STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

Need to shrink a cashmere sweater

Lil Red · Nine West

How was the other one ruined? Did the fabric ruin or did you just shrink it? I guess I would try washing it in cool and then dry it slowly in the dryer, checking on it every so often. Take it out before it's dried all the way and then lay it flat to finish drying.

I'm not really picturing the style of the sweater? Is there anyway to make it work if it's a little oversized? Pairing with leggings or skinny jeans and belting it?

Boots · Gucci

Honestly, aren't big cozy grampa sweaters kind of still "in" this year? I like Lil Red's suggestion of trying to belt it (maybe with a softer kind of belt, like a thicker ribbon sash or kimono belt) and leggings or jeggings.

I'd be afraid of ruining the sweater by trying to shrink it. You can't spot shrink it. What if the sleeves shrink and become too tight?

Personally, I'd keep it for a lux house sweater, the sort of thing I'd put on after work with my comfy jeans and a tank. Like a more polished version of sweats.

gossipgirl · Dooney & Bourke

Boots wrote:

Honestly, aren't big cozy grampa sweaters kind of still "in" this year? I like Lil Red's suggestion of trying to belt it (maybe with a softer kind of belt, like a thicker ribbon sash or kimono belt) and leggings or jeggings.

I'd be afraid of ruining the sweater by trying to shrink it. You can't spot shrink it. What if the sleeves shrink and become too tight?

Personally, I'd keep it for a lux house sweater, the sort of thing I'd put on after work with my comfy jeans and a tank. Like a more polished version of sweats.

Boots is right on! I don't think shrunken sweaters keep their nice texture or shape. I do hand wash mine in woolite, and let them air dry, but they don't tend to shrink that way. Probably the dryer would do that.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

I'm not minding the luxe house sweater idea.

I've tried it as an 'oversized' and it look sfunny. It's the cut, the shawl collar and button and marledness are grandpa, but it's a one-button at the chest, so it drapes kinda a-line like toward the hips. It was 1 size too large when I got it, but I've lost a little weight. So, at this point, an XL on a M frame is too much when mixed with the cut. And, because of the cut it is goofy belted.

But, the shrinkage of sleeve possibility to becoming too short is a concern now.

So:
1. Donate a perfectly nice, brand new sweater.
2. Upgrade my lounge wear and keep the sweater.
3. Try to make it into what it should be, full knowing I may have to get rid of the sweater after bad shrinking.
4. Build a time machine, go back in time and return it, getting my moola back.

Hmmmmmm

Lil Red · Nine West

I say keep it for a comfy around the house sweater or do you have a friend or family member that would love it?

clothes_horse · Dooney & Bourke

sell it on ebay/craigslist or give it as a gift

Suasoria · Chanel

Why not go to a tailor and have it taken in on the sides? I'd rather do that then run the risk of ruining a nice sweater in the wash.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Suasoria wrote:
Why not go to a tailor and have it taken in on the sides? I'd rather do that then run the risk of ruining a nice sweater in the wash.

Ditto this - I've shrunken cashmere by accident and the texture gets tight and loses the softness. I'd try to tailor the sides and just roll up the sleeves. Wear on weekends or around the house or even as an extra layer on extra cold days.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

XtinaStyles wrote:

Suasoria wrote:
Why not go to a tailor and have it taken in on the sides? I'd rather do that then run the risk of ruining a nice sweater in the wash.
Ditto this - I've shrunken cashmere by accident and the texture gets tight and loses the softness. I'd try to tailor the sides and just roll up the sleeves. Wear on weekends or around the house or even as an extra layer on extra cold days.

I think this is the best plan for me. I decided to rip the tags off this morning and try it with some skinny jeans. Had to try before donating. Yep... it's too big. But, it is awfully nice. I think I will take it in. I need to find a new tailor now! I drove past mine last week, and she wasn't there anymore. Boo!

Boots · Gucci

I was just in this boat myself. My seamtress retired and I've been hunting for a new tailor for the last 2 years. I've gone through about 3 that either aren't very good or are way too expensive for the work. Finally found one I love and he eneded up being about 4 blocks from my house! I just kept asking people who they use. My hair stylist recomended the dry cleaner next door to her shop and he's just perfect.

What really bugged me when I was searching was that nobody would give me a quote over the phone or without seeing the garment. Mainly I just need skirts or pants hemmed, but most of them refused to even ballpark a figure. The guy I finally found has everything computerized. So I know he's not just making up prices depending on what he thinks I'll pay that day.

Ask around a lot.

Hermes

If you decide to get rid of it, I might buy it...

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

My favorite seamstress (grandma) returns from FLA in early December for the month before returning again to FLA. I think I will have her take it in for me. Seriously, she is the only person who can alter things to my specifications. She's the right price, too!