Re: [lace] Mystery thread

Lorri, I'm surprised that the linen threads are fuzzy under magnification. I would have thought fuzzy would mean cotton. Too late at night now but I will examine some thread tomorrow. What say the experts? Is my ignorance showing again? In any case, what I really wanted to post is not to be shy

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

This thread is finer than the DMC Special Dentalies that I have. I did a burn test with the MT and a known linen and they burned the same, as did the cotton and MT. But then all 3 are plant fibers. I also noticed that in some areas there are small 'slubs'. But I have seen that on both cotton and

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

FFR is a brand name - Filature et Filteries Reunies - based in Aalst, Belgium. https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en=nl=http://www.ethesis.net/a alst_textiel/deel_I/aalst_textiel_deel_I_2_g.htm=search

RE: [lace] Mystery thread

Lorri I have used their thread and liked it very well. The thread of theirs that I have used is linen. I am not aware that they made cotton threads. Their 80/2 linen is comparable in size to tatting cotton #80. Bockens 80/2 would be a bit finer, because Bockens tends to twist their threads more

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

That would make sense of the thread being larger than the 80/2 Brok cotton! Lorri, when you looked at it under magnification, is the FFR thread fuzzy or smooth? and is the twist the same direction as the Brok cotton? S or Z? Is the cone cool to the touch when you pick it up? To the experts out

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

The postal codes for Aalst, in the SE of the Netherlands, are 5308 XX, where XX are two varying uppercase letters, and nearby is 5305 XX and 5307 XX. The postcode 9052 XX (with two letters again) is in the Grouw region, up in the NW. Also, postcodes were introduced into the Netherlands in 1976 --

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

I went to get some 'known' 80/0 cotton (Brok), did the burn test, they both burned the same. But I noticed the FFR is much larger the size than the Brok. The 'pull to break' test was good, it is very sturdy. Thank you for the suggestions Nancy, I should have thought of them before I even ask my

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

I let Google translate this page and it turned out quite well: https://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en=nl=http://www.ethesis.net/aa lst_textiel/deel_I/aalst_textiel_deel_I_2_g.htm=search

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

And do a burn test. FFR started manufacturing synthetics and blends between the world wars. On Mon, Sep 3, 2018 at 3:05 PM, N.A. Neff wrote: > PS: I don't see anything that says "cotton" ("katoen" in Dutch). You'll > have to look at it under magnification. > > - To unsubscribe send email to

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

PS: I don't see anything that says "cotton" ("katoen" in Dutch). You'll have to look at it under magnification. Test strength before using: if it's yellowed, I'll bet that it's "rotten". Nancy Connecticut, USA On Mon, Sep 3, 2018 at 2:40 PM, Lorri Ferguson wrote: > ...Am I correct that it is

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

See http://www.ethesis.net/aalst_textiel/deel_I/aalst_textiel_deel_I_2_g.htm . FFR is an acronym for the company ( Filature et Filteries Réunies), and I think "Aalst" is the name of the town. "9052" is probably their stock or product number. 80/2 is surely the weight, "Wit" and "Blanc" = white

Re: [lace] mystery thread

It's my understanding that FFR was taken over by Fresia. Is that linen a comparable quality? Those cones are also color-coded. Clay On 6/12/2010 2:47 PM, Lorelei Halley wrote: Hi Anybody who has come upon a stash of FFR linen thread is RICH. That is good thread. I have several spools. I

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

Aalst is in Belgium. FFR = Filature Filteries Reunies This firm no longer exists. The production of FFR: Bouc was taken over by MEZ (quoted from Thread and Pricking: A Parnership, Martina Wolter-Kampmann). I think you are right that it is linen. HTH! On May 25, 2010 12:15pm, Lorri Ferguson

Re: [lace] Mystery thread

Well. Lorrie...this item came in several sizes., and stages of bleaching. If marked WIT it should be white, but I have some...exposed to the light for a long time that is a lovely eggshell...a tad lighter than the 'gebroken wit' ( off white) that they sold. It is Linen, and Belgian a that.