repaing a tartan

[andy.kirtland]

hey guys.

i have a tartan shawl, bought by my aunt in '69 that i've been using for the past few years as a scarf. my girlfriend wants to be able to wear it to my sister's wedding, but it has a couple of small holes. are these holes something that any competent professional can fix, or am i going to have to send this to someone who specifically handles tartans?

thanks for the help

[McMurdo]

Perhaps posting photos would help.

[slohairt]

You need to look for a re-weaver. A rare occupation these days, but you may find one in New York City. They usually work with bespoke suits and the like, but I'm sure they'll do the same work on a tartan shawl.

EDIT:

Here are some:

Superior Weaving & Mending Co
(212) 929-7208
41 Union Sq W Ph
New York, NY 10003

Rupen's Tailoring
(212) 685-9113
60 E 42nd St
New York, NY 10165

Yw Custom Tailors
(212) 410-3013
171 E 88th St
New York, NY 10128

[Carolina Kiltman]

Having watched my Mother do it to my Father's bespoke suits in the 30's and 40's, (he traveled a lot, and as there was no A/C on the trains in them days, the windows were often left open, and sparks would fly in and land on his suit from time to time, burning small holes.)

From the Shawl, probably from one end, unravel enough yarn to get some of each colour. Then using an embroidery needle, carefully run warp yarns across the hole. When the warp is filled in, do the same with the weft, mimicking the weave pattern (many tartans are twill weave, two over two) and the job is done. If well done, then it is nearly invisible.

Good luck