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

[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!