Dear Sue, Memos on all subjects you raise are in Arachne archives under my name. I have always suggested everyone keep a Conservation binder for future use. For washing, refer to my memo about Carrickmacross lace to Arachne and Karen in Malta just yesterday (27th). Orvus soap should be available in Canadian quilting shops. This is not information your sister will easily find. The climate in most of Canada is not much different than in Maine. I keep all my laces stored in archival boxes in the studio, which I do not keep as warm as the rest of the house in Winter. A temperature of 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit should do, or keep in the part of the house that is lived in - not attic or cellar. Devon recently wrote that the Metropolitan Museum is no longer using buffered tissues because they are very drying. She suggested to use unbuffered tissues. See? Even I keep a conservation binder. Well, more like a deep box! Of most concern is the elastic used in lace wedding garters sent to Canada. This because elastic does not stand up to the passage of time, can crumble, lose elasticity, and even discolor white lace - as some on this list must realize when they pass down children's clothing. Also, elastic measurements for garters need adjusting from bride-to-bride. I recommend you write instructions - for measuring new elastic, how to insert it in a garter, and how to remove elastic after each wedding (which will make it easier to flatten the lace for storage). You might take pictures to illustrate, though I do not know how long they will survive. (My old color photos are degrading.) Any photos, and instructions written on normal paper, need to be kept outside the archival paper used to wrap wedding laces. Therefore, mention right in the written documentation that the wrapping tissue is the kind used to preserve lace in museums, and is not from a local craft shop. Be sure to mention that lace should not be stored in wood or cardboard containers - keep it simple, and just say all wood and cardboard, when it comes to those not interested in textile conservation. I hope the recipients will be sentimental. Reminder to all: Anyone traveling by air should pack lace in carry-on luggage. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center -------------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 6/28/2014, [email protected] writes:
When the garter comes back to me I need to remove the elastic, wash it carefully and pack it away again into the acid free tissue paper waiting for the next wedding. Because one branch of my family all live in Canada I have decided to design and make some lace just for them, to save the garter going backwards and forwards over the Atlantic with the possibility of delays or loss and would like some information please to tell my sister the best way to preserve and pack the lace items for safe keeping in their changeable weather. One item is for multiple use so will need to give her the washing and packing instructions for the garter but the other items I make need to be kept presentable for individual use and gifting to the brides on their day. My great nieces and nephews are aged from 7 - 17 at the moment so the lace wont be made all at once but over the years in my time, so will need to be stored for the future. Sue T Dorset UK - 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/
