Attaching a Veil

walterjenne

I have my grandmothers 70 year old lace veil.  It is just the lace fabric and I need a way to wear it that won't ruin the fabric.  Any suggestions would be greatly apprectiated!

saacjw

How did she attach it when she wore it? If she wore a hat or something like that, I'd look to see if she pinned it down and if there are small, subtle pin holes and then replicate that style. 

Depending on how long it is, you might be able to wear one of those headbands that ties and tuck it into the ribbon on the back and secure it with bobby pins. You also might be able to bobby pin it to the top of your head like a mantilla. 

dubird

If you can run a ribbon along the top edge, you can attach it to a hair comb, if that's something that will stay in your hair.  If you use a loose stitching, you should be able to remove it later without damaging the lace.

Sue-n-Kevin

What shape is the veil in? Is it yellowed and torn? Or in good shape? The only reason I ask is that my Mom's veil is over 60 years old and it's in pretty bad shape, just from aging.

If you want to wash it, use gentle soap like Ivory for Babies, or something like that. Use warmish-coolish water, let it sit for a few minutes, rinse, repeat, rinse, repeat. Don't twist it or wring it too hard. Then hang it to dry from a hanger.

Is it attached to something now? Is it gathered, or straight? If it's not gathered, you could probably very gently sew it into a gathered shape and attach it with clear thread (sold in fabric stores near colored threads) to a clear comb and attach that where you'd want it in your hair.

Good luck.

walterjenne

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  It is in really good shape!  There is one small stain that we are trying to remove but no holes or anything.  It isn't attached to anything right now its more like one piece of fabric.  I will probably try and pin it because I don't want to run the risk of ripping it by sewing.  All of my cousins and aunts have worn it and hopefully some more generations will be able to wear it too.  Thanks again for all of the suggestions!