In this project we explored lace braiding for implantable medical devices that had specific characteristics built into their structure through zonal patterning.  To do this experiment we needed to reconfigure a machine so that the fabric was drawn by gravity downward, through the center of the machine, vs. upward through the beater knives, so as to reduce friction and stress on the very fine yarns.  We braided around mandrels to achieve different shapes.  The visual "vortex" that was created as the yarns spiraled downward was magical.