For our Newbies: If you have antique laces and are considering starching, I recommend no extra heat. This is because we tell people not to put antique laces in an environment where temperature and humidity fluctuate. Fluctuations cause lace fibers to contract and expand, adding imperceptible wear to lace threads. For antiques: Washing water (distilled) should be at room temperature. Orvus soap should be used. Drying should be at room temperature. I have written extensively on Arachne about how to care for heirloom laces. You may have missed the memos but can probably find them under "lace conservation" or "washing lace" in our archives. Conservation is when you do nothing that will permanently change the item in any way. If you err, you may have to mend laces, and that is called "restoration". Restoration means that the antique is no longer in original condition and usually devalues the item quite a bit. _http://www.mail-archive.com/lace@arachne.com/index.html_ (http://www.mail-archive.com/lace@arachne.com/index.html)
This warning is to save you the heartbreak that comes from ruining a family lace that has great meaning to you. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
