I had no idea how few 100% wool sweaters are out there! Even the ones that felt like wool were often made with a blend of a synthetic fiber as well. I don't have much experience felting sweaters, so can anyone in blogland tell me--do they have to be 100% wool for them to felt properly, or will 80% wool/20% synthetic work? I bought a few that were wool blends and figured for 99¢ it was worth the gamble.
In the button category, I did find one that had these cute flower buttons. They were definitely worth 99¢!
I scored in the vintage category as well! I almost passed this one by because it wasn't wool but at the last second the vintage tag inside caught my eye. There was no size on the tag but it looked small, so I figured I would just resell it.
Once I got it home, on a whim I decided to try it on and to my extreme surprise, it fits! Thank goodness for a nice stretchy knit. I can fasten the belt, as long as I don't plan on doing any breathing or moving while wearing the sweater so that's going to have to be fixed. It really is tiny--I could barely fasten it around my size 6 dress form for the photo.
Here's a close-up of the poodle detail. The leash and mouth are made of red rattail satin cord, the knots feel like wool and the eye is a faceted metal bead. There are also vintage metal buttons to fasten the neck in back, although they look very tarnished so they may be replaced. I'm picturing this with a black pencil skirt, and maybe a pair of Laurie's fab glasses--what do you think?
Love love love the poodle sweater! I was wondering the same thing about the sweaters??pretty buttons too!
ReplyDeleteI find it shockingly hard to find wool sweaters in the thrift also.
ReplyDeleteI think the short answer is yes, it must be 100% animal fibers to felt. I think cashmere does not felt as well wool (and maybe hardly at all?). My not super secret solution to this problem when I need wool for felting is to go ask Heidi. I dont think she thrifts or sells as much anymore what with Sam + job, but if she can, she will help you out.
I've had good luck finding wool sweaters at the thrift. I was felting htem one by one, but I am saving them up now to do a load at once. I've only had luck with 100%wool. Plain colors work best or slight patterns. I did an all over snowflake pattern and it just did not felt well, at all.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that poodle sweater. You are a poodle gal now,aren't you?
Sarah is right: I don't have much time anymore with Sam plus job! But I still felt sweaters occasionally and I still have quite a stash I should list to sell! Sometimes a sweater that's high wool content (80% or more but not 100%) will felt, but it's always a gamble. I know most people have a hard time finding wool sweaters but they are pretty plentiful here in Chicago thrifts. I refuse to pay more than $2 for one, and I'm pretty picky about looking for nice colors or stripes these days. Dark colors are a dime a dozen (not literally!) Hope that helps. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I should do a post about this someday!
ReplyDeleteLove the poodle sweater and the buttons!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried felting anything other than 100% wool, but at .99 it doesn't hurt to try a blend and see what happens. Would love to see the handbag your mum made for you!
I never thought about buying old sweaters just for the buttons!! DUH!!! Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteI never can find the darn things either. I was thinking maybe because I'm in Florida, but maybe not!
ReplyDeleteThose pink buttons are so cute.
I ADORE that sweater! And isn't it funny how you've kind of been into 50's poodle gear lately and you find this gem? You've got one envious girl in Austin, here! Great score, it's so classic.
ReplyDelete-Courtney