Going to Europe!

The thing that is amazing to me about Europe is that it's so SMALL. There were lots of bobbin lace makers in Brugge (Belgium), and that's only 112 miles from Rotterdam.

IIRC, the driving wasn't that bad, either. Might want to rent a car and go splorin' if you're going to have that much time on your hands.

Piggybacking myself to say that you must must must go to Apeldoorn. When I was there, it was what I would consider to be the perfect fairy tale setting.

Netherlands or Prague (except from the Travel Channel)...

Donna in S. Indiana

Tia Mary ,in rec.crafts.textiles.needleworkwrote: and entertained us with

When we were there in 2002, we took a canal ride one evening and got to see them -- AND all their parts -- in all their radiant glory. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

I'm jealous, too!

Ellice commented on the food, but anyplace that puts out chocolate sprinkles on the b'fast table can't be criticized for food! If you can live on chocolate, cheese, and ice cream, you've got it made!!

We were there in April and May 1985, and it was much colder and wetter than I'd anticipated. (I think that was an unusually cold/wet spring; everyone kept apologizing to us for the weather!) So be ready for anything, weather-wise. Think layers!

And remember to buy souvenirs for the little ones: All-cotton PJs (technically "illegal" in the US, though they can be found if you know where to look) and shoes. Their kids shoes are SO much nicer than those typically found here.

Sue

-- Susan Hartman/Dirty Linen The Magazine of Folk and World Music

Why are cotton PJs illegal in the States?

Pat

They are considered flammable; by law all pajamas (at least for children) must be treated with flame retardants.

Not so anymore. They must either be treated or be designed as snug-fitting. I don't think any of DD's jammies are flame-resistant. Of course she is so skinny none of them are snug-fitting either!

I thought they still have to pass some flammability test - about how long it takes for them to either become inflamed and conversely to snuff out any flames.

ellice

I thought it was still in force but retailers were getting around it by labeling some things as "not for sleepwear".

Too many tests proved that the chemicals used to treat the fabric are toxic and other countries issued bans against the use of the chemicals in sleepwear. So the US stepped back and allowed the "tight-fitting" rule. The fabric still has to pass basic clothing flammability tests but doesn't need to have additional chemicals added. Details available here (including definition of "tight-fitting"

I'd hope not too!

I'm just so relieved they've finally let up on the chemical retardants. Hallelujah! The rules first went into effect around the time DS was born, and the chemicals were thought to be carcinogenic (at least according to DMIL and DFIL, both geneticists and active participants in the Environmental Mutagenesis group. I took their word for it.)

Not to mention, the treated/alternative stuff just doesn't have the right "feel." I can always tell just by touching it. Scratchier.

Sue

Never mind the cotton and flame-retardant stuff, just go for wincyette or flannelette! Warm & comfy...