Accessories

[impulsereader]

Somehow, between arriving home from work yesterday and leaving for work this morning, the scarf I’ve been actively wearing has gone missing. The obvious culprit is the quick trip I took back out to the car to grab the bag of groceries from the trunk, which I had forgotten to do on the initial trip inside. I normally put hat in one pocket and scarf in the other upon arriving home. If it did fall onto the ground yesterday, it seems either the wind or a person happened upon it before I could do so this morning. :-( That was a trip scarf. I bought it at Powerscourt Gardens in Ireland. Sigh. Ah well, there is still an off chance I neglected to put it into my pocket and it is somewhere else at home awaiting discovery.

Incidentally, does anyone know if it is normal for a crocheted (possibly knitted – definitely made of yarn which isn’t dainty) item to stretch out over time? Can I somehow restore it to its initial proportions? On the same trip I bought a cute little orange beret-type hat which I no longer wear due to this issue. I was going to try washing it…or just soaking it perhaps? I’m not sure I want to risk the dryer without advice…

Comments

[litlover12.livejournal.com]

Oh bummer! :-( I did something similar the other day -- was on my way home and realized my bracelet was missing. It was a sturdy silver chain bracelet with a toggle clasp, so I still haven't figured out how it could have fallen off!

Hope you find your scarf!

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Oh, man, right back at you. Losing jewelry is even worse! :-(

[nuranar.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry about your scarf! :(

Fiber items can definitely stretch. Certain fibers stretch more than others, and are treated differently. Do you know what it's made out of? Acrylic, wool, cotton, something else?

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Thanks! ;-( ... oh, weird, what is that? A frowning pirate or something? New smilies - just a typo away...

The hat doesn't have a tag because it was done by hand. I believe it is wool, though I imagine it could be a blend.

[nuranar.livejournal.com]

If it's a wool or wool blend, do try getting it wet (cold water) and re-shaping it. Wool is a stretchy fiber, but it does have resilience. Wool fabric can be both steam-shrunk and steam-stretched, as for example the sleeve head into the armhole of a coat. It also will "felt" in hot water, though, so don't do that. I swirl my wool sweaters in a cool sinkful of water with some Woolite, then roll it in a towel to get the excess water out (don't wring), and lay it out like I want. Try that, and if it's still too big, we'll try steam. ;)

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks!

[northernwalker]

Yes, it can stretch if there isn't some sort of stablizer in the base or with certain kinds of knits.

I hope you find your scarf. I left my gloves on the train this morning- so not thrilled with myself.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

This is like lost accessory BINGO or something...I hope it's not actually contagious.

[pargoletta.livejournal.com]

Losing a favorite scarf sucks! I once lost a beloved shawl on the el, and I still miss it.

Yes, knitted and crocheted items can stretch out. I'm not entirely sure how to fix it, but maybe someone else has ideas.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Indeed. I'm not holding out much hope for it. I've also misplaced a favorite pair of pants and my little pirate ship toy since the move, though those are more likely to be simply playing hide and seek with me and have less exotic origin stories.

Happily, I've garnered a tip up-thread. :-) We'll see how it goes.

[pargoletta.livejournal.com]

P.S. Check your e-mail.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

How sad is it that I forget to check the account where I'm a person with an real name?

[chloris.livejournal.com]

Too bad about the scarf! Around here if I'm missing a scarf, I have a number of furry potential culprits but that doesn't mean I'll get it back in one piece.

I would go with soaking the item thoroughly and then shaping it on a flat surface. You may need to turn it over and reshape it as it dries as well. (Though with something as small as a hat, once may be enough.)

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

That sounds reasonable. *nods* Thanks for weighing in. :-)