Nylon Net

[ikarsten <ikarsten@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This message follows from my question of last December concerning a North 
American source for nylon net similar to that available in the UK.  As several 
of you have told me, there is only one source of a net of this calibre and 
that is:

Dukeries Textiles and Fancy Goods
Spenica House
15A Melbourne Rd.
West Bridgford, Nottingham  NG2 5DJ
UK
phone: 011 44 115 9816 330
fax: 011 44 115 9816 440

Apparently they have the only loom in the world that is still capable of 
making such net.  The net sells for 50 pounds sterling a metre.  Being 540 cm 
wide, however, this price is not much different from that of Stabiltex.

Jan Vuori of the Canadian Conservation Institute also told me about 
Farthingales
(www.farthingales.on.ca) which sells a nice variety of white, off-white, and 
black fabrics including several types of net plus silks, linens, cottons, 
interfacings and various supplies for costume makers (fabric samples available 
for $10). Farthingales sells a very nice nylon net veiling of bobbinet 
construction, 120" wide, for $9.00/yard.  The net is very soft and fine, much 
finer than anything carried in the local fabric shops, but still not as fine 
as the net sold by Dukeries Textiles.

The Dukeries net is of a similar weight and sheerness to the nylon tulle of 
diamond opening construction that is readily available in fabric stores.  I 
have been told that some conservators are using this tulle for treatment 
purposes.  I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has used both and 
could compare the results.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Irene Karsten

Doctoral Student in Textile Conservation
Department of Human Ecology
3-02 Human Ecology Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada  T6G 2N1

Phone: 780-492-5385
Fax: 780-492-4821
E-mail: ikarsten@xxxxxxxxxxx