TAKE A LOOK … THINK ABOUT IT … DO YOU THINK YOU MAY NEED ME?
Deciding Whether You Need Me … Do family cherished heirlooms or other special pieces need TLC restoration, refurbishment, or some sort of repair? For several decades now, I have applied my expertise to textile work of all kinds — knit, crochet, many other fabrics and textiles of related genres. Projects include pieces that are not necessarily heirlooms but are items in disrepair that are special enough that you wish to keep them, with attention toward restoration.
All projects … small to large in size needing minor to major work — are important to me because they are important to YOU. It is stimulating to me when someone has recognized the personal value of their textile that needs “help.”
Where in the World … If you have searched “LACE REPAIR NEAR ME”, or “VINTAGE CROCHET RESTORATION” or similar words in the range of a repair and restoration professional (ME) that you need to find … If you do not live in Maryland where I am located … I want to ease your mind … the vast, extensive field of choices on our World Wide Web provide the ability to find almost anything we are searching for — which is how you have now arrived on my website. For over twenty five years I’ve worked a wide range of projects arriving on my doorstep from across our United States.
How Long … I’ve been a Textile Restoration Artist for more than twenty five-years, with a stellar reputation for my work. When I receive a project I remain highly communicative with the client, letting them know how their project is fairing on my studio table. I am always excited to hear a personal family history of pieces from those fortunate to own them and who thoughtfully make inquiries to have significant needlework survive. I am here to study your vintage restoration needs as I evaluate your important piece.
How to get a quote … Continue to scroll this post and please closely follow instructions (green) for a response to your inquiry. Be sure to scroll all the way down for additional content — lots to see and learn about the processes of repairing, restoring, and refurbishing.
Expertise … Combinations of skills are employed, applying multiple levels of needlework knowledge. I restore, repair or transform many textiles. Project process includes pattern dissection, replication and seamless insertion into knit and crochet fabric, clothing, linens, garments, and other needlework genres and textiles. Fine thread crochet lace is often a focus (bedspreads and tablecloths).
Sewing by Hand and Machine … often becomes an element of a restoration or a creative transformation. Or, an entire project may be one of sewing applications, as in damaged fabric quilts. I have four sewing machines. I won a Singer Sewing Contest when I was twelve years old.
Transformations are SPECIAL! … For needlework or other textiles pieces believed to be ‘too far gone’ often CAN be repaired and, surprisingly, fully restored. Or, creativity takes hold … it can be transformed into something “new” when only certain amounts of the piece are viable to further its life. YOU ARE A BIG PART OF THAT. Brainstorming creative options I develop are thoughtfully well-communicated in ongoing chats with you after my detailed examination.
Cleaning … is of utmost importance in any project. In many cases a piece that is supposed to be a shade of a certain color (particularly earth tones of white, cream, ecru, taupe, beige, etc.) needs cleaning. It may be darkened from age or stained toward various shades of brown. Cleaning is a separate project unto itself. Before the concentrated effort of my multi-step washing process, important time is spent tediously inserting lifelines throughout the piece so that existing holes and breaches do not become further damaged during cleaning. An important result of cleaning is that the research and study of the cleaned thread leads to a more perfect match of new thread. This is the icing on the cake of a seamless restorations. The result – on completion and return to the client, they most often say that the restored areas are difficult to find.
Resource Research Library … Across the hall from my studio I have a personal resource library of over 3,000+ books and publications on the fine arts of knitting, crochet and many needlework genres from which I continue to study needlework history and patterns. It is a cherished collection.
Project Interviews and Planning … As a writer/editor, I interview the client about their legacy piece before work begins. On project completion, I sometimes write a short story of the piece. I then write a project summary, with photos, showing how work was accomplished. Finally, these two project items are presented double-framed, fit for hanging.
