restoringvintage

I came across this gorgeous velvet coat from Marguerite Rubel that was covered in stains and has 3 missing Dorset buttons. There are no contents or care tags, but after poking around the internet I thought it might be 100% cotton velvet with an acetate lining. I soaked it 3 times in Woolite...

Hi, after seeing some notes from a few years back in the forums here and watching some Youtube videos, I am ready to tackle repairing some seam rips on a long 1970s fur coat. I'm trying to find "furrier tape" online. It appears to also be called Cold Tape (no idea why). Can anyone recommend a...

Hello everyone! It's my first time posting, so I hope I'm going about this the right way. I recently found a holy grail of a Traina-Norell gown at a secondhand shop that I've been researching since I purchased it. It is all silk that is completely structurally sound with a faint dark spot on...

Hello, I have another one I need help with! I found this sweater cardigan years ago and it was kind of in sorry shape. Some of the buttons were missing and in bad shape. I replaced them with the same style of wood toggle as they were kind of deteriorating. The thread used to stitch the...

Does anyone have any links or resources re: the hand painting of silk velvet for bedspreads in Italy. I rescued a wounded example and have turned it into boudoir cushions for sale but I want to research to be sure of its age and that it is what I believe it to be. I have already tested and...

I have a 1920s dress and jacket set that i plan on probably selling. 52" long and 29" waist or hip belt. i guess one would have to tuck up the dress at the waist and hip area to belt it? It appears homemade (crooked sewing on the inside). Jacket is fine. Dress has shattering on upper back and a...

So I know collectors generally want to receive things in as original condition as possible. And I’m not experienced in alterations whatsoever. my dilemma is that the gown below is in great shape except the fabric on the buttons has staining and lots of wear. Would the item have collector value...

Hello everyone, I have an academic gown (possibly dating to the 60s- incidentally, I would be delighted if anyone has a better idea of the era. The label is Bodgers of Cambridge.) Unfortunately, it has faded on one shoulder from sun. I would like to re-dye it black, but would like any...

Hi, I'm back with my latest question! I have this dress that I picked up because it was only a few dollars and I thought the fabric was so lovely but it's torn in several places. Okay, to start, it's a handmade shirtwaist dress, made from a very lightweight cotton (voile?). It hits just below...

If there is an upside to staying in, for me it is the opportunity to crush some restoration projects I thought I might never finish. What originally appeared to be a slam-dunk restoration, this 1928 flapper dress fought me every step of the way. Though it was missing about 500 jet beads to...

Greetings all! I am having a lapse in memory. I know there is a special term but I cannot remember it. My brain is a blank. What do you call the damage to vintage silk when the weave starts to separate as in the attached photo? Thank you!!!

So I found an amazing fully sequined/beaded gown (all black, like my heart) a the thrift store about a year ago. Made by Marc Happel, pre-NYC Ballet tenure. It's incredible, but has a couple issues which put it fairly squarely within the "personal collection" pile, rather than the sell pile...

Good morning Forum! This is an amazing site .... I came here for information on a label and just got lost in the forum for an hour!! Fabulous. I happened upon this suit at a local Thrift Store. It was a fabulous price because there is slight fading/discoloration on the upper left shoulder. I...

Hello guys! Before I start, I understand that fur is a really tricky and sensitive topic, but please no arguments on the topic! I know many have very strong opinions but lets try to not argue. Thanks! So I found this fur coat, but noticed there was a rip where the sleeves are, but not in the...

This is really a follow up to a post from a few weeks ago, seeking advice about restoring the wicker work panniers on a 1920s dress. I am feeling pleased with myself for working out how to do this. The panniers on this wedding dress are some kind of wicker work and were crumpled. I discovered...

The coat in question is in my seamstress's possession right now or I'd take a photo. It is black wool with black velvet stripes placed vertically on its "skirt." The sleeves are wide and deeply cuffed. It has nine rather ordinary 1 1/8" buttons down the front (single-breasted); they look like...

I have a fabulous Irene for Bullock's Wilshire gown that I'm curious to learn more about. From what I believe, Irene had her own boutique in Bullock's Wilshire from 1935 until 1942 when she worked as a costume designer at MGM (which I found out here and more info here), though I was confused by...

Hi Everyone, I found this great coat by Norman Hartnell and don't see a Label Resource Listing for that particular label and would like to submit it with a specific date. Also interested in any opinions regarding what to do with the two rips in the otherwise lovely lining prior to listing this...

Hi there, hope someoone can help with this Emma Domb. It looks 50s/60s. Although, its damaged at the shoulder straps, I think it can be fixed. Though it looks as its discoloured, I don't think that its the original condition. Is it worth getting fixed ? The embroidery goes over the seams so...

I'm going to preface this by saying that I know almost nothing about vintage clothing or fabrics, so I'm really sorry if I sound like an idiot. I was recently gifted with a pink tea length party/prom dress, with a beaded bodice and matching short (bust-length) short-sleeved jacket. It...