My mum was giving cross stitch a go at the time, though she didn't finish her project either, she was more of a knitter. I'd seen my mum cross stitching and I wanted to have a go myself, so when it came to my birthday and my brother asking what I'd like, I asked him to buy me a cross stitch kit. I'm pretty sure he was in the army at the time, he joined at sixteen as a junior and left at the age of twenty one, which would make me between the ages of eight and thirteen. I don't think I could have been as young as eight, I was probably about eleven or twelve, so that's about forty years ago.
I got quite a bit of it done and then never picked it back up again. What a shame.
I thought I might finish it off as there isn't really all that much left to do and it's only a small piece but I'd stupidly left the needle in the fabric and over the years it's rusted, leaving a nasty mark. I've tried soaking it in Vanish but it hasn't brought it out and it's very near the stitching so it would be visible. I've read that lemon might do the trick but I don't know whether to bother or not.
I don't want to just put it back in the packet and put it away for another forty years, though I probably won't be here myself by then, so I need to make a decision, have another go at getting the mark off the fabric or call it a day. What would you do? It's not as though it's a big piece or anything special, it would have been nice to finish it off though. I really can't decide.
Can you disguise it with some added stitches? Some clouds or birds perhaps. I'm not a stitcher at all so have no idea if that would work.
ReplyDeleteOh I would finish it, its beautiful. When its done perhaps you could get a small circular frame that might cover the mark if you've not been able to get it out??
ReplyDeleteI'd cover it in stitches - add a border or title to the piece. It's too pretty and has a lovely memory associated with it to leave it unfinished.
ReplyDeleteI think the stitch mark may be covered by a frame, but you could try a tiny bit of bleach on a cotton bud to remove the stain. It deserves to be finished I think - if not by you, then I am sure someone in blogland would love to complete it!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Ellie
There are so many things you could use to cover the mark, it is very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI would have to finish it because it has a history and it's so lovely! I'm sure the marks will hardly be visible when you've stitched over them, why not stitch over the spots to see, even if they are slightly visible that's part of the history. xx
ReplyDeleteLike others have suggested, you could try covering the rust mark with stitching or bleach it or you could also just leave it there as it's part of the history of that kit. A talking point, if you like! :o)
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you've kept it for all this time so I think it deserves to be finished. I'm not a stitcher but I'd try lemon juice and sunshine and if it doesn't work, perhaps stitch over the stain? x
ReplyDeleteIt would be a shame to put it away again. Try putting the stain between two pieces of kitchen paper, stain side down and squeezing the lemon juice onto it, then leave it in the sun to dry. You might have to do it a few times but it should come out eventually. Let us know if you succeed.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the picture on the packet and the part you still have to I would think most of the stitching would cover the marks. It's very pretty and deserves to be finished :)
ReplyDeleteI would not try to finish at all. I would frame it. Or find a way to get it onto a pillow. I would leave it as she did.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is a cute piece-hope you can fix it so you can use it. xoDiana
ReplyDeleteI'd probably go for a frame, a mount within it would cover the mark. I still can't decide what to make, I might end up ordering some wool!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried white vinegar? It's such a pretty piece it's a shame not to complete it.
ReplyDeleteI would finish it and put an oval mount close to the stitching which would cover the mark. x
ReplyDeleteI'm not a stitcher but if all else fails I would try fabric paint? But I would definitely finish it for the satisfaction in knowing that you finished what you started all those years ago and if not for that experience you might not have the hobby you have today. A symbol of perseverance. I'm all about nostalgia lately.💖
ReplyDeleteTry the lemon juice and let it sit in the sun for a bit. My mom used to charge people to clean and block their lacy doilies and what not and all she did was soak them in lemon juice water and hang them out in the sun.
ReplyDeleteI think keeping it as is is a wonderful idea. Lots of memories of a kind brother giving you exactly what you wanted.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely Jo & I remember my Mum telling someone how to remove a rust stain from old embroideries & even cotton crochet doilies, but for the life of me can't think of the remedy. Let us know if you have any success. I'll keep thinking in the meantime. Take care & huggles.
ReplyDeleteIt's so lovely that I would try to finish it and also try out some of the suggestions for removing the stain.
ReplyDeleteI have a cross stitch piece that I'll never finish because of eyesight problems. There's no one in the family that would take it on. I think you should finish your piece as it holds the memory of your brother's gift. I think a frame might cover the mark which is difficult to get out. As there's not much more of the pretty design to do I would finish it and then decide on the next step. The mark is part of its history. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is such a lovely project I do hope that you can find a way to either remove the stain or stitch over it. It will be so lovely to finish it and hang it on the wall, a lovely reminder of your brother.
ReplyDeleteI'd finish it, the rusty needle mark is part of the history, which I love.xxx
ReplyDeleteI would finish it :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It would be nice to finish it after all these years, I'd cover the rust marks with some extra stitching. Does your brother remember it?
ReplyDeletex
I haven't asked him but I will.
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