Thursday, March 31, 2011

Where to start?


A few little bits for today…

Firstly, I need some help. This picture is of a piece that is very precious to me as it’s something my mother stitched. My Mum was very ill when I was growing up and I cannot remember her ever stitching. Family members tell me how good a needlewoman she was but sadly this, and another small tablecloth, are the only examples I have of her work. I’m hoping that some family member has a box of her work stashed away in an attic so that I can see some more of her work and then pass them on to my daughter.  Wouldn’t that be lovely!


The reason I need some help is this…..



The ink stain is over the threads and I really don’t know what to do about it. Is there a way to get the ink stain out successfully, or do you think I should  leave it as it is rather than taking the chance of ruining the piece? I would really appreciate any advice!

As for the Mighty samurai, he’s coming along. I’m still stalking the postman in the hope that the threads from Dimensions have arrived….sadly, not yet. I have been working on the peacock and guess what? If you guessed that I’m almost running out of another thread, then you would be correct! Now I really don’t think I’m a wasteful stitcher, after all us Scots are renowned for being thrifty, but it’s at the stage where I can hardly get the needle through the fabric as there is so little thread! It’s a good job I’m working on samples for Tangled Threads otherwise this month's ort jar would be rather like Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboards!
Here’s the progress on the peacock.



And this is the whole thing to date.



I got really excited when I saw this in my garden…




I know it’s not much, but it does mean that Spring is definitely on its way. For those of you who don’t know, New York winters seem to go on forever, so the smallest sign of Spring is such a welcome sight. Sadly though, the weathermen are forecasting more snow for this area… between 6 – 10 inches was the last I heard! Can you believe it?!!!


Lastly, I  have to apologize to the people who left comments. My Yahoo account for some reason didn’t send any of the emails I had written – just as I get organized and on top of everything! I just want everyone to know that I do appreciate the fact that you visit my blog and especially that you take the time to comment. I will get cought up on the emails again soon - I promise!

Until next time…happy stitching.

Rhona

9 comments:

Terri said...

I've heard that hairspray can take out ink stains. Have you ever used a product called Orvus? That works well on a lot of the older linens that I inherited from my grandmother. Nordic Needle carries it and you can also get it at tack shops - it's a horse soap! :-)

The samurai is looking gorgeous!

Cath said...

Over here there are stain removers called stain devils which are all used for particular things , ie one for ink , one for food etc , so something like that may help .
Hope you get it sorted .X

Poppypatchwork said...

If it was my mum's work, I would leave it alone, or place a felt flower over the stain,threads have a nasty habit of running when you do anything with them.

Margaret said...

So how much snow did you get? We got basically nothing, so hopefully you didn't get much either. :D I'm afraid I have no clue how to get ink stains out. Your mother's tablecloth is beautiful! I love your Samurai too! Thanks for commenting on my blog!

Ziggyeor said...

Eek I don't know! I've heard running it under cold water but I'm not sure with how old the stain is? My LNS suggests Oxyclean when cleaning their stitching. Then put it on top of a towel and press it dry from the backside with an iron.

Ana Luisa said...

Have you already rinsed it water? This will get the some of the ink out, and with more launderings it will fade. I've never had good luck in removing ink stains, I tend to live with them. LOL!

Lynn said...

Your mother's work is gorgeous but I'm afraid I don't have any suggestions for the stain other than what has been put forward already.
The Samurai is an amazing piece. I hope you can get more floss for the peacock as well.

Daffycat said...

One time a neighbor's child drew in ink all over the back of my mom's velvety chair. Hairspray took it right out! Wet it very well with hairspray and rinse with water, keep repeating until it is gone. Good luck!

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