A bit more about me … I am Susan Kerin, a nationally awarded knit and crochet designer. My design work has appeared on the front of national yarn catalogs as well as on the front page covers of nationally published “Best of” needlework books along with inside front covers of “Best of” books, etc. I’ve been knitting and crocheting since the age of ten. I have also sewn my entire life, having won a “Singer Sewing Competition” at the age of twelve.
Additional Related Background is at the very end of this page, keep scrolling. You will be able to see photos of “Studio Central” as well as photos of my 3,000+ needlework and related genres library.
continue to scroll for “BEFORE & AFTER” illustrations &
Detailed Instructions (green) for a chat and follow up repair/restoration quote.
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A Look Into the Restoration Process
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – Wanted to thank you for such professionalism, from initial contact through finished product and delivery. Sitting with my Grandmother’s project in my lap, completed by your expert and caring hands, left me in tears, and with a full heart of appreciation and wonder at your expertise and process. Rest assured, should anyone ever ask or say they are looking for someone of your caliber, you will be strongly recommended. Your attention to detail was exemplified in a finished restoration that will be, as you say, a legacy piece.
Help, Help! Please. This blanket was a handmade gift from my wife’s grandmother when she gave birth to my wife’s mother, which would make the blanket about 70 years old. It has been passed on to each future generation. We are the current recipients, having used so far for our second son, now two months old. One evening returning home, after the car was pulled into the garage, I forgot that I had left the blanket in the car along with an open candy bar next to it. The car windows were open. Turned out that from the undercarriage of the car mice had climbed into the car, eaten chocolate, created stains, and chewed up the blanket to make a bed. My wife is very upset about the damage, and I would like to work quickly to start the process to get it restored. Looking online I found a couple of very impersonal sites which contained mixed reviews. I kept searching and found you! You seem like the type of person who will give the care and attention to this that I know it needs. Based on your pictures and testimonials, it seems like you do great work, with great care, and I really hope that you can save the blanket and restore it to its original condition. I hope you can help me. Justin in Connecticut
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – Hello Susan. I can’t thank you enough for your magnificent work. The two afghans are gorgeous and turned out even better than I expected. You are truly a gifted artist, a ‘magician’. I can’t even tell where all of the original rips were because they look just so fantastic. I am so glad I reached out to you. The work was so well worth the cost. I will be able to cherish these now ‘whole’ pieces that were special gifts made by beloved Aunt ‘Neet’ and and Grandmother ‘Josie’. Lisa in Connecticut.
above: lace knit crochet and sequins
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – I inherited a handmade, delicate, crochet lace sweater from my beloved aunt. This hand-worked crochet lace piece is from China, purchased over 60 years ago. Attempting to remove a minute, tiny, stain I dunked what I thought was just the tiny stain spot into a bottle cap of bleach to soak and walked away. To my horror, when I returned to the bottle cap I had a huge hole. Now I had a burned, ugly, gaping, and huge hole. Susan explained that what happened was a capillary effect.
During the initial chat with Susan, I learned aspects of the restoration process. Clearly she is passionate in her work and it was clear she is quite the skilled artist. I continued perusing her restoration page as we chatted. She can speak on any needlework genre at hand, sharing her knowledge along the way.
She stayed in close contact. Receiving it back, I was speechless. It was necessary to look at my original photos of the damages to remember which sleeve had the hole. It was true restoration. The work was seamless, matching the pattern perfectly to the original. Susan is truly a miracle worker. She salvaged what I thought was a lost cause. I was in awe. With much appreciation. Sandy, CA.
P.S. I am in California on the Pacific Ocean; Susan is in Maryland on the Atlantic Ocean. The distance is absolutely NOT a problem. Her professional and proficient mode in operating her business is admirable.
