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How To Take Care Of Cashmere by
Cashmere is considered the highest class of all natural fibers. It's softer, warmer and lighter than all of the natural fibers. It is mainly used for dress, coats and suit fabrics, as well as for high-quality hosiery and knitwear. It's also used for ropes, blankets, grain bags and even tent curtains.
Because of the quality of the cashmere, it's also quite expensive so it's definitely a good idea to know how to take care of your cashmere.
Hand-washing is generally acknowledged to be the gentlest method of cleaning cashmere. Sweaters and other cashmere garments should be washed after about 6-7 wearings to keep them looking their best. Cashmere has a tendency to become softer with each washing, which will add years to the life of your precious cashmere garment.
The first step in washing is to wash the garment in warm water and a mild soap. Even shampoo will do. Thoroughly rinse the cashmere in water of the same temperature. It's especially important to remember never to wring or twist the cashmere, as doing this will stretch the cashmere out of shape. Simply press the excess water from the garment.
After washing, lay the sweater on a dry towel while supporting the weight of the wet garment. Slowly ease the sweater back into shape and roll it up in the towel. Press again to remove excess water and do this second with a second towel. On a flat surface, lay the cashmere fabric on a fresh dry towel until it is thoroughly dried by the air. Once the cashmere is dry, just fold it carefully and avoid a crease in the center. Don't hang the cashmere, even if you're using wooden hangers. Just lay it flat in a drawer or on a closet shelf. You can also fold your cashmere or knitwear with tissue and store it flat in a drawer.
Dry cleaning is also all right for cashmere. In fact, this may be the only solution in case your cashmere gets hold of stubborn stains. If you plan to machine wash your cashmere, secure it first in a tied pillowcase and set on gentle cycle.
Storing your cashmere is also relatively easy. It is best to store your cashmere and other fine woolens in either a cedar chest or in plastic bags to keep them free from pesky moths. Contrary to popular belief, moths are not attracted to the cashmere sweater itself; they are attracted to stained or soiled garments. They go for any food particles that may be on the garment, so it is absolutely essential to keep your garments clean.
Some sweaters will undergo pilling, or the little balls that get on the sweaters. It's a natural occurrence for cashmere sweaters, wool and other natural fibers. Still, a quality sweater should not pill excessively. Pilling is usually caused by a friction such as purse strings, golf straps, seat belts, etc. Not all sweaters pill, however, but when pilling does occur, simply pull or careful cut the pills off to break the connection. You may also wash the garment to keep them even cleaner and safer.
I'm not talented at anything that most people would call art. I work for a few fashion firms, including a greatpashmina shawl outfit (their red pashmina is great!).
Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/How-To-Take-Care-Of-Cashmere/204629
First time quilter, I need help?
As far as sewing goes I am definitely a beginner, but as long as I have step by step directions of whateber I am doing I can sew it. I have sewed my daughter a few blankets and also a pillowcase dress. But I am ready for a bigger and better project. My cousin is due with her 1st baby in August, we are planning a shower for her the middle of July, which means I have a month and a half to complete my quilt. I wanted to make her a quilt because for one I just enjoy the being able to give somebody something that for one didn't come form wal-mart and two they can cherish and know that it was handmade. I have read online a few on different sites but I have a few questions on some. What is a scant seam? If I want to make just a simple bock quilt made up of around 24 squares (I don't have a pattern) How do I go about measuring how big my blocks need to be etc...? If someone could give me step by step instructions (quilting for dummies if you will) I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You
Clare's answer is excellent. A scant 1/4" seam is one or two threads less than 1/4" wide.
Here is a link to a page with approximate dimensions of quilt sizes from preemie to toddler: http://www.quilterscache.com/StartQuiltingPages/startquiltingtwo.html
These vary from 18 x 20 all the way up to 40 x 60; my point is that precise dimensions aren't important on a baby quilt.
Let's assume you cut 24 blocks that are 8" square. Lay out your blocks in the design you want, 4 squares wide by 6 squares deep. Sew the squares of each row in order, using 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seams of rows 1,3, and 5 to the left and rows 2,4,and 6 to the right. Now sew row 1 to row 2, then row 2 to row 3, and so on. The seams between blocks will butt up and nest together, making it easy to match the vertical line. Press the finshed quilt top well.
After sewing these together with 1/4" seam, each block is 7-1/2" square, and the final quilt top is 30" x 45".
Cut a piece of backing fabric and a piece of batting a few inches larger than the quilt top. Lay the backing, right side down, on a flat surface such as a table and smooth it out. I recommend holding the corners down with masking tape to keep it in place. Now smooth the batting in place over it, then the quilt top. Starting in the quilt center, use safety pins every 4 - 6" to baste the quilt sandwich together. Now you can machine quilt, hand quilt or tie the layers together.
Trim all the edges so they are even, and sew binding around all the sides of the quilt. Here is a link to binding directions: http://www.quilterscache.com/StartQuiltingPages/startquiltingfive.html
Trim all the loose threads, and you have a finished quilt that your cousin will treasure.
