Repairing a 1920s-1930s gown

[Rose Clarke]

I've found this gorgeous gown from 1920s-1930s but I didn't think to take pictures of it other than the parts that need repairing, I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. I can't figure out the fabric, as I still haven't bought it I want to know how difficult it would be to repair before I do so. Pictures of the damaged parts attached, they're both on the back, one near the bottom of the bodice where it buttons up and one near the shoulder seam.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Hi Rose, it would be helpful to see the garment in full, but on the available information it looks like a '30s evening gown with a textured silk charmeuse body (black) and crinkle silk georgette bodice (cream).

You can see the georgette is in a bad way - this is a delicate material and is often damaged by the weight of the beads so I would recut the entire cream portions in a similar fabric (the good news is that it's still being made so shouldn't be too hard to match up the colour). If you can't find a good colour match, you may wish to consider dyeing a white fabric but as long as you don't see it through the outer layer, you should be fine.

Then I would gently darn the damaged portions to the new fabric underneath, in minimal stitches in matching thread. Thanks to the beads, you probably won't see the ripped portions and stitches.

The harder option (which will give a better result but but a lot more work) is to recut the bodice portions and then rebead. A lot, lot more work so hence my first suggestion.

Good luck! It looks like a darling dress.

 

[Better Dresses Vintage]

The cream color looks like silk chiffon or georgette. Ah... Nicole says the same I now see. Possibly rayon. Is there any of that fabric in a hidden part of the dress? If so, you could use some of it to create a backing for the torn parts, to stabilize and camouflage them. If not, you can just buy some modern (or vintage) fabric of the same color and do the same. Alternately, you could simple end the design at the damaged part (evening it up to be symmetrical, of course). Tuck under the rough edges and make a new edge.

Bugle beads are easy enough to find if you want to add more, and if you want a better match, try to find vintage (hint: a vintage accessory or garment in unfixable/awful shape, purchased very inexpensively is a good source for replacement parts).

The question is whether it's worn and torn or actually shattering from dry-rot. If it's the latter, then fixing it will be very temporary fix. It will soon disintegrate, no matter what you do. Even so, if it's not expensive, and you can get a bit of use and joy from it for as long as it lasts, I'd say go ahead. I'm sure there are those here who'd disagree, but I believe that clothes are meant to be worn. Especially dresses!

 

[Rose Clarke]

Hi Rose, it would be helpful to see the garment in full, but on the available information it looks like a '30s evening gown with a textured silk charmeuse body (black) and crinkle silk georgette bodice (cream).

You can see the georgette is in a bad way - this is a delicate material and is often damaged by the weight of the beads so I would recut the entire cream portions in a similar fabric (the good news is that it's still being made so shouldn't be too hard to match up the colour). If you can't find a good colour match, you may wish to consider dyeing a white fabric but as long as you don't see it through the outer layer, you should be fine.

Then I would gently darn the damaged portions to the new fabric underneath, in minimal stitches in matching thread. Thanks to the beads, you probably won't see the ripped portions and stitches.

The harder option (which will give a better result but but a lot more work) is to recut the bodice portions and then rebead. A lot, lot more work so hence my first suggestion.

Good luck! It looks like a darling dress.

I've just recieved additional pictures, I'll post them at the bottom, thank you for the suggestions! I'm thinking I'll have to go and look at it in the new year to inspect it more. luckily the damage is only in 2 spots that wouldn't be overly noticeable if they were to be patched up. Or they could be hidden with the right shawl. But I'd say it's 1930s to, either way its gorgeous!

The cream color looks like silk chiffon or georgette. Ah... Nicole says the same I now see. Possibly rayon. Is there any of that fabric in a hidden part of the dress? If so, you could use some of it to create a backing for the torn parts, to stabilize and camouflage them. If not, you can just buy some modern (or vintage) fabric of the same color and do the same. Alternately, you could simple end the design at the damaged part (evening it up to be symmetrical, of course). Tuck under the rough edges and make a new edge.

Bugle beads are easy enough to find if you want to add more, and if you want a better match, try to find vintage (hint: a vintage accessory or garment in unfixable/awful shape, purchased very inexpensively is a good source for replacement parts).

The question is whether it's worn and torn or actually shattering from dry-rot. If it's the latter, then fixing it will be very temporary fix. It will soon disintegrate, no matter what you do. Even so, if it's not expensive, and you can get a bit of use and joy from it for as long as it lasts, I'd say go ahead. I'm sure there are those here who'd disagree, but I believe that clothes are meant to be worn. Especially dresses!

I've asked for pictures of the seams around that part of the dress (The cream and beading is only on the back of the bodice, the front is black) I'll do some window shopping and see how much the repair will cost me, as beautiful as the gown is, if it'll cost to much to fix I'll have to pass on it, but I was thinking of ending the design early, just depends on if I can make it work.

They aren't the best photos but I suppose they'll do: