I am about to take a small section of linen lace (a reconstruction of a 16th or early 17th furnishing lace) off my pillow, but I fear the season of pine pollen will be upon me before I can get the lace finished, so I will need to gently clean it before taking its final photographs. Also, I worked it freehand for the most part and did a lot of repinning to get the shape exactly so; I'd like to do something to "set" the right shape before pulling out the pins. My well water is rather acid and full of metal ions, so I don't think I want to use that on the lace, and I'm similarly reluctant to use "spring water," which can have all sorts of things in it, despite being good to drink. Where would American Arachnids recommend I look for distilled water? Also, since all my pins were stainless steel or nickle-plated, would it be safe to dampen the lace a little while it's still pinned to my (ethafoam) pillow and let it dry again, or should I just leave the lace in place on the pillow f or a week or so in a warm, humid place and hope for the best?
Once the lace is off the pillow, I intend to rinse it gently in the distilled water (or whatever Arachne suggests) to get off the pine pollen, then pat it gently into shape on a layer of clean towels, put another towel or two on top and "mangle" it with a rolling pin. Is that the appropriate procedure? I know several Arachnids saw the recent mangling demonstration at IOLI, so if this is not the right way to go I hope someone will correct me. With gratitude to Arachne for providing a world's lace experience to all for the asking, Sue in North Carolina (taking a holiday from wire for the moment to pursue her antiquarian bump of curiosity!) Susan Lambiris Raleigh, NC http://home.earthlink.net/~slambiris/ - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
