Vintage Lace
Lately I've been trying to get out to the local secondhand shops to search for old textiles, and I had a very lucky day at Thrift for AIDS a few weeks ago. First I discovered this beautiful pair of cuffs, which I believe were hand-tatted. Each one was fixed closed by a thin strip of green silk with tiny glass buttons sewn on; unfortunately the silk was badly deteriorated, so I ended up having to remove and dispose of it. Happily the buttons were perfectly salvageable :)
My second find that afternoon was a long piece of lace trim about 6 inches wide by 7 yards long. Although I strongly suspect this lace was machine-woven rather than handmade, it nonetheless appears to be relatively old.
Sadly all of these bits were in various stages of filthiness when I purchased them, but after careful soaking in several changes of warm water & mild detergent they are MUCH cleaner, if not pristine (I don't mind a bit of discoloration from age, but icky grime will not do!).
I have a few other vintage goodies to share that I've come across recently. Hopefully tomorrow the weather will improve so I can take some pictures.
My second find that afternoon was a long piece of lace trim about 6 inches wide by 7 yards long. Although I strongly suspect this lace was machine-woven rather than handmade, it nonetheless appears to be relatively old.
Sadly all of these bits were in various stages of filthiness when I purchased them, but after careful soaking in several changes of warm water & mild detergent they are MUCH cleaner, if not pristine (I don't mind a bit of discoloration from age, but icky grime will not do!).
I have a few other vintage goodies to share that I've come across recently. Hopefully tomorrow the weather will improve so I can take some pictures.