Thank you for the details about the plant fibers. Your swatch looks lovely. I have had the plant fibers always grow a bit when knitted and washed but woven (cotton) fabrics always shrunk in the first wash. I’ve never tried knitting lace with plant fibers though.
I highly recommend knitting lace with plant fibers. It makes a beautiful fabric. And I don't think there is any reliable rule of thumb about which fabrics will shink or grow. It depends on the yarn, the stitch pattern, and your laundry equipment. So knit a swatch, measure it, throw it in the wash, then measure it again!
I handwash all handmades so far. Because of a few felting incidents that happened earlier. :( I should try machine washing plant fibers at least. Thanks for the inspiration. :)
Thank you for such an informative review of Oleander. I have a discount code from Purl Soho so purchasing some Oleander might be a good use for it (not that I need more yarn 🤦🏼♀️😆).
This yarn sounds lovely Sandi. Thanks for all the details and info about flax/linen growing and processing. The swatching and washing is so important, isn't it! Love your dream of a lace shawl!
My rule of thumb is to machine wash in cold gentle setting in a net garment bag and then to air dry flat after rolling in towels and pressing to remove as much water as possible. (yes, I have been known to walk on it!) May sound like a lot of work, but it really goes quickly, I make a paper outline of the finished garment to use for checking the detentions as it is drying and pin/block it necessary. After I see how a garment is holding its shape after a washing or two, I have a good idea of how it takes to laundering.
Thank you for the details about the plant fibers. Your swatch looks lovely. I have had the plant fibers always grow a bit when knitted and washed but woven (cotton) fabrics always shrunk in the first wash. I’ve never tried knitting lace with plant fibers though.
I highly recommend knitting lace with plant fibers. It makes a beautiful fabric. And I don't think there is any reliable rule of thumb about which fabrics will shink or grow. It depends on the yarn, the stitch pattern, and your laundry equipment. So knit a swatch, measure it, throw it in the wash, then measure it again!
I handwash all handmades so far. Because of a few felting incidents that happened earlier. :( I should try machine washing plant fibers at least. Thanks for the inspiration. :)
With a summer top that I'll probably sweat into, I know I'm more likely to wear it often if I can machine wash.
The lace swatch is so pretty, as you suspected, the Oleander yarn definitely lends itself to lace knitting. Another excellent yarn review, thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you for such an informative review of Oleander. I have a discount code from Purl Soho so purchasing some Oleander might be a good use for it (not that I need more yarn 🤦🏼♀️😆).
Oooo—a discount code is nearly as bad as cash for burning holes in a pocket. Enjoy!
😆👍
This yarn sounds lovely Sandi. Thanks for all the details and info about flax/linen growing and processing. The swatching and washing is so important, isn't it! Love your dream of a lace shawl!
My rule of thumb is to machine wash in cold gentle setting in a net garment bag and then to air dry flat after rolling in towels and pressing to remove as much water as possible. (yes, I have been known to walk on it!) May sound like a lot of work, but it really goes quickly, I make a paper outline of the finished garment to use for checking the detentions as it is drying and pin/block it necessary. After I see how a garment is holding its shape after a washing or two, I have a good idea of how it takes to laundering.