How to alter a veil. Any ideas?

My veil came on a 4 inch comb, but I knew it wouldn't fit in the hair barrette that I bought. So I actually VERY CAREFULLY used a seam ripper to cut the threads that held the veil to the comb. You have to be super careful because the material that veils are made of are delicate and probably more so since it's older material. Look to see if you can see the threads that are attaching the veil to the head piece. If you can and feel confident enough, you could probably separate the 2.

Well I know his mom wouldn't care if I messed it up. She's not that sort. But at the same time, It's quite pretty and I'm a little nervous about killing it.

Anyway, I made an inspiration board with a bunch of photos of it. Where it's yellowed and the crown I want to detach. I'm also into the idea of detaching the lace part that goes over the face, as I originally wanted a mantilla. If I can just take all the extra crap off of it, it'd be perfect.

No advice on saving the veil, but as for the circlet - do you like the look of chainmaile? I have had several custom pieces done at www.chainmail.com

Not really "elvish" looking and can be quite stunning.

Hmmm...?? i saw the pictures. It does look complicated, but of ALL people, i KNOW you can pull it off! ive seen the things you've done YOU CAN DO IT CARMEN!!! good luck (hugs)

Http://www.medievalbridalfashions.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=79

The above site has beautiful circlets - pricey but gorgeous!

You might be able to dye the veil - do you know what the fabric is - nylon or silk?

I'm going to go look at your photos - maybe I can help.

OMG, Carmen, I LOVE your invitation suite!!!!! Love it! Have you thought about flower crowns? Here's one I love http://www.thecherryblossomgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/couronne-11.jpg but you can make other colors...

http://www.thecherryblossomgirl.com/flower-crown/

I have no idea what fabric it is. lol. I'd ask my FMIL but I kinda wanted to surprise her.

And those circlets are very pretty. Kinda out of my price range though.

LOVE the chainmail AND the circlets...pricey, though

Well - it's hard to tell from photos. I can't see a problem with removing it from the headpiece - you just have to be very careful as bridal illusion can get brittle over time. If you want to lighten the dark parts of the lace sometimes Hydrogyn Peroxide will work or if you want the darker color you may be able to dye it. You can try to find someone in your area who works on veils or if you are comfortable with sending it to me I will look at it for you and offer an opinion.

maybe something like this, and you could attach the veil to it easily.

The only problem with chainmail is that I'm allergic to most metals. Apparently I'm okay with gold (my rings are white gold) and with surgical steel (piercings), but anything silver, copper, zinc, aluminum, etc...makes my skin blister. I like the idea of a floral one, as something gold is probably going to be too expensive. But at the same time, I want to appease him without it being too over the top. Something subtle, ya know?

I hope this doesn't sound bad..don't take it the wrong way! But, it is "just" tulle and lace. There's no reason you can't just cut it from the headpiece and attatch it to whatever you plan to wear. Without really seeing the whole thing it's hard to say what you will need to do. I would contact a dry cleaner that specializes in dress preservation to see it they can clean it and a seamstress to see if she can alter it the way you would like. To get the gold look you want, you can use gold Design Master spray glitter or even the glitter hair spray. It would probably be ok to use dye, I would test a small piece first.

Carmen, can you test it first? That is a good idea that Celebrations had... Don't know if you did a lot of dying and tye-dying as a kid (I did) and I remember now how the threads either never dyed or they were a much lighter color than the rest... aren't veils basicly made of thread?

Doesn't really matter to me what it's made out of. My real point is only that FMIL wore it at her wedding 35 years ago, and I would like to be able to alter and wear it without ruining it. If I remove the crown and the front drape piece, then it'll look more like the mantilla style I like. But I could use the drape piece as my test piece for dying, since it'll be discarded anyway. I just thought it would be a nice gesture and make her happy.

Another thought about your FMIL's wedding dress...If she doesn't mind you taking it apart, maybe parts of it could be used in your wedding. My SIL used the lace off her mom's dress as appliques on her dress. You could have a piece of it worked into your bouquet or something. Or down the road it could be made into christening gowns for your children.

Carmen can you tell how it is attached to the headband? Is it sewn on or glued or is it tucked into the little open space some kind of way?

Also it's kinda hard to tell but is it two layers? And is the lace part attached to the headband as well?

My first thought was what Konichiwa said, use a seam ripper to remove it from the headband. It might be easier to just cut it away but would you ruin the lace edge by doing so? LIke you'll be able to conceal the raw edge when you attach it to a comb. I have no idea what a circlet is.

It's sewn. I'm attempting to cut the threads atm.

Uh...can we say instant (free) mantilla?! Whoo! Kiss my DIY! lmao.

So did you get it apart? How does it look? New pics please lol

My girlfriend came over to spend some time with me, but I'll post some in a bit. =0) Came out great. lol.