Some lace collectors have purchased lovely collars, only to find they do not fit over any existing garments in their wardrobes. How nice that lacemakers can custom-make a collar to fit. About 15-20 years ago, Radmilla Zuman taught a class at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York City (Decorative Arts branch of The Smithsonian) on how to develop a pattern for a lace collar. (Devon was in the class, and may remember more.) It seems that Radmilla's method might apply to a modesty panel for a blouse with too low a neckline, and is the same way seamstresses might approach making a pattern. To start, since you've already had a unfortunate situation with the first top, I do not think you should make lace until the grey top has been washed. It might shrink, or even lose dye - as the other one did. To wear it before washing, fold a hanky with the lace edges facing north, and baste it into place. You may want it to be straight across, or with a corner point featured in the middle. It's a nice way to get an idea of possibilities. You need to get the garment area you want to insert with lace as flat as possible, because you will need to trace the neckline opening. You may be able to do this best on a ironing board. If you cannot get it flat, try to put it on a dressmaker's mannequin over a piece of plain fabric you can draw on (like bed sheeting). Suggest a fabric rather than tissue paper that is used for commercial patterns, because you can manipulate it a lot and it will not tear. Pin the two layers together so they won't move. You can then use one of those vanishing blue ink pens quilters use - to trace the neckline. If any of this type of ink gets on the garment, you can touch it with cold water and it will vanish. (Test ink first on an inside seam, to be sure it is the right product.) Once you have the neckline shape, you can decide what type of lace trimming you would like to make -- one that is sewn on top of the garment, or one that is sewn inside. You can play with existing lace edging yardage that you already have, or ribbons, to see the effect and how much you will need. *Noone has recommended you should complain to the shop owner where you bought your red top. It would be nice if you did that. Be sure the shop's headquarters knows the brand name and any other identifying information as soon as possible after purchase! If enough complaints are received, the product line may be dropped. If any more of the tops are still on racks, they may be removed.*
Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center In a message dated 12/28/2011 7:15:03 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Now some proper lace content. I have another new top, not yet worn, grey with pattern and a few sequins over the top and the neck line is a tad low on me, so a modesty panel would definitely be useful. Having never yet made anything that actually had to fit clothing yet I have no idea where to start. Maybe a paper pattern shape drawn with some seam allowed extra? Sue T Dorset UK - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
