Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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alison
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cleaning embroideryI am getting our pictures sorted out, and have a few that need new glass, due to being broken when we moved here.
initially they were in a barn, then got moved indoors, to a room with no heating.
Our wedding sampler, white cotten and cross stitch in bright colours, had broken glass, so one half has been covered, and the other exposed.
There is discolouration on the exposed material.
How do I go about cleaning it, ready to reframe.
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Cathryn
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Wait for Sally. Some embroidery silks can leak colour badly.
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alison
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that is what I thought, but it is the half dirt I am unsure about too
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welsh veg grower
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try the nossel on the vacuum cleaner gentle over the top see if it lifts some of it off.
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Frewen Feltmaker
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I wouldn't touch it before consulting Sally - you can clean dusty embroideries with a pop sock over the hoover, but that's light and even dust. This sounds like a whole different kettle of fish!
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sally_in_wales
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Not sure I can add much, hoovering through a gauze (popsock as suggested) is definately a good start, but any real grime or discolouration will need washing out, the problem is knowing whether the colours are fast or will run. You could try cautiously sponging a corner with a barely damp cloth, see if that lifts surface grub, try a bit on the back first maybe as that might give you warning that any colours might not be fast. If its bad though, it might be best to send it to a professional for washing and reblocking.
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alice
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I used to do a lot of cross stitch and washed most of them before framing. I'm not talking antique pieces here but your average modern CS project using anchor type stranded threads on aida or linen. Is that the sort of thing you mean?
It's recommended you use cold water but I always use lukewarm because it gives better results. There are special detergents available but I use a dash of fairy liquid. Don't rub, let it soak for a few mins and gently squeeze, swish, squeeze in the soapy water, like hand washing woollens. You *may* get a little bleeding but rinse in PLENTY of COLD water until its gone. Don't wring, lay flat and before its dry, press with an iron, on the back (ie face down) on a thick towel, which helps avoid flattening the stitches. I guess you would block it at this point but I used to let the framer worry about the blocking.
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