I was SO desperate for a sweater rehab. I was so busy caring for everyone else’s wool and cashmere that I hadn’t realized I was walking around with holes, tears, and split seams - a full on cashmere ragamuffin!
Some need Betty Ford, while I needed Sweater Rehab!
Look at that pile of sweaters in serious need of some tender, love and care…
Below is the ammunition you will need for a successful recovery…
Optional tools include: Wool & Cashmere Spray, Scented Vinegar and Mesh Bags.
For sweaters with heavy pilling, we use the Sweater Stone, both before and after laundering.
I soaked all my sweaters in Scented Vinegar to remove odor.
As my sweaters were stained, pre-treating with both Stain Solution and the Wash & Stain Bar were imperative. I used The Wash & Stain Bar for removing deodorant build up and body oil in the arm pits.
Here are the setting s you’ll need whenever washing wool or cashmere…always use a COLD water temperature!
I even did an extra rinse cycle for these guys.
Once my sweaters were dry I gave them another de-pilling with our Sweater Stone and brush with our new Cashmere Brush!
I am completely OBSESSED with the Cashmere Brush- I can’t believe I have lived so long without it. I use it almost every day to brush my sweaters, jackets, capes and ponchos to remove lint, blonde hair, etc!
After laundering, my sweaters were sent straight to Meriam to repair at Alterknit.
Meriam is a genius and master craftswomen to repair with the original yarns to look brand new.
Some of my "before and after" repairs are below….I had holes, seams and tears…my sweaters needed “the works”!
They can even alter, shorten, slim, re-style and re-purpose woolens and they are woven to your request.
Alter Knit
245 W. 29th Street, Suite 800
New York, NY 10001
(212) 473-6363
We can wash your favorite sweaters with our Sweater Service and send them out to repair for you… for more information click here.
I am back in good shape and have been looking good the rest of the winter. I am just ready now to give them their last wash and store away for the season….I am ready for spring!
11 comments:
Hello! This is a really nice "How to ..."-posting!
I have one question regarding the Scented Vinegar: how much Vinegar do you use for one sweater? Would it be 2 tablespoons or more?
Oh, and another question: The water on the photo looks quite milky, does this come from the vinegar? Or did you add a detergent to the vinegar?
It still costs me an effort to use the sweater stone, because so much sweater stays on the stone and I don't want my sweater to become "less".
Great questions! I would like to know answers also!
To answer your questions...
I used about two capfuls of the Scented Vinegar and sprinkled some directly in the area.
The water is milky looking because I pre-treated with the Wash & Stain Bar there too.
Paula, don't worry about the Sweater Stone...you are not losing your sweater, you are just removing the pills.
Happy laundering!
Gwen
Can you wash all wool and cashmere sweaters in this fashion even if they say Dry Clean Only?
Hi LeeAnne,
Yes - manufacturers put 'dry clean only' on tags to protect themselves if people wash their sweaters improperly i.e. with warm water which would cause shrinking.
If you follow our directions, and the sweater is made of cashmere or wool, you'll be fine! Happy washing!
Thanks for this - very helpful!
Question: I recently took out my sweaters to prepare to wash them and put them up for summer, and noticed tiny holes in all of the delicate cashmere ones at the front side toward the bottom (below belly button). I have noticed similar holes in delicate knit shirts (mostly Theory) over the past few years, but assumed it was because that fabric was so delicate. Now I am seeing these tiny holes in other fabrics and garments, but all in the exact same place.
I have never run across this before, and now I've been seeing it over and over again. Am I the only one? Do others see it? What can I do to prevent it? To fix it?
Thanks!
Hi Susu,
Sounds like maybe your pants, zipper, handbag, desk, seatbelt, etc. is catching you in the same spot. Next time you think about it, pay attention to what is rubbing against that area...that's most likely the source of your problem.
We love (and use all the time) Alter Knit New York to fix our holes, tears and snags. You can drop off (if you're in the city) or ship to them. They're amazing to work with.
www.alterknitnewyork.com
What do you do if the sweater is made from a blend of fabrics like acrylic, cotton, angora etc? Can you still do this?
Hi,
I found this tutorial extremely informative and helpful. What do you recommend for preventing moth attacks on sweaters?
Thank you.
Regards,
Kathryn
Hi, I found this to be very interesting and informative. I found these tiny worm like bugs eating my light wool and cashmere, it is good to know that you have a company that can repair. What about men suit pants and jacket the bugs are eating all the above and no one can tell me how to get rid of them. Do you reccomend storing these items in plastic containers. Help in Alabama
Annie
Interesting blog. We have to try for our old cashmere too. Thanks for sharing! Keep posting :)
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