Karen
I believe that the original chemistry was, as Robin surmised, cotton sewn on
silk using a lock-stitch embroidery machine, typically the Schiffli, which
sometimes gave its name to the lace. The silk was dissolved in an alkali,
which if anything would improve the cotton - in effect mercerising it. I
understand that later, the background material was acetate dissolved in acetone
- slightly cheaper, though I assume they didn't use the best silk!
As Bridget said, it's amazing how good the results can be from a distance,
though once you look at the threads, it's obvious to a lacemaker what it is.
[EMAIL PROTECTED], in London
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