Dear Noelene, Gil Dye's first book in her 4-book series about 16th and 17th century lace - "Gold and Silver Edgings" - has a reproduction of lace that was attached to a man's military sash (the kind that crossed his body from one shoulder to the opposite waist). There is a color picture of the reproduction on the back cover. She gives instructions for reproducing the spangled silver gilt lace in the Middleton collection in Nottingham, and she then explains attaching it to a modern fabric. Assembly is explained on page 45, and there is a close-up photo of the edges of the fabric with lace attached. I have seen Gil wearing the sash she made, I think when the OIDFA Congress was in Normandy at Caen. The book was published by Jean Leader's Cleveden Press, and perhaps a Lace Guild in Australia will have a copy. Of importance when attaching lace to any fabric: The lace should be of similar density or weight to the textile on which it will be used. The lace must be about as flimsy as the silk you describe. Otherwise, the "vintage" silk will deteriorate from too much weight and the affect of gravity. Perhaps the silk would support more weight by lining it with a new fabric, like China silk. In that case, it will be the new China silk that adds adequate support. Adding a lining to a flimsy fabric is very tricky, and requires skill that many people have not developed. Conservation advice: It will have to be determined if the sewing thread should be silk. Australian Embroiderer's Guild members work with Japanese silk fabrics, threads, and needles. There may be someone to consult nearby. When working with an old textile, we do not know if it was properly stored in the past and we do not know what dyes and chemicals permanently reside in it. If the item requires cleaning in the future, it will be best if both fabric and lace are silk, because cotton/linen are wet-cleaned in a completely different way. When stored, please keep detailed information about this treasure with it in an archival-quality envelope - for future owners. An item in that envelope might be a print of this advice. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center In a message dated 6/12/2017 12:11:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, noel...@lafferty.com.au writes:
A friend of mine is seeking advice on how to mount some lace she has made on to some fine silk fabric. It was brought back from Japan for her, and the giver says it is "vintage" silk offcut from a kimono. It is 13" wide by 39" long. The longer sides are woven and wont fray. She wishes to sew her lace, which she has made to the measurement, onto the shorter sides. Can anyone suggest the best method of sewing her lace on to this flimsy silk fabric? Noelene - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