BELOW: A Sewn Quilt Transformation Next Three Photos, Then the Testimonial
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – I received the project today and couldn’t wait to let you know that it looks amazing and I love the way you rewrote the story. The pictures are perfect! It’s absolutely beautiful and I love it all so much! My grandfather and I waited until we had everyone together to open it. This surprise made both my Grandma and my Mom cry. And they were both so astounded when I told them that I had been thinking of doing this for some time. It was something that they never in a million years would have expected. And they were so thankful for it and Absolutely loved it. Your creativity is astounding in turning my last hope into such a magnificent result. Thank you again. Caitlyn
The original inquiry – “Hello, My name is Caitlyn. I am looking to fix a family heirloom cotton quilt for my mother. Her “Mawmaw” Sharron made this beautiful, soft fish blanket/quilt decades ago. It’s been passed down through the family and has seen much love. Over the years once in a while my mother would say that it should probably be repaired before it disintegrates into dust. It’s in desperate need for some TLC. It has taken me a couple of years to save up to do a project like this and I’m finally able to contact you about it and find out what can be done.
TESTIMONIAL for above – Susan did an amazing job on an heirloom lace mantilla (scarf worn in church) that belonged to my mother. The lace had aged quite a bit and had several holes. I contacted Susan to see if she could repair and restore the piece and she responded promptly. She worked with me and provided various options to bring the piece back to life while managing my expectations with what can be done with old lace. Susan helped come up with a solution to fix the holes and prevent them from spreading further. Her work was meticulous and detailed, and the result turned out better than I could have imagined. I was especially appreciative of the care she took with Mother’s lace, knowing how important the mantilla was to me. I am so glad I found Susan and would highly recommend her.
After she finished my project I asked her about a couple of other pieces I had that might need repair. I didn’t know whether they were knitted, crochet or some other kind of needlework. I found out that whatever the genre is, she knows what she is talking about, tells you what kind of needlework it is and gives good insight. What I particularly appreciated was that when I asked her whether the items were worth salvaging with professional repair and restoring, she was very up front with me about the reality of the issues to consider and then how to make my own best decision whether to have a restoration done. She didn’t — at all — try to talk me into a project and it was comforting to have her advice. She comes up with extremely interesting options to salvage damaged pieces. It was stimulating to hear her thoughts as we chatted. Her creativity seems unending; she came up with ideas I never thought were possible. She really thinks out of the box while all the while focusing on maintaining the historical and family aspects of the project to still maintain it as an heirloom piece.
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – I was indeed excited to find you completed my project so soon. Thank you so much! What I found when I looked at the precious work of my Grandmother made was so surprising. I could not find the restored areas – a tribute to you. Your artistic restoration is of incredible quality. Your masterful work literally brought tears to my eyes. I will never forget the gift you shared with me by accepting this item into your care.
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – Susan, What a Job! Susan, I am awed and so glad I found you. I did not realize how beautiful it would turn out. Bedspread restoration and repair. Work Description – The project had been started many years ago. Multiple motifs were out of gauge. These were further disassembled as needed and reworked to size. Then the bedspread was assembled and finally finished with a compatible crochet edging pattern. The bedspread photo on the right that appears as a totally different color is the newly washed bedspread now at the owner’s home.
GET A QUOTE
Getting the Proper Perspective of
the Whole Shebang
REQUIREMENTS FOR A PHONE CALL: PLEASE BE SURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS TO ALLOW FOR AN INFORMATIVE AND THOUGHTFUL CHAT FOR US BOTH.
(1) Provide your full name, address with city/state, phone number with time zone. I will be calling you from 410-641-8290 EST in Ocean Pines/Ocean City, Maryland.
(2) Take a photo of the entire piece laid flat,
(3) Take photos of the general problem areas, and then
(4) Take closer-up photos of holes within those general areas just taken (10 to 15 inches distance), and then
(5) add them to your email as .jpg ATTACHMENTS. Tell me the history of the piece within your family or otherwise how you came to own it and what you know about it, and then
(6) Tell me the dimensions – what it measures.
(7) Email to: SusanDianeKerin@gmail.com Don’t forget the .JPG ATTACHMENTS.
