how would you repair or save a nice lace knitted cotton shirt

I need some more details before I can suggest anything What, exactly, is wrong? What color is it? What style? What thickness of yarn?

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans

On further reflection...................could you perhaps add a crocheted border to the hem, if that is where the problem lies? If you have an appropriate yarn, you could perhaps do that plus add a similar border to neckline and sleeve hems so that it looks planned, not added.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

That's what I was thinking. Maybe even crocheting around the sleeves also... to tie it all together.

Lynne

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It would depend on where the worn spots are. I like the idea of adding to it even if you have to cut some of it off and attach the new yarn and color.

Thank you all for helping me think. While the shirt is still beautiful [esp the lacy knit] it has lost a lot of it`s original color, luckily it faded all over in the same degree, but even if i could find the original thread [from 20+ years ago !!], it won`t be much help. The main dammage is the frayed under edge. as well as having lost the elasticity of the hem. I am not sure if ripping only the hem and reknitting it would work well , as it has been washed a lot and i am not sure how this kind of cotton will react /behave ,,, Thus i think i will take with me to the shop and look at the threads available and than decide,,, Lately i have finnished several knits with a lacy edge ??? i might go there , i will let you all know what i decided ,, mirjam

Can you recycle it into something else such as a tote bag or pillow with a fabric underneath?

Thank you Linda that is a wonderful idea,,,,,, mirjam