1920's sequin sleve over sheer silk ?

Grumbling Mike

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Jul 13, 2000
Posts
258
Loc
Toronto Canada
the backing fabric is like nylon stocking material and is very weak. I have a few ideas in framing but wondered if anyone has com across this before and can recomend a mounting technique.
wing1.jpg
 
What a beauty! I've been sitting here for the longest time just admiring that sleeve. I'm easily distracted by sparklies.

I don't think re-backing would accomplish anything. The irregular shape would make the process a nightmare and wouldn't lend much more support.

I would be tempted to cover the backing board with black or dark green velvet. (Would that cause a conservation issue? I don't know.)

If the customer is thinking of this piece as art, I'd mount it flat; if it's being preserved as an article of clothing, it might be nice to put a layer of quilt batt under the velvet to add some dimension.

Of course you're planning on lots of tiny stitches accross the width of the piece.

The sleeve looks heavy and if the lining fabric is fragile it won't be able to support it's own weight. Installing the backing into the frame on a slant might help.

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Kit
 
I agree the slanting matboard is the way to minimise stress. How many degrees do you think works best. the tension of felt or suede mats would help too but I think moray silk is a prefered look (SP).
 
I wonder how heavy it is? If it is really heavy it might not be suited to hang in a vertical position no matter how many stitches you take. I just recently had to turn away a beaded purse that was very flimsy and a lot of worn spots. I told the customer that what I knew about old purses is that beaded ones in particular should not be stored in a hanging position because the weight would eventually pull it out of shape. She appreciated the advice. Luckily she is a good customer and always finds other things to bring in.

I also have a beaded motif off of an old flappers dress from the 20's that I framed for the store about a year ago. I've recently noticed that some of the beaded fringe appears to be unraveling so I will have to go in and take the weight off of those with a stitch or two.
 
Moire.

I agree that it would be a nice look but I've never seen a good example of it on a matboard. Somehow, they all manage to look like the design has been printed on, even when it hasn't.

I haven't done many pieces mounted on a slant. I try to get the greatest angle possible in the space available so 'how many degrees' would depend on the moulding.

Kit
 
PS The hypoteneuse is longer than the legs of a triangle.

I know that sounds obvious but the first time I did a slanted piece I cut the backing board the dimensions of the frame. It was too short (duh!)

Kit
 
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