Replies

1. 
   TerryH13 | Jul 29, 2002 01:00am | #1

   Remlap100,

   Have you thought of one of those new vacuum bags that they sell on the internet and then build your box and line it with a wood that is basically free of resins etc. I would pick the bag that has a sealed edge and you apply a vacuum cleaner to a fitting built into the bag. It seems to be the best. I have seen some articles on wood for box liners like basswood or something like that and the wood not sealed. I would cut the wood to size and only finish using a scraper. Also if you included an airtight seal on the box when you closed it it would keep some of the basic elements out of the box. I have seen some well made blanket chests with a seal built into the lid or edge of the box where the lid closes and a good latch to keep it closed.

   Just a thought but the dress inside one of those bags and a vacuum drawn on it should preserve the cloth from the elements and a closed box would shield it from light. Yes it might wrinkle it but that is only an iron away.

   Terry

1. 
   kenewald | Jul 31, 2002 05:37am | #6

   John,

   That has got to be the funniest thing I've read all week!  I'm with you.  It's HER dress.  Do whatever SHE wants. 

   $60 won't even buy me an attitude change!

   -Ken

   Edited 7/30/2002 10:38:40 PM ET by Ken

1. 
   Biscardi | Jul 31, 2002 02:28pm | #7

   The box is worth the money, especially if your daughter can wear it in twenty five years. Make an elegant cedar chest to put it in and then the little girl can use it as a hope chest.

   Frank

2. 
   Elcoholic | Jul 31, 2002 10:39pm | #8

   Thanks, I wasn't sure if anyone would catch the reference.  I can't imagine that spousal ice storm.  That spouse ice sets up really, really hard.  It'd probably take a diamond to cut through it and $60 don't buy much diamond.  Then of course that diamond would always be a reminder of the wedding dress you screwed up.  I guess diamonds really are forever.  So are some screw-ups.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

2. 
   Elcoholic | Jul 29, 2002 10:19pm | #2

   C.Y.A. and buy the box.  There's all kinds of things your're gonna take heat for over the course of your married life, why add to it.   The slightest potential for screwing up the single most sentimental garment your wife will ever own is just not worth $60.  It's not going to matter one bit that it's a size 3 and now she's a size 12.  I've bought two of these boxes - for the original dress and for the 2nd dress when we renewed our vows 3 years back at #25.  Spend the money, sleep well.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   TerryH13 | Jul 30, 2002 02:53am | #3

   John,

   That is so true, but what happens when the other half says

   "what do you mean the bugs ate through the box". $60.00 or not time to regroup.

   T

1. 
   Elcoholic | Jul 30, 2002 11:18pm | #4

   Like Teddy K. said to Mary Joe - We'll cross that bridge when I get to it.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

3. 
   StanleyNiemiec | Jul 31, 2002 05:11am | #5

   I would recommend you pose this question over on the Taunton site associated with sewing (Threads????). 

   And if I were to build a wooden box for the dress, I would make it of a size that would fit the outside dimensions of the $60 acid free cardboard box.

   I would also opt for a wood like cherry  --  staying away from woods with odd smells (eg the oak or Eastern Red cedar) or ones where color migration might be a problem (eg walnut).