Early 20's lace dress- dry clean?

VintageFray

VintageFray

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Early 20\'s lace dress- dry clean?

hello, this is a dress I posted about before, when I was just wondering generally how old it was. Hollis dated it for me at early 20’s (thank you!).I bought it from a lady who said it belonged to her mother. I don't know why but at the time I forgot to ask if it was her wedding dress. Would this dress have been a wedding dress?
it’s tiered in four, in lace. I'm completely clueless when it comes to lace, and was wondering if there was a name from this type of lace?
Also despite the fact that it is lined twice- once with a pale pink satin, and on top with a very fine (it might be silk?) fabric which is over locked in a way I’ve never seen before (with wire) I'm convinced it still must have been worn with a slip, because the lining only reaches the bust line.
And this is the big question- should I dry clean? I'm scared to get it wet, and the lace is, in places, dotted with small holes. Although, thankfully most of this is under the tiered sections. When it comes to sewing up holes in lace, what’s the best way of going about it? Unfortunately like a lot of lace I have come across it suffers from a speckle of brown marks here and there. Is dry cleaning the way to go? As always any information and advice is much appreciated!

The ribbon I’ve added in the last picture is just me having fun. It almost turns into a different dress with a bit of waist definition.

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Very nice!

I have to admit I would be a bit scared to dry clean something that delicate unless you have a specialist cleaners, and would tend to leave it as is.

Hopefully others will give their opinion though :)
 
I would not dry clean unless the person is a specialist.... then they would tell you if it is the best way to clean it.... Dry cleaning is a wet process.... So sometimes you are better off lying it flat in the tub and giving it a soak. But if it feels dry and fragile I would not do that... Try airing it in the sun.....

-Chris
 
Now that I look at this again, I think I am too late on the date by a few years. That line looks more Empire than I remember. More Early Teens? Anybody?

I would not attempt to clean it. The layers make it diffcult to wash and a drycleaning will shred it.

Let the wrinkles hang out and you could try steaming from the back if you have steamer.

Hollis
 
Actually, The net lace is cotton and should wash up very well but the silk lining could be problematic and probably won't wash well. Vaccuuming would probably help it a lot, try that, but vaccuum it through some window screening so you don't suck the dress into the hose. If the lining is just tacked in, I would be inclined to take out the lining and wash the net lace and then reapply the lining but if its sewn into the seams I think you are out of luck. Dry cleaning would be your only other choice however I do think it would become damaged from the tumbling -- hand dry cleaning would be your only choice.
 
thanks everyone. The lining is pretty well sewn in, any attempt to remove it would probably damage the lace, which is a shame. There is a good dry cleaner in my area but I don't really want to take the risk. I'll try vacuuming it, I’ve never heard that one before.

Does anyone think this would have been a wedding dress?
 
Hi Rosene, Can't see the lace properly on your dress but I think it is earlier than the 20s maybe late 1900s. It's a needlerun lace, could be Belgian or French. I think there are two different types of lace there. Someone has probably had it made up in the early 20th century from yardage lace or flounces. The lace will certainly wash - warm water with soap flakes - and don't rub just press gently up and down then rinse, rinse, rinse. A little fabric conditioner to finish and then iron when dry - steam is OK. However, if the lace feels brittle it will probably fall to bits! The silk will probably do so too.
The brown spots will come out but it takes ages and needs much care. I notice that you are in Scotland - if you would like to send it to me - I am in London and in Northumberland - I would be pleased to have a look at it and make some suggestions. You can U2U me.

Margaret, Chelsealace
 
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