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Stitching & Crafting Room:  care of antique clothes  |
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shepherdwagen
Farmgirl in Training
41 Posts
Susan
Winterset
Iowa
USA
41 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 24 2008 : 1:31:32 PM
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I went to an auction last week and landed a few pieces of antique clothing, dating from about the late 19th, early 20th century. There's a man's shirt, a child's romper, a child's underpants, child's pants (knickerbockers!), and about 4 pieces of baby clothing. I want to wash them and perhaps hang them up to display them. My mother and my sister both think I should have them framed, but I don't think that is a good idea.
Any suggestion?
"I've childproofed my house, but they keep getting in." |
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Ronna
True Blue Farmgirl
1891 Posts
Ronna
Fernley
NV
USA
1891 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2008 : 5:41:07 PM
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If you do frame them, be sure to use a shadowbox type, so the fabric does not touch the glass. Acid free paper. Best for them to be able to breath, especially in an area where humidity might be a problem. Be sure they are not where direct sunlight or even a lamp will fade/deteriorate the fabric.
Do you have instructions for cleaning them? I can give you some pointers on doing it to not damage the fabrics. Whether or not they look fragile, they likely are and the fabric could disintegrate easily with the wrong care.
Lucky you for such a find. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2008 : 6:05:39 PM
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I just forwarded this topic to my mom. She has a lot of great knowledge about caring for old fabrics!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2008 : 7:07:26 PM
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Be gentle when cleaning them :) What I've used before at the historic site was a cleaner called Orvus Paste, it's what most textile conservators use. I did a brief look around Google and it looks like some quilt shops carry it.
What a great auction find! Post a picture when you have them all ready to display, I bet they'll look great :)
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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Sage
True Blue Farmgirl
207 Posts
Pam
Worland
Wyoming
USA
207 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2008 : 08:28:00 AM
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I love antique clothing, it is so charming. Meg and Ronna are right about being very gentle and Orvus is the best cleaner if you really do need to clean the items.
Check with a frame shop and make sure they know how to frame unsing archival methods. Your local museum should be able to help you with advice for conservation of the garments. Sunlight and moisture can cause alot of damage.
I worked at a Museum for ten years and the conservationists that we worked with said to do as little cleaning as possible. If the cleaning will cause more harm than good it is best to leave it alone. Some antique fabrics look stable but will fall apart when cleaned.
Evaluate each garment for condition - look for weakness in the cloth and at the seams, fabric type, and try to decide what caused each stain. Not all stains will come out and if they won't cause further deterioration of the garment, some stains should be left alone. That can be part of the charm of an antique.
If you do decide to clean begin by gently brushing the surface with a soft brush to remove any surface dust. You can stretch a piece of panty hose or fine nylon mesh over your vacuum hose and brush the dust into the vacuum hose. If the fabric is strong enough you can use the MESH covered hose to carefully and lightly vacuum the fabric.
Test a seam for bleeding of color with a cotton swab dipped in your water/cleaning solution. Dab with a white cloth and if any color comes off the dye is not stable.
Wash by lining a basin with a white towel or unbleached muslin to support the garment, fill with the correct solution of orvus and cool water, and soak the garment. No twisting or wringing. Change water as necessary until water remains clear. Lift garment out with towel and gently roll to remove water. Lay out on clean towel to dry.
Good luck Sage :)
Farmgirl sister #140
www.heritagedesigns.etsy.com |
Edited by - Sage on Apr 25 2008 08:50:28 AM |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: care of antique clothes |
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care of antique clothes
