I have a lot of older cross stitch crafts I just now found. My question is how do I get the yellow from smoking and old age without ruining the whole piece?
Try any wash that they advertise for delicates, especially quilts, and whatever you do, do it GENTLY, VERY CAREFULLY. Anything with any age to it can just fall apart.
I soak fragile pieces in baking soda and vinegar. It may take a few times but it will definately take the odors out and make them white again.
I've had great success with a mixture of baby shampoo and that bleach that doesn't fade colors. Just a little of each is all you need.
I received a wool cross stitch made in 1867. Its been in a old farm house, some of the stitch are gone on the bottom & Top of the picture. It appear the stitch are being ate. who should I take this antique to for repair. I live in the midwest area.
You really need to consult a professional restoration company, there's no way around it. Contact your nearest Art institution and get a recommendation from them for someone in your area that can take a look at it for you. At that time, most dyes came from nature, onion skins, cherry juice, and so on.
