Wool we ever learn? F’n up your FOs

 

Let us begin by pouring one out for the pieces that made it past the blocking stage but didn’t survive the accidental wash that your partner..nay the traitor initiated. 

If you were lucky enough to take a picture for the gram (or ravelry) of your FO before it got wrecked, let us observe a moment of silence. 

If you were not lucky...then you know better next time. 

I’m sure there are many of you who have a story or two about the time that you learned that wool was (and still is) meant to be treated with love and kindness. Wool, though sturdy can become even sturdier if it’s aggravated enough by harsh washes, harsh soaps, hot water, and the melodic agitation of a washing machine. We call this sturdier product felt. And if you had a beautiful lace shawl, congratulations now you have a tiny face towel. 

So let’s do a quick overview of what I have learned/like to use: 

The not so harsh wool soap

I don’t cast shame on those who ask, “can’t I just use a little bit of detergent?” Because I’ve been there. But as you start to dive deep into the world of natural fiber you must be comfortable with researching and asking some hard questions that we don’t typically ask like, “how the hell do I wash this?” or “do I even have to wash it.” And my all time favorite, “this shit smells like onions, now what?” 

For those of you that don’t smell like a damn turtle cage after a long day of going up and down hills I envy you. But if you’re like me you learn real quick to hold off on wearing your knits for the days that you know your pits will be dry af. And if you happen to forget and your knits got tha funk. 

There are two washes that I use: 

Eucalan -lavender infused 

Soak- no scent

If you look these up (if you haven’t already) you may say, “what is this?!?! A soap for ants?!?” Because yes, it is a small bottle but keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Also the price in an investment. 

There is one soap in particular that I’ve been dying to buy and it’s sold by The Native Knits Shop. This is the only soap drop I’d like to attend  ...woof too much? 😂 

The soaking receptacle aka my tub 

I’m not fancy. I’ve been known to allow my knits to soak in pots of water or my tub. The goal is to have enough room to be able to submerge your knit (if wet blocking is your goal). But here is the key, and I learned this from morthunder, you must add a splash of soap and make some bubbles before you put the sweater in. 

Play keep away

Do not be reckless. Store your knits in a safe place. In my case I keep mine far away from my partner. I may be terrible at storing my knits but that guy has an uncanny ability to turn shrink knits...and all my other clothes 😂

I would love to hear what everyone else is using! To see more check out our ravelry group!