The Owosso times., 1881-12-02
:THE HOUSEHOLD.
The Care of Lace.

Valenciennes is the cheapest, in the
end, for many reasons. 1t is made
with a round whole thread. Worn care
fully, not daily, it can hardly be worn
out. 1t can be washed any number of
times; and, not so peculiar as the point
or applique laces, the Mechlins, ETC., all
of which are much more fragile, it
gives the soft effect of lace without at
tracing too much attention, so as to
be recognized easily again. 1t is a very
great mistake to keep laces particularly
Vallenciennes, which is not at all in
jured by being washedD for years with
out washing. Many women believe
that all lace is ruined by washing, and
will keep some cherished bits of lace
for years and years, turning yellow
with age, and rOtting with the dust it
has accumulated, till it really drops to
pieces. Valenciennes does not need
skillful French blanchisseuse to "dO it
up" rs the phrase is. Let the owner
wrap large bottle closely in white
flannel, then sew. tightly over the fan
mel piece of cotton. After washing
the lace carefully in lukewarm water
and soap suds, in which may be dissolv-
ed little borax (say thimbleful of
borax to pint and half of water),
and rinsing the lace several times in
clear water till no soap remains in it,
wind the lace about the bottle which
YOU have prepared as above. See that
the lace lies quite fiat without wrinkles;
open the little loops that form the edge
with pin; stand the bottle in the sun.
When the lace is quite dry, so that you
may be sure of its entire cleanliness,
you may, if you desire to give it the
yellow appearance of old lace, take
soft handkerchief and dip it in a cup of
black coffee, and sop the lace with it as
a sponge, trying to do so very evenly;
then let the lace dry. Some people pre-
fer to rinse the lace in coffee before put
ting it upon the bottle, bat / have
found the method described above bet
ter.
There are some kinds of old ecclesi-
astical lace, usually Italian, that in
point of endurance are superior to the
Valenciennes. But these are enormous
ly expensive, and unless they may be
an heirloom, have no place in a work
on economy. But some kinds of lace
made to-day by ladies fond of fancy
work resemble it very much-not
enough to be mistaken for it at all, but
more like it than like any other lace.
1t is made with particular kind of
tape and with thread on a piece of
black or green leather. The amateur
usually makes it for furnishing pur-
poses-table-cloths, etc.; but a very
fine quality of this lace is beautiful for
dress trimming. l have seen piece
made to cover the front breadth of
dress cut i'm the princesse fashion,
reaching from the throat to the bottom
of the dress, and the effect was really
very beautiful. The lace can be made
in the odd moments that many woman
use for crocheting or knitting things of
less use or beauty.
Lace! The word lace sounds like
the "bagatelle" of the wealthy woman;
but although it is not an article to be
bought by the severe economist who
earns limited income, yet it may be
her very good fortune should she inherit
any of t,for it will save her many a pen
ny that she wills pend in less enduring
fabrics. And one or two really good
pieces of lace will be wise invest
ment for the economist, who, having
small capital to dress on, can afford to
buy from time to time good and last
ing thing Magazine.