CARE OF OLD LACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21493, 17 May 1933, Page 3

CARE OF OLD LACE

HOW TO WASH IT Throughout the country there must be thousands of pieces of real lace in small lengths which are treasured not for their financial value, but' just because they are real lace. Occasionally a small package is unwrapped with careful lingers and looked at and then covered up and put away again. Its owner's joy is in its beauty as well as in pride of possession. Frequently one hears how an owner would love to wear the lace in some way, but it is soiled and rather fragile with age, and she is afraid to wash it. If great care is taken old lace can easily be washed or cleaned. I refer to small pieces of lace, not large quantities that are almost priceless. These should be sent to exports for cleaning. If the laco is not very dirty it can be dry-cleaned in this way. Cover some sheets of dark blue tissue paper thickly with calcinated magnesia, roll up lace tightly and leave for some hours. Then gently roll so that the powder absorbs the dirt. Take the lace out, shake carefully and flick lightly with a soft cloth.

If it is creased lay it on an ironingboard. Pin it so that it is uncreased. Cover with muslin or tissue paper and press with a warm iron. If it is necessary to wash good lace always stitch it lightly to a cloth mounted on a board. Then sponge it with a lather of warm water and pure soap.

Never rub lace. To rinse after washing, pour plenty of warm water over the lace and, without removing it.from the board, leave it to dry. It will then need no ironing, or only a very gentle pressing.

Another method I know to be satisfactory if the lace is in good condition is to fill a bottle with warm soapy water—always using pure soap—put in the lace, cork, and shake the bottle until tho laco is clean. Rinse in clear water. Place the laco straight into a clean towel —do not attempt to squeeze or wring tho water from it —roll the towel round the lace and press tho towel between your hands

Leave it for a short while, then take out tho lace, spread on to an ironing board —right side to tho board—and put pins'standing upright all round the edges. Let it dry in this way.