Featured Lace repair - great grandmother’s baby gown

I have been a little absent from Antiquers because of some exciting news… I’m expecting!

I am fortunate to have my great grandmother’s gown (1901) for the baby naming and it’s in good condition but there is a small tear in the lace.

Any thoughts on how to best go about repairing it? The gown is San Francisco right now (my parents) but could also be brought here (New York) if you have specific suggestions of restorers in either location.

Thanks!

 

Congratulations, all the best.

 

Congratulations Tanya, great news.
@Northern Lights Lodge ?

I always repair fine lace using my own hair. A trick I learned at school in Australia, where the girls used to repair the tights of their uniform using their own hair. In class, which only goes to show how boring school can be.
I have a choice of black, brown, red and white, all growing on the same head.

 

Congratulations, Tanya!!

 

You're sure to find very capable repair people in either location. Doesn't look like too difficult a job. Lace appears to be cotton and machine-made. A high end dry cleaners that specializes in restoring bridal gowns might be able to do. And given you're going to be busy (!) for the next few months, you might prefer that your parents supervise the repair.

Debora

 

@Tanya ! How exciting! Congratulations! What a lovely piece to have for the baby's special day!! Is there a photo of the original wearer, wearing it??

Yes, the lace is machine made and cotton.

@Any Jewelry has a possible repair suggestion... that would be if you wanted to re weave it... but hair is difficult to work with.

My first question is do you want it "rewoven" to look like the design... or just nicely repaired?

If you stretch the lace out... is it all "there" (as in a tear) or is it a real hole with missing thread?

Where is the hole located? Smack in the front or in a less obvious location?

What is the general condition of the piece? Dry rot? Dingy? Lightly worn?

How much time is available for the repair?

Let me know what you can - and we can proceed from there?

Cheerio Leslie

 

From that picture, I'm betting much, if not ALL, of the lace is right there!!! So the repair could be minor!!! I'm sure @Northern Lights Lodge will guide you well!!! AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! What a WONDERFUL piece to have!!!! P.S....hope we can watch or see the results!!!

 

I agree. It probably just needs to be pulled together and ironed.

 

That is indeed what it looks like. A few dainty stitches to join.

Debora

 

Congratulations, Tanya!

 

CONGRATS Tanya !!!!!!!! Great news.

 

@Aquitaine @Any Jewelry - that is exactly what I was thinking. It looked a bit like a rip and that "everything" was there. Simple fix! But, we'll know more when Tanya checks in again!
Leslie

 

Thank you for all the good wishes!

In answer to your questions;

Is there a photo of the original wearer, wearing it?? No, I don’t think so (if there was I think my mother would have mentioned it), but I’ll ask her to double check. It would be very neat if there was!

It does look to me like the lace is all there just torn. But I’ll confirm with my mother. I’m glad you brought this up as I had initially thought some lace needed to be remade but after looking more closely at the picture I think it’s all there and it’s just a rip that needs to be repaired.

Amazingly, it is is perfect condition otherwise. No staining or discoloration. It was kept by my grandmother properly stored in a box with acid free tissue paper and then my mother. I’m actually a little nervous that after 120 years of being carefully preserved my child will of course promptly spit up on it! But I also like the idea of things being used.

I look forward to sharing a photo of her in the gown!

I have about 5 months to get it repaired, but I am trying not to leave everything to the last minute : -)

A few other notes:

It belonged to my great grandmother who loved antiques (I once posted here about receiving some of her antique collecting books from my mother). While I never met her, I always felt a connection to her because of this.

The last few years were a difficult journey trying to conceive with IVF and included some early losses. I had always loved an antiques (even as a child) but it really became a big part of my life when I needed something to focus on and enjoy during a difficult time.

None of you could have known how much your comments and advice cheered me up during that time. But it meant a lot to me. Thank you for your kindness with a beginner!

 

I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time.

Exactly, a beautiful family tradition. Looking forward to the photos.

I am just glad we were able to help bring some joy to a difficult period. With your little miracle about to see the world for the first time, you can also look forward.

 

First of all congratulations on your wonderful news .......
Looking closely at the damage I think as some others have said that you could carefully draw the damaged parts back together, if you go on a site such as Etsy I'm sure you could find some antique linen thread in a similar colour, I know such things are around because I've found lots at Antiques fairs.
If it doesn't come back together enough to fill the "hole" you could try and find a little piece of fine old net to back it with, this would stabilise the damage, again you might find something on Etsy.
I hope that's helpful.

 

Years ago, while collecting old quilts, a read where the Smithsonian also used human hair for repair.

 

I can imagine. It is very fine, very strong, and it is more durable than regular thin thread.

 

And before the bob, quite long strands were available.

Debora