Dear Sharon, To share with all lacemakers, in case this comes up again with someone else. (Previously, I sent a private note.)
At least 3 of us have suggested overlapping, and I suggested you search "Overlapping lace to join" on G**gle.. This is considered a sewing technique. If the original thread does not survive in good condition from your unpicking, I think that is an option, making ample allowances for the size of fabric the lace must fit. Stretching lace is never a solution. Old threads may break. It will be too obvious and the lace may develop a fold along the length. It will look terrible. Most important, it will not survive a future washing and pressing in presentable condition. It is wise to make more repeats than are needed for the overlap solution, just in case.....you will be overlapping lace that has received some unnatural stretching from what has been done already, so may want to cut away from the beginning part of the lace. Before you make the join(s), go to your stash of old laces and practice any techniques that are new to you. You may even practice on machine-made laces. Try to choose practice laces of similar type and weight to your repair. I always advise a rehearsal or two before working on something very important to you. My silent thought is this is a good argument for the old-fashioned method of making straight edgings and gathering corners! If the lace was made that way, the join could get lost in a corner of gathered lace! It is extremely important to de-stress before tackling something as challenging as this has been. It is not advisable to do restoration work while in "panic mode". Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center -------------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 2/13/2015 8:04:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Thank you to all you kind, sympathetic, spiders for your thoughts about my latest episode. I had known right from when I discovered my mistake that I would probably end up undoing the lace. The fates were just against me on this one. The whole idea of undoing the tiny hidden knots in the finish has me scared spit less. What if I accidently cut the lace? The thread is so old supposing it just shreds on me? Iââ¬â¢m going to need not only my Maglite but probably magnifiers on my glasses as well. However, tomorrow Iââ¬â¢ll bite the bullet and hopefully nothing untoward will happen. Iââ¬â¢ll keep you posted. Sharon, on Vancouver Island where the rain is just relentless. - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
