Cynthia St. Charles Store

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Cleaning Vintage Lace


Last summer, Joe picked up a box of vintage lace at a garage sale for $5.
Most of the lace had been carefully wound around cardboard rolls with the ends stitched down.
I put the box away with the intention of cleaning it sometime during the winter. I knew it would be a big project.

My research led me to Orvis WA Paste for cleaning.
I happen to have a big tub of the stuff - this is what I use for washout after dyeing silk.
It is sold at farm supply stores because it is primarily used for washing animals - horses and such.

I spent several hours removing the stitches and unwinding the rolls.
Then, I soaked the lace in a tub of cool water with 2 T of Orvis Paste dissolved. I soaked at least 4 hours and then rinsed by soaking for about another 4 hours - changing the water about 3 times.

3 comments:

  1. Thank you so much! We will be moving housein 2 weeks (again - the last of the 30yo babies and their babies have finally gone!) and I have a garage full of MIL stuff. Wool by the trailer load, fabric by the bolt and lace by the big, big roll! Now I know what to do with the lace!

    Humm doesn't help with the wool and the bolts of fabric - 1970's curtain stuff!

    hugz

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  2. How beautiful! Will you be using the lace in some of your quilts?

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  3. Gorgeous laces. Judy asked my question! The must have been treasured by the owner to take such good care of them. Have fun.

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