Making Lace for the Met Museum
OCTOBER 21, 2014
"Before" photo of lace on a gown to be exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum. This was a good section, but there is one worn area.
A friend of mine who works as a conservator at the Met Museum had a problem to solve. They had a gown from the turn of the previous century with lengths of the lace trim threadbare and they needed to find a way to present it looking more intact.
Miriam knew that I had done illustrations using my embroidery machine, so she asked me if I thought I could make free-standing lace with it as well. I never had and hesitated, but with her help, I found links to the technique of stitching on water-soluble stabilizer alone. Once you have done that, you can simply wash away the surface and only the stitches remain.
Miriam knew that I had done illustrations using my embroidery machine, so she asked me if I thought I could make free-standing lace with it as well. I never had and hesitated, but with her help, I found links to the technique of stitching on water-soluble stabilizer alone. Once you have done that, you can simply wash away the surface and only the stitches remain.
Inset with ruler marks my segment of lace.
My first efforts were too precise and rigid. But I finally achieved the right amount of variation and look of slight wear to have it blend in with the less damaged portions. The sample above was approved and I moved into production of 6.5 yards in 7" segments.
With the new lace in place. One side of this neckline was almost completely gone.
I commented on a FB article by Ross MacDonald today that I want to be him. That's so true, but instead of binding books and creating letterpress morgue tags, I want to be sewing, knitting and "tatting" my forgeries..!
NY Times article
Instyle article
The Citizen
This was my first attempt (using a different design and a poor choice in stabilizer). It gives you a look at the set-up. Hooped water-soluble stabilizer which will be washed away leaving only the lace.
© 2023 Nancy Stahl