What Kind of Lace is This?

[fast_eddies_retro_rags]

That's about it! :embaressed: Just wondering if this lace has a specific name?

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[trellandjesus]

I do not know the specific name, but the designs look like ivys.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

I believe this is what is referred to as chemical lace. It's a machine made lace which has been produced for over 100 years. If you go online, you can find a lot of examples of it.

 

[claireshaeffer]

It's guipure. It was called chemical lace because it was first embroidered on acetate which dissolves in acetone. The embroidery would be a different fiber type which didn't dissolve in acetone--silk, wool, cotton, linen.

Today it's usually embroidered on a water soluble material and can be almost any fiber. Like most laces, it can be very cheap or very expensive.

A similar technique is used for devore' (burn out) velvets. The background fabric and the velvet pile are two different fiber types. Then the fabric is printed with a chemical to dissolve parts of the velvet.

Probably more than you ever wanted to know! Claire

 

[cmpollack]

Probably more than you ever wanted to know!

On the contrary, THANK you for that excellent explanation!

I just read Mary Jane's answer and was wondering how chemicals would result in such a pretty lace, and now I even know a bit about how devore is made...

 

[fast_eddies_retro_rags]

Claire, I was hoping you'd pop in with your all your knowledge of lacy goodness. :adore: Thanks a ton everyone, I really appreciate it! (Though don't count on me ever remembering that info again after today!)

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

pretty lace, Kim! what does it belong to??? hmmmm??

 

[Alleycats]

Looks like it is on the cuff of a fabulous dress....just guessing here. Love to see it.

 

[fast_eddies_retro_rags]

Well since there's not been any sun for the past 3 days, here is a quick and veeeery rough idea of the dress. (I hate photographing navy blue, by the way. More than black. I also hate when there's no sun to take decent photos.) 50's seriously drapey rayon, crazy neckline and rhinestone "dress clip" dealies sewn on. They're not really dress clips, but I don't know what they're called. Did I mention it's NOS with tags? Because it is. :embaressed:

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[cmpollack]

:fainting:

That doesn't have anything going for it, does it?

:lol:

 

[trellandjesus]

This dress is looking 40s to me. That is beautiful! It looks like a big size.

 

[fast_eddies_retro_rags]

I was floundering between late 40's and early 50's and decided on the latter, for no particular reason. And yes, it is a bigger size! (It didn't work well on my anorexic mani, sadly.)

 

[MyVintageCocktail]

Kim, it's butt ugly and I would be more than happy to take it off your hands--you can send it directly to me, and be done with it.... :D

I'm sure I can find something to do with it...

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Claire, just wanted to say how much I appreciate your expertise here! In a few simple sentences you pieced together the bits of knowledge I had, into a coherent piece. Thank you!

Great dress Kim: agree with '40s. Nice size too - I love those necklines.

Nicole

 

[vertugarde]

Yes, don't flounder, it looks mid 1940's to me and into the New Look time frame. The lace might be an addition to the existing deep dress cuff.

 

[claireshaeffer]

Nicole,
Thank you. I am so delighted to be a member. I learn new things daily and it has definitely broadened my horizons and increased my knowledge. It's really a pleasure to add a small contribution when I can. C

 

[joules]

I love learning here, and I love this elegant dress!

 

[thevintagebungalow]

Love the dress!! I am also in awe of Claires knowledge. I just bought a coat for myself with the burn-out velvet. Had no idea what is was called or how it was done! Thanks!!