Repair
Here is the bit that needs to be reinforced.
I decided to run the thread ( a beading thread called fire wire) down the rows in this area and then across back and forth like the weaving.
I ran a thread back and forth and down the center of the bead rows for an area of about 2″ square. Fixed.
There where also some broken threads near the folded areas on the sides. I fixed them.
Also, near the edge of the hinge.
Now to the fringe. I cut the threads and remove the fringe beads.
There were some hanging threads from the corners that I sewed back into the seam allowance.
checking for fit now I have mended everything.
Fringe
Now I had a problem where to get beads this small. Here they are next to seed beads.
There are 6 or7 per 1/4 inch when strung. around there are 5 per 1/4 inch.
I never knew that beads could be that small or where to get them. Thus, research. I found a couple of sites that sold them and even talked and e-mailed with the owners, I found that these are French steel beads. The bag could date in the 1920 + or – 10 years. They stop making the beads after WWII so all the ones out there are vintage.
I use the computer to help me make a pattern from pictures I took.
What was left behind was were the two horizontal beads held on by the cross thread that goes under the threads of the bag.
That thread needed to be pulled out as well.
I ordered new and sorted the beads to color.
Here is my pattern so you can see that I using a thin metal wire to catch the two horizontal beads and a thread show in red the string the fringe members.
Beading thread in red wire in black. The wire is only temporary.
The fringe shown from the back. I’m left handed so I’m beading left to right. I keep the beads on a piece of velvet so they do not roll away.
Done but not connected. You can still see the copper wire on the left as well as the beading thread.
Now is the fun bit there I have to slowly remove the wire and sew all the horizontal beads onto a thread.
Now a thread has to be thread thru the same beads but between each bead it needs to go over a thread in that gap between the two rows of beads at the bottom of the bag.
Half way done. You can see the black area with no beads that is where I have to pick up a thread between each bead.
Finished.
Close-up.
