Is there a way to repair this Mr. Blackwell?

denisebrain

denisebrain

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I have this set by Mr. Blackwell—
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So far, so good, right?

Well it came back from the cleaners with an area of the top that seems to have its gold lamé still, but not the other fiber in the fabric. It is a very light, semi-sheer fabric. There is not a thread exposed to burn, but I would guess it is either rayon or silk with the lamé.

A close up of the fabric
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Is there a way to repair this?
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Any thoughts appreciated!
 
What a great outfit, what a drag that the lamé thread opened up. I don't like the iron on patches but in this case it might help. Hopefully, Claire or someone who is knowledgeable about sewing can give you a better idea on this one, Maggie.

It is fabulous!
 
I can remember having a Barbie that had a gold lame outfit that developed a problem like this. My mother did repair it but I can’t remember how she did it. So I think it is possible.
 
Thank you MJ, it is pretty great alright! I was wondering about some sort of adhesive (Stitch Witchery or something?). I have never used anything like that, and my seamstress hadn't either. However it is hard for me to imagine a way to sew something inside to stabilize it.

I think it is possible.
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Thank you Louise—you give me hope!
 
Such an amazing outfit- and so sad this has happened! Lame is a nightmare sometimes....
I would put a similar fabric behind the area, and some net or cobweb gauze and do lots of rows of fine hand stitching across and down to contain this.
OR Lame hates heat, but you could be brave and with a pressing cloth and low temperature try a very fine double sided fusing like vliesofix sandwiched between the garment and a fabric patch beneath- this may make it a little crisp but would contain the damage, then with a very fine sharp needle hand stitch over to further secure.
 
Wow, OK Gayle—challenge accepted!

For option one, part of the challenge would be to find a tissue light lamé. I've never felt one as light as this~ Or could it just be a very light silk or rayon?

Thank you for your expert input!
 
I agree with Gayle. a very light silk such as georgette or chiffon would be my first choice. Museums used crepelene, but I don't have a source. I've always used silk.

Any fusible will add some crispness, but there is a very lightweight woven fusible from Japan. I order it from Hisako who is in the Seattle area. Some of the fusible knits are also soft. You'll have to experiment with samples to see how much crispness they add.

Reminder when using a fusible you need heat and lame' doesn't like heat.
 
Thank you Claire—I am very glad to know these options. My poor seamstress was not willing to give this a go, but I am.

Suzanne, no, I waived my rights on this one. :no:
 
I am so glad I posted this here because I am learning a lot! I did not know of crepeline, and have added it to my long list for updating the Fabric Resource. It looks like a loosely woven silk, but with some body to it, right? Marian, I would love to take you up on that offer, unless georgette would be just as good.
 
I know it's silk, but it looks almost like plastic in that image! Interesting.
 
Thank you for that Hollis! I should have said above: Marian sent me some crepeline, plenty large enough for this and other jobs, along with some very light iron-on net. Now I just need to sew like a fairy!
 
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