Fixing Damaged Lace?

[quinidine.livejournal.com]

Hello everyone,

I recently received a beautiful skirt from the sales journal but was horrified to discover that there were gapping holes in the lace! I'm trying to salvage the lace (as although the holes are big, they aren't entirely noticable and haven't ripped off the skirt yet, but they are sorta close!), and was wondering if anyone had any ideas how to 1. mend it or 2. prevent it from tearing further? 



It is very similar to the one in this picture:


I know it's hard to see, but the lace is not stretchy nor flexible, and a bit hard to the touch. Hope that helps. If not I'll have pictures later tonight.

Thank you~