Comments | 20sknitters: Hello! And a question.

42stitches in 20sknitters

Hello! And a question.

Jan 09, 2011 23:14

I found this group about a week ago and I've been lurking ( and quite enjoying the atmosphere), but I've never posted. So I suppose a little hello is in order before I bombard you all with questions. Well really, I just have one ( Read more... )

cleaning, silk

Comments 9

hewtab January 10 2011, 05:45:50 UTC

I am by no means an expert on the subject but perhaps handwashing it might be an option?

42stitches January 10 2011, 05:59:22 UTC

Thanks for the reminder. That's what I'll consider if I don't hear a machine-wash success story. Does that work well with regular detergent, though?

vacillated January 10 2011, 07:19:56 UTC

I wouldn't use regular detergent for any project made with non-acrylic yarn. A detergent specifically designed for wool items (like Kookaburra, my personal favorite), would probably be a better option.

You could also use a cheaper shampoo (like Suave or White Rain). That has always worked out nicely for me. I've even used a tiny bit of hair conditioner on some of my rougher woolen items.

42stitches January 10 2011, 07:36:46 UTC

Good to know. I wonder if Mane and Tail would work...?

dontcallmekrys January 10 2011, 06:42:09 UTC

I'd say handwash it and hang or lay flat to dry, but that's because that's how I treat almost everything I knit. Just a quick soak in wool wash or wool safe detergent, hang over the shower curtain overnight, and voila. It's also a good idea for blocking issues, in case the pattern you're using is lace or some other fancy pattern; even if something is superwash a pattern can often get muddled up (and shrink!) after being in the dryer. For my superwash stuff I only put it in the dryer if I want it to intentionally shrink, everything else is blocked flat or hung ( ... )

42stitches January 10 2011, 06:56:06 UTC

Funny you mention the swatching. I wish I could, I probably should, but it's only a 110 yard skein and cost 13 dollars. I'm getting as much out of it as I can. XD

I don't think it's super wash. It doesn't mention that. But half the label is in Japanese, so it could say anything. I don't know that many characters. It'd take me weeks to translate the thing.

I didn't think to look for a wool wash detergent. I'll have to ask my LYS about that. Thanks for the idea.

missazrael January 10 2011, 08:52:36 UTC

About the only thing Noro makes that is superwash is their sock yarn, so Silk Garden probably isn't.

42stitches January 10 2011, 11:25:00 UTC

Thanks for the heads up.

(The comment has been removed)

42stitches January 10 2011, 23:30:17 UTC

Good to know about the gentle shampoo recommendation. Mane and Tail is not such a good idea then. Thanks for the tip.