I typically call within 24 hrs. but I quite often call within an hour or less! Send as many photos as necessary, remembering that a picture is “worth a thousand words.”
(8) REVIEW NUMBERS 1-7 AGAIN AND BE SURE YOU HAVE COMPLETED EACH REQUIREMENT.
TIMING: Projects are worked in the order in which fulfilled requirements are completed and packages are received.
THE PROCESS: I match the thread gauge and color as closely as possible, as well as match the needle gauge and the pattern to restore to original. This is work for an expert who knows what they are doing, Beyond that, the work is tedious and labor-intensive. Holes in fabric get MUCH LARGER before they get smaller …
A Good Analogy – would be like taking the car to the body shop for a little ding and the diagnosis is that a whole quarter panel must be removed and redone to take care of one little dent that impacts multiple areas of the car, and then the car will become “whole” again (forgive the PUN!) I am now able to include a testimony further demonstrating this: In speaking to a client after they have followed these instructions … when I was emphasizing this car painting analogy … She said: “That happened to me with my car.” I asked her if she went ahead with it, she said “yes”.
PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING: I’ve been doing this for over twenty-five years, and I have an excellent reputation as an heirloom and fine garment repair/restoration artist. I care very much and maintain a special level of intensity in all areas my work in needlework fields.
continue to scroll for more project photos with testimonials …
e.g. thread bedspreads, table lace …
a 1912 Yankee Team Member Sweater …
pet-damaged pieces …
more creative transformations which were thought IMPOSSIBLE …
photos of my studio, my 3,000 book textile library …
and my design swatch boards
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – Well, what can I say. The afghan is perfection! It spotlessly clean; I had no idea it would be that color after cleaning. Torn areas were so skillfully hidden by your repairs, that we needed a good deal of time locating the original injuries to the piece now in restored condition — and even now we are not sure! Thank you, thank you, thank you for saving a beloved family piece! John’s Aunt Honey’s work will live on in our family and be handed down intact. Without your work it would have ended up in the trash, and what a heartless loss that would have been. I promise to keep it safe; and your number will remain in my contacts.
THE INQUIRY FOR ABOVE – I have a knitted afghan handed down from my husband’s late mother made by her aunt. This is an heirloom piece to us. My husband’s cockapoo, Malcolm, is almost two years old. I always make it clear that he is not my dog. He is sneaky and cunning and he got to the afghan when we thought it was in a safe place. There are no safe places. The afghan has 4 areas that need repair. I hope that you can at least stabilize the damage so the blanket can be used without causing further damage.
THE INQUIRY FOR ABOVE – “My Dog Ate My Doily” – “So my husband was given this 50 or so year-old doily from his mother handed down several generations. This is a ridiculously large family and it’s hard to keep everyone straight. Our dog, who he will likely kill when he finds out, decided to chew on it and I’m assuming ate part of it. It looks pretty hopeless but I figured I’d give it a shot in asking if there’s any way it can be repaired”. Thanks! Annie G.
Our Chat – I had to chuckle as I read her words because I immediately thought of that old expression, “My dog ate my homework.” I called Annie and we had a chat about her doily dilemma and her need for lace repair services. This is life and these things happen. With many years of knitting repair and lace repair projects under my belt, I’ve heard many stories like this when one is faced with a damaged family heirloom needing repair to replicate and restore the pattern to make it whole again.
The good thing is that we realize the legacy value of these fine arts when we are fortunate to have one handed down to us from loved ones owning such skill. Once a lace repair is complete, we often rethink how the item should be used for the future. The cost of lace repair can be minor or major, depending upon the size of the job. Sometimes an heirloom piece, like the pineapple doily in this case, is professionally framed and hung afterwards, especially when it may be the only item made by Grandma that you own. It stays perfect after the lace repair and is displayed prominently for family to appreciate.
