Thanks for an interesting thread Nightmist.

Dee in Oz

"NightMist" wrote in message
...

Mercerization

In modern times it is a process of treating cellulose yarns or yardage
with a heated caustic soda solution and stretching them. This
increases strength, dye take, and adds lustre and a softer hand. Often
it also reduces or eliminates future shrinkage, though there are some
variations of the process that strive to avoid this.


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Nothing has been the same since that house fell on my sister.