Antique Christening Gown - how do I clean it ????

[almostamom]

We received DH's grandfather's christening gown on our last visit with his family. DH's great grandmother made it about 100 years ago. It is really beautiful - the stitches are all hand sewn and exactly the same size, the pleats are perfect. We were given the hat, gown, slips, etc. His family would like our little guy to wear it at his christening. I'm all for it, but the gown has to be cleaned and I'm TERRIFIED to do anything with it!! All of the pieces are yellowed. Is there any hope of getting them white again? There is also a stain on the gown. It is made of cotton if that helps. Any ideas???

TIA,
~Linda~
Baby #1 due Nov 17, 2004

[aguinn]

what a wonderful gift!

well, this might not help since it's cotton, but i've heard with linen that you should set it out on the grass on a sunny day and let the sun bleach it (not sure if you should wet it first, though).

i just looked up "yellowed antique cotton" on google and came across this link that may help: http://www.erasofelegance.com/summer2002_vintage.html

keep us updated!
;)amy
proud momma to DS

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030729/1/5/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif Weaned @ 13 months

[lukkykatt]

I was possibly going to use a family gown for DS' Christening. My mother called Winterthur Museum, and they were very helpful in giving her info on a cleaning process. Here is their link: http://www.winterthur.org/about/collection_care.asp

I didn't end up using it, but I can't remember why. I hope everything works out for you - it sounds gorgeous! Post pics if you end up using it!

[ErinMC]

For DS's christening in April, we used my grandmother's christening gown from 1912. It was horribly yellowed and I was very hesitant to use it, but my mom did wonders getting it cleaned. She dissolved a small amount of the powder dishwasher detergent (like Cascade) in cold water, and let the gown soak for a couple hours. She then rinsed it and let it dry flat in the sun. It was INCREDIBLE. Came out beautifully - perfectly white. I believe the gown is cotton, but because it was handmade I am not positive.

Let me know if you want me to call and ask her more specifics. Good luck!

HTH,

[Marisa6826]

Honestly, I would call a museum, explain the situation and ask what they suggest. Even if you're not near it, I would call the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY and see what they have to say.

Here's a link they had on their site:

Antonio Ratti Textile Center and Reference Library:
Phone: 212-650-2310
Fax: 212-650-2676
Email: [email protected]

Another option would be to call the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.

I remember watching something on Martha Stewart years ago, but can't remember what they suggested.

-m

[almostamom]

Thank you, ladies! I'm going to try these methods today with the slips and use whichever one works best on the actual gown! I so appreciate your advice.

Many thanks,
~Linda~
Baby #1 due Nov 17, 2004

[almostamom]

Just a quick update - I tried the dishwashing soap today on the slips. They are SPARKLING WHITE!!!!!!! Yea! Yippee! I'm going to do the gown next weekend. Thanks again for your help and advice. What would I do without these boards??

~Linda~
Baby #1 due Nov 17, 2004

[trentsmom]

We also received a family christening gown. I know my grandfather and father wore it, but it is even much older than that. We took it to Imperial Gown Restoration www.gown.com, and they restored it. The owner estimated that it was made around the 1880s and hand sewn. When we take it back to be cleaned and repaired for storage (it was very fragile and ripped a bit when DS wore it for pictures), they will sew in a silk label with the names and dates of everyone who has worn the gown (that we know of.) This is the same place I used to clean my wedding gown. I'm very happy with their work. It's expensive, but I felt it was worth it for this heirloom.

This was taken when DS was 5 months old.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/12543.jpg

[ErinMC]

Wonderful! Glad it worked, and glad to help!

:-)

[almostamom]

What a beautiful gown and gorgeous baby! Thanks for the info on the web site. I'm embarassed to say I still have not even had my wedding gown cleaned -- YIKES! I will have to be much more diligent with our christening gown. I love the idea of the silk label with the names and dates of who wore the gown. Thanks so much for sharing with me. It is much appreciated.
~Linda~
Baby #1 due Nov 17, 2004

[AngelaS]

We embroidered the names of all who wore our family's baptismal gown with white embroidery floss on the the white slip. The gown was made for my grandma and now four generations have worn it.