Others put completed lace restoration projects such as doilies under glass. That is, a table gets a sheet of glass over it with the lace repair displayed under it for viewing, without danger of drink spills, soiling from daily wear, and of course the “DOG”. This could also be done with a repaired tablecloth of manageable size in which it is under the tabletop glass and the remainder of it hangs. Often when a lace bedspread is restored it is used as the attractive bedspread but removed at bed time. Or, it may be aesthetically pleasing displayed as a runner across the end of the bed, or placed hanging from a blanket rack.
During our chat, I had suggested the episode might become a handed down, memorialized, family story – if she did not want to have the lace repaired she could still frame it with the story and photo of the dog included in the frame.
Now, getting back to the “DOG”… Later in a follow up email Annie noted: “I was so afraid to tell my husband what had happened and thought he would be devastated and upset. It turns out I was more upset than he was! Thanks so much for the very creative consultation today and also for sharing your impressive knowledge and abilities! “And P.S. The dog lives to chew another day.”
Crochet Lace Restoration – above photo is finished work. Photos below are the project in-process.
Before and after. Note about how color appears in the after photo below – difference in color is that the restored portion is wet for blocking in progress.
Vintage Crochet Restoration Work – Great Grandmother’s Bedspread (photos above: Stitch patterns were replicated to original. Repairs are seamless. Existing scattered holes were restored replicating stitch patterns and merged seamlessly with existing stitches. In the areas that look a little rough, this is Great Grandmother’s original crocheting. Several areas had irregular stitch gauges as a result of different sized crochet hooks she used. While she was making the bedspread, she may have put her work aside at various times and whenever she picked it up again, she picked up and used the wrong sized crochet hook. Alas, a part of its history! A large part of the side panel was totally replaced, newly worked in existing pattern.
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – I received the crocheted bedspread you restored and immediately put it on my bed. Every time I walked by it brought back wonderful memories of my Mother who had made it for me when I was a child — the ties that bind. You did a wonderful job. In Japan there is an art of repairing broken pottery so that the repaired piece often becomes more beautiful than the original and it is given a second life. You applied that art to this bedspread and I am so thrilled that it, too, now has a second life. You surely demonstrated the fine art of vintage crochet restoration.
When I first spoke with you about the project I sensed the depth of knowledge you had on the subject and appreciated how well you explained things, even the things that were not yet known! Your knowledge of the history of patterns was highly impressive. That you noted you studied daily in your many thousands of books library was certainly notable. You stayed true to your word and kept me updated in impressive detail on the extensive work. I admire your style and communication abilities. Thank you again for the great work and for sharing your knowledge with me. With warm regards, B.L. Miami FL
Above Photo lace restoration completed and under glass.
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – Susan, what an excellent job you have done. Glad I found you.
Yankee Team Sweater Restoration Circa 1920’s
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – Susan, what an excellent job you have done. Glad I found you.
TESTIMONIAL FORE ABOVE – What do you do when you want to restore a moth-ridden 50-year-old afghan made by a favorite aunt? You take it to Susan Kerin. I’ve known Susan for only a short time. However, I found her to be an extremely skilled professional whose passion for her work is captivating. Her energy is boundless. And most importantly, her devotion to restoring and transforming this afghan was both unquestionable and reassuring. Her work has made it possible for this tattered heirloom to be transformed and remain a family treasure to be handed down for generations. I actually traveled to Susan’s studio to pick up the project when it was completed and toured her interesting sanctum. I was able to experience a bit of her repair, restoration and creative processes first-hand as she explained the evolution of the project. Beth in Maryland.
A Transformation – Tatters to Treasures
ABOVE Tatters to Treasures – thumbnail photo captions left to right beginning at top
1) afghan “before” condition, as received.
2) releasing the knots for assessment.
3) fabric selection and figuring out the pillow cover.
4) Pillow completed and laying out the pillow case.
5) Laying out a swath for restoration to then applique onto pillowcase.
