Inspiration doesn't always come like a bolt of lightening. Sometimes it's just a sense that something beautiful is lurking behind a rag. This nylon lace is a great example. A one time curtain, I'm trying to give it new life. The design itself is pretty traditional. It essentially has good bones. Nylon is an economy fabric and holds up well against direct sunlight, meaning it won't have to be replace in a few months. Watching silk curtains disintegrate over a few months can be heart breaking. In that aspect, Nylon is a miracle. Unfortunately it doesn't take dye very well and it doesn't really feel great against the skin. When woven it's about as comfortable as a hefty bag. Lace solves some of the problem. The variation in thread weights in the design motif help the drape, while the variation in positive and negative space give some depth. Plain Nylon just sort of hangs their lifeless and somewhat rigid as though it can't make up it's mind.
I decided to put this lace through the ringer. I first dyed it using the spray bottle technique which I mentioned in an earlier post. Even with the variation in colors it still looked a little dull and the floral pattern seemed a little precious. To resolve the problem I made tears in the fabric and placed it on a complimentary background of deep rich teal, making the orange POP. The tears allowed even a bit more of the teal to show through. It also added some variation in the pattern, making it seem a little less factory made. Perfection is fine sometimes, but in inexpensive lace, it can look cheap and mentally repetitive.
To add interest and even more depth I've added sequins. It's a beautiful effect that makes the fabric seem even more precious while ensuring the tears don't feel accidental. The fabric will most likely end up a pleated skirt, which means I'll end up sequins embroidering about 5 yards of fabric.
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