Whereneverever Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Ive been working on a large cross stitch for my DH for almost a year. I'm almost done and I was planning to give it to him on Epiphany. I kept it folded and under an end table in the storage area so in the evenings/ free moments I could work on it. Tonight on of my DDs accidentally spilled a mug of coffee. So spectacularly that it splashed my cross stitch. I'm thrilled no one was hurt, but I'm crushed. All that work. And what can I give DH now? :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennsmile Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 :grouphug: Can you wash it or get it dry cleaned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myeightkiddies Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Oh no! I'm so sorry. :grouphug::grouphug: Is there any way that it could be washed and salvaged? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalknot Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 How heartbreaking ((((hugs)))) I'm so sorry. I don't know a thing about cross-stitch, but would it be possible to 'age' the work without making it look too bad? Using tea, or coffee, the way you might 'age' a piece of paper or something -- a light tannish stain? I really think, though, that he'd appreciate it regardless and I hope you still gift it to him. It'll make a sweet story one day, when the feelings are less raw. Your hard work isn't undone, it's just ... eternalized in memory a bit differently than originally planned. It can still be a great gift, and no stain is going to negate all of the hard work and love you poured into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 (edited) Can you wash it? I usually wash and block my cross stitch before framing anyway. What kind of threads? DMC or specialty threads? I would call a couple of local needle shops and ask what to use to try to clean it. I have been told not to use the products from the grocery store, such as detergents, Woolite, etc. because they can set the stain. Also, if you use reds and/or specialty threads (such as silk or those multicolored threads), they can run, so I would not wash without showing it and the type of threads to someone who knows needlework. And many dry cleaners do not know needlework. I would only ask someone who owns a needlework shop. Edited December 29, 2011 by LMA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Fairy Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh! So sorry. :grouphug: I agree with trying to wash it, what have you got to lose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Oh noooo! :grouphug: I wonder if you can take it down to a good laundry and see if they can remove any coffee stain? I think it is worth a try! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 I think your husband will love it - coffee stain and all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAS in LA Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 :( :grouphug: Is the coffee stain really obvious? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhschool Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 You can stain the whole thing with tea and it will look a nice tan color. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 I would give it a good soak in cold water and see if some would wash out. :grouphug::grouphug: That sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted December 29, 2011 Author Share Posted December 29, 2011 It's DMC floss. I'm going to try to wash it or have it washed... But knowing my luck it's ruined. :( Ugh. I'm sure DH would still appreciate it but it takes away a lot of the joy in giving it for me. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
black_midori Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Oh man - how devastating!!! Makes me re-think my idea of starting cross-stitch again, now that my kids are older (but still only 5&7 - I haven't done it since they were super-young). Honestly, I think I'd wash it as best I could - maybe even put coffee on the whole thing and then wash it so the staining is even and looks consistent - and then give it to him with a hug and an apology... :) :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted December 29, 2011 Author Share Posted December 29, 2011 :( :grouphug: Is the coffee stain really obvious? It is super obvious. It was a nice full cup of coffee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Please do not assume it is ruined. A spill is a horrible thing on needlework but you have to think through the removal process carefully. Using the wrong soap will ruin your fabric. I have done lots of needlework for years and I have removed all kinds of stuff. So, please don't panic yet. Here is a site that talks about removing stains. I would not wash the whole thing just the part with the stain, but I would either ask someone in a needlework shop or I would get the products listed in this website. I have taken my stuff to a needlework shop and they have been helpful in removing stuff. You may have to pay a little but it is well worth getting a few opinions on the stain. http://yarntree.com/081washing.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jar7709 Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 (edited) This happened to me. Don't ask how I learned to keep my evening chocolate and evening stitching separate. :( You can stain the whole thing with tea and it willlook a nice tan color. :iagree: Try soaking it in water first to make the stain fade. If it is still bothersome, the tea staining often looks nice. Good luck! :grouphug: Edited December 29, 2011 by jar7709 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiseOwlKnits Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Try this. Test it on a small spot first. I hope you already have it soaking so it doesn't set the coffee stain more. If not, soak it ASAP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 Oh nooooooO!!! I am so sorry! I know just how much work that was. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLG Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 You can stain the whole thing with tea and it willlook a nice tan color. :iagree: So sorry. Heartbreaking.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma23peas Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 I think your husband will love it - coffee stain and all. YES THIS!!!! I would even go so far as to get some craft paint and have each of your kids put a thumb print on the work...on the back of the frame, write a little dedication..."Just like the stains on this heartfelt work for you, the love for you from all of us penetrates every fiber! :)" A very special gift!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted December 29, 2011 Author Share Posted December 29, 2011 It's soaking and I'm reading, thanks everyone. I feel like such a dork for being this upset over an accident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted December 29, 2011 Share Posted December 29, 2011 It's soaking and I'm reading, thanks everyone. I feel like such a dork for being this upset over an accident. :grouphug:. No way don't feel bad. You're entitled after seeing so much hard work potentially ruined. Hopefully one of the suggestions here will work. My dad has a brother that is 18 years older than him and when my dad was little he took some manual or other important book his older brother had and wrote all over it. At the time he said his brother was really mad at what happened and thought his book was ruined. A few years ago my dad and uncle (now in his 80's) were talking and my uncle showed him the manual that he had kept all of those years with my dad's scibbles all over. He said he could never get rid of it because everytime he saw the scibbles it reminded him of my dad as a little kid. Sometimes what we think of as ruined isn't at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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