope Jeri Ames can fill in the gaps/disavow any errors! Clay Sent from my iPad > On Jan 25, 2014, at 5:57 PM, "Lyn Bailey" <[email protected]> wrote: > > I have been working away on the edging for the altar cloth. 2 weeks ago I > had made a total of 108 inches, only 26 inches to go. And then, when we were > having all that very cold weather and the heat was on much more than usual, 3 > threads broke in one week. Not cool. I remembered that lacemakers were to > make lace in damp basements, and thought to moisturize my 40/2 Bockens. I > have a fairly thick linen cover cloth for the project, got it from Vadstena, > Sweden. It's about twice as thick as a linen tea towel. In the evening when > I'm done I cover the lace, then spray the cover with plain water. Much less > water than actually moistening the towel, and let it sit overnight with no > other cover. It is very difficult to see if it's working, as only 3 threads > breaking in a week, of about 10 hours' working, isn't a lot. > > My question is, do you see any problems with this? Might it work? > > - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