6) Swath onto the work frame for restoration needlework.
7) Creating stitches and gauges for pillowcase trim.
8) Pillowcase with pillow inside.
9) Creating the first picture frame of the “before” afghan condition.
10) Creating the second picture frame and the story.
The photo at above right are the finished projects, a treasured pillow to hug with love and a memorial put to ink.
TESTIMONIAL FOR ABOVE – An incredible restoration project experience with Susan. I wished to give my girlfriend a very special gift in having her great grandmother’s afghan restored, which she has slept with her entire life. I had a multitude of research and site searching experiences before speaking with Susan Kerin. Before we talked, I truly thought that my hope of restoration for such a beloved, valuable, piece had been lost, since it was now reduced to one big rag. She is the only person who treated this project with grave concern and communicated multiple surprising possible options for the project – I was in awe.
My experience with Susan and her expertise in repair and restoration services has been extremely enjoyable. Her creativity seems to hold no bounds. She is personable and approaches each project with generosity. I never needed to call her to inquire about progress, as she was highly communicative through all stages of the project with periodic phone calls and emails; I was never left wondering.
She took what I thought was lost and what she accomplished was overwhelming. What an incredible transformation. I could not be more satisfied with the outcome. My girlfriend can now sleep with a piece of her beloved great grandmother forever and the framing project was as incredible as the pillow and pillowcase. Susan gave me a great sense of trust in working my project. Susan is trustworthy and articulate. This experience exceeded my expectation in every single way. David S. in Chattanooga, Tennessee
lace repair restoration
lace repair restoration hardanger
WHERE IT ALL HAPPENS – The Creative Sanctum of Susan Kerin
Textile Restoration Artist, Needlework Designer
Above: The Library – 3,000+ books on the fine arts of knitting and crochet along with related needle work and other creative genres publications. This is a cherished collection from which I study needlework history and patterns. Below – Leaving the Library and walking across the hall into the Studio Office.
Above: Desk Central in the Studio Office – Book research from the library moves to the office for continued pattern study for restoration work and historical inspiration for new design work. Private lectures with instructional lessons in knitting and crochet and other needle work genres also take place here. Teaching includes learn-how as well as custom lessons in areas of special interest to the client.
For completed repairs and restorations, there is the task of documenting the project in detail for the client, including what was done to bring a piece to whole again.
As a designer … For new design work, swatching of new pattern ideas also happen here. Ongoing, great numbers of new stitch design elements and details constantly churn through the brain’s wheel house. After a time, a vision is ultimately made tangible for the first time. It travels down the arms, into the hands, onto the needle … creating new pattern elements and combinations that previously never existed.
Then the process continues with writing instructions and testing the written for detailed accuracy. Then, to the photo shoots, then to final editing before declaring the finished pattern pages ready to post to my website, ultimately to be seen by needle workers in search of a just-right
eye-catching project.
Above: Project Table – where a whole lot happens. Swatch boards are the byproduct of test swatching new design idea elements during the creative process.
Below – Swatch boards provide continued inspiration and are great fun to make.
Background Summary
– I am a writer/editor, which dovetails all-so-well with all of my work.
– I am geeky/nerdy/techy. I do much tech work independently on my multiple computers. I regularly research
for my professional education involving all of my areas of work/expertise.
– In my pattern design work I perform my own photo shoots for final publications, tutorials, etc. – I solely create
the design, written content, graphics, photography, etc. work on my website(s).
– I teach and lecture on the fine arts of knitting and crochet here in my studio/office and in public on request.
– Needlework lessons are one-on-one with undivided attention to the student. Lessons are fully customized to
advance skill levels. I have copyrighted learning materials regularly employed.
– I am also an on-site professional organizer (business, home, office) – www.HelpToGetOrganized.com
If you are “here”, congratulations!
Many have, indeed, made it to this spot.
Do you think you might actually need me?
Take another look; think about it.
“Think about your thinking”.