Replies

1. 
   Cissy | May 27, 2001 10:40pm | #1

   *
   All of these beautiful pieces of lace were left to me by my late DMIL. The knitted laces are incredibly fine; some of the crocheted pieces are done in heavy thread. I'm looking for advice on how to construct either a duvet cover or a quilt -- actually I have enough for two of them. Given how fine some of the knitted pieces are, it seems that the less often the finished piece gets laundered, the better it will survive.

   There are doilies, table runners, plate liners, linen handkerchiefs, all in varying shades of white/cream. If it would help, I can add photos of some of the pieces to this thread.

   Any and all advice will be appreciated.

   BTW, I am not committed to doing "white on white," so if anyone has a suggestion for another background fabric that would work, I'd appreciate it.

1. 
   Sarah_Kayla | May 30, 2001 08:16pm | #2

   *Dear Cissy,Since you asked, I will give my very opinionated opinion. First of all I would attempt to wash the stained stuff. Dust and dirt is really corrosive. You can soak stained stuff in a solution of washing soda & water. (hand wash everthing, roll it up in a towel before you hang it to dry)I would also use a very dark background - even black, to back all the lovely white work. It will show off all of that wonderful handwork. I would first construct the black quilt & then hand tack all the lovely lace stuff. I wouldn't do anything that would cut or otherwise damage the old work.What do other folks have to say?Sarah

1. 
   Cissy | Jun 07, 2001 12:33am | #3

   *Thanks for the advice...I do like the idea of using a dark background and may consult with my sons, who will be the recipients of the quilts I plan to make. They can choose the background colors -- and if I know them as well as I think I do -- one will choose navy and the other burgundy or deep forest green.

1. 
   Ghillie_C | Jun 07, 2001 10:14am | #4

   *I have a related problem. I also have some antique pieces that came from my Grandmother. I think she would call them 'tray-cloths'- rectangular pieces with cut work and crochet lace edges. I have been in the habit of using them on my dressing table.(Please don't be too shocked). The fine white lawn in the centres of these cloths is wearing into holes, though the handwork is still good. How do I repair or restore them? I don't mind it showing as an honest mend as long as it looks appropriate.Ghillie

1. 
   Sarah_Kayla | Jun 10, 2001 01:18am | #5

   *Hmmm.a few possible solutions....1 - how about some white lawn appliques leaves or flowers - if you strew the pattern it will look intentional rather than patched. You may want to cur away the gagged edges from the back2 - another possibility it to hemstitch or faggot stitch a lawn rectangle to the middle of the piece, you can then cut away the bad stuff in the middle.I have inherited lots of those oddball linens. Some I use for their intended purposes but others has been transformed into clothing. My favorite is a pair of tea towels and a collection of doilies that I turned into a short white jacket that I wear on Yom Kippur - when it is traditional to wear white.Have fun -sarah