Unfinished project getting dirty

[Philpepe]

Hey guys, I'm looking for some advice.

Has anyone here had a WIP that for one reason or another gotten dirty, and if so, did you continue stitching and just wash it when you were finished or did you wash it, and then go back to finish it?

[tnitnetny]

I am always dirtying my stitching projects. My SMB3 World 1 map that I have been working on for 3 1/2 years I take everywhere and it is so filthy it is unbelievable. I always just keep stitching and then wash it after. I am always afraid if I keep washing over and over while I am working on it then the colors may fade.

[Philpepe]

I was worried about colors fading if I wash it before I'm finished, but I've been worried about stains possibly setting in if I wait to wash it. You don't have any problems with stains or anything of that nature?

[starrley]

I was worried about colors fading if I wash it before I'm finished, but I've been worried about stains possibly setting in if I wait to wash it. You don't have any problems with stains or anything of that nature?

Did something spill on it? Normal dirt should be fine, but anything that could stain should be washed off asap. DMC thread is pretty colorfast, so I wouldn't worry about the colors fading. Are you using white Aida? My kids got a project of mine really dirty, and I actually used a little diluted bleach on a Q-tip to get the stains off. That method requires a lot of care. Most likely you just need a little soap and water and you'll be fine. Maybe even just water.

[rogueprincess20]

I am so glad you posted this question because I have the same problem with my projects getting dirty while I am still working on them and its nice to know what to do and now I know I am not the only one.

[Philpepe]

This is really the first time I've had a project get noticeably dirty like this, and I'm not really sure what got on it. It kind of looks like dirt, but it was clean and we just took a trip out of town and my wife put my stitching in the trunk with our bags. When I pulled it out, it looked like it had gotten some dirt on it.

Then as I continued to stitch, the place where I was holding the edge of the aida that wraps around my frame started to get incredibly dirty, presumably from my hands.

I haven't washed it yet though, and basically wanted to make sure it would be ok to wait until I'm finished to wash it.

[blackmageheart]

If you're really uncomfortable about the dirt, give it a quick gentle wash, dry it and carry on.
If you're not so bothered about the dirt, it will be fine until you're done, as long as you make sure to wash it properly after!

Personally, I'd probably give it a little wash just to be sure it doesn't stain. But that's me!