AboutHenry Babcock Expertise I learned needlepoint from my grandmother over 30 years ago. I can answer most questions on the subject. I know about producing needlepoint as well as cleaning, repairing and restoring.
Question I am coming close to completing a 20 yr old project of a Deux Amis tartan
ribbon Christmas stocking in 22 count. Unfortunately the sizing is starting to
yellow and the background of the stocking is white Marlitt. Is there any way
of removing this stain(which seems to be getting worse) without having it
affect the white. Will the whole of the canvas eventually turn this brownish-
yellow such that at least it'll all be the same? Bit of a heartbreaker
considering I've been working on it so long. Thanks, Elaine
Answer Elaine,
I'm sorry to hear about the yellowing. I'm not sure whether you mean it's just the canvas that's affected or the threads are taking on the stain as well. Needlepoint sizing is like starch; it will yellow with age. The yellowing should come out with a cleaning of the piece after it is finished, as the sizing will be washed away.
