Old spots - Neckties
 

I have been asked to make a necktie quilt-which is fine. The problem is i got the ties (and there are a bunch of them) and there are stains all over them. There are lots of different fabrics and some have no labels. The ties date back to the 30's - 60's so the stains have been in there a long time. It seems that most of the stains are right in the middle of the front of the tie so there isn't much of a way of going around them. Most of them look like chocolate or blood - that color. Suggestions

If someone has asked you to make the quilt and supplied the stained ties, I would send them back and say I cannot work with these unless they are clean.

Let the person who supplied the ties worry about cleaning them.

You could wind up spending a lot of time and trouble, plus the expense of cleaning supplies and still not get the stains out.

I second this motion! Move to dismiss!

When I started reading this thread, I was going to suggest a specific stain remover I use that's great for removing grease stains, but I think you have too many problems to solve here. First, you don't know what the stains consist of. Second, those stains have been there for DECADES and are probably set, especially if they are chocolate and blood.

I third the motion. The nerve of someone sending something dirty to you. I can't imagine. Send them back. Kindly tell her if you make a quilt the fabric has to be clean.

I "inherited" a bunch of ties from my FIL. I took them apart (that horeshair interfacing does not wash well), put them in net bags (the ties ravel a lot) and washed them all, in cool water in the washing machine and then dried them. They have worn very well. Many years ago I watched a program on Simply Quilts about making tie quilts. The lady bought all her ties at thrift stores and this is what she did to get the grime, spots and drycleaning solutions out. It worked for me.

I would definitely tell the person you got them from that they needed to be washed -- if you don't want to do it tell her to do it. Also, when using the ties remember that the point is a true bias point so you can figure out the grain.

I agree ... either send them back OR tell the owner that you will attempt only the most basic wash in the machine BUT you are not responsible if the ties do not make it out alive.

There is also the possibility that the owner is completely aware of the stains and is OK with that and wishes you to continue with the ties as they are. Perhaps want to remember Grandpa's meals as much as he wanted to remember them :)

I agree to having the person clean the ties. What else are you bringing into your home with them?? I washed some in the sink with regular detergent as I wanted the final product to be able to swim in my machine.

piney

I also vote for returning the ties, for the owner to clean them. No one should expect you to work with soiled clothing! :thumbdown:

Were these ties only stained or were they dirty also ? I have some table scarves that are "clean" , but have stains on them. I call them "clean stains" ?!?

I would tell your customer that you will be washing the ties...... I agree with Tartan. Let her make the decision.