In a message dated 12/10/03 3:24:10 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Hello, I am looking for information on threads used for laces. I am especially interested in finding information which relates to thread (in cotton, flax,...) used in the past. Does anyone know of any books and/or websites which focus on this subject? Thank you in advance Nathalie >> ------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Lacemakers, When writing the earlier memo about new solutions for Macular Degeneration patients, I was reminded of the following experience last month: At the special lace study day arranged by Devon Thein at The Ratti Center, Metropolitan Museum, there was a microscope set up, focused on a piece of lace. A camera sent a magnified image to a computer screen set on the same table. This was wonderful! We could see numerous repairs to extremely fine old laces; laces that appeared to be in perfect condition to the naked eye. Every stitch was visible. For a group session, it was a more perfect way for us to view and discuss lace details than for each individual to peer through the microscope. How wonderful it would be, if every lace collection had this capability. I did not take notes as to what the specific equipment was, but share my impression of wonderful technological developments that will make our lace research much easier - so you will know it exists. This is certainly not a direct answer to the question from Claeys, but I do think that new technological developments and equipment will help to answer questions about antique threads, since one way of identifying fibers is by using magnification. The physical traits of cotton and linen are different. When I took a course in fiber identification years ago, we were taught that an old outdated microscope or a microscope sold in a toy shop would be adequate for identifying distinguishing characteristics of cotton, linen, silk, wool, etc. I rather prefer the latest props - a marriage of microscope, camera and computer! Christmas greetings, Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center (\o/) /_\ - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
