4 weeks of clothing care
For me, fixing and caring for clothes is a bit like going to the gym... It takes a little getting started, and then I know it's so incredibly worth it.
We enjoy more the clothes that we take extra care of. We know that every repair of clothes extends their lifespan considerably, and it's probably not just because they last longer, but also because the extra effort we've put in makes us want to keep the garment longer.
In addition, we risk bonuses such as a sense of accomplishment and relaxation from other everyday tasks - win, win! 😃
I've planned to invest time in one piece of clothing each week for the next four weeks. At the same time, I'd like to share some tips with you - maybe you'll join in?
Week 1: Surfaces
You know those garments that are actually perfectly fine, but still sit untouched in the back of your closet? This week I want to give new life and value to a garment that just needs a little surface treatment.
Earlier this winter I brought out a snowsuit for the youngest. As the third in line to inherit, he got a well-used suit, but it was still intact. Out in the snow - home soaking wet... That's when we decided to bring in the waterproofing spray from På Stell. And that was all it needed. Now he can wreak as much havoc as he wants in the snow and slush without getting wet - dressed in a protective layer, completely free of harmful gases, aerosols and fluorocarbons.
Even easier: iron or steam a wrinkled t-shirt and it will feel new and fresh again!
Week 2: Pilling and spots
Another thing that can cause clothes to be left untouched are pills and stains. Both can be fixed, even the most old and difficult stains!
Pilling occur when short fibers separate from the yarn/thread. This will often happen naturally at first, and is worsened by friction between the garment and, for example, bags, bracelets or watches. Washing can also cause pilling. How much a garment pills, in addition, depends on both the quality of the yarn/thread, how tightly or loosely it is spun, how it has been treated in production and the length of the fibers. On synthetic materials, pills tend to be more firmly attached, while on garments made from natural fibers they are easier to remove (or fall off on their own).
Removing pills is easy:
Using a lint comb , lay the garment on a flat surface. Hold the garment firmly and brush it with the comb at a 45-degree angle.
You can also use an electric lint remover, but it will not be as gentle as a lint comb.
Long-haired wool such as mohair should not be shaved, because then it will lose its airy and fluffy surface. For long-haired wool, we recommend a gentle clothes brush .
And stains ? Berries, wine, coffee, vomit, feces, ash, eggs, blood, deodorant, sweat, fish scum, grease, greens, honey, ice, glue, scum, ink, rust, gasoline, paint, chocolate, ski wax, snuff, makeup, sunscreen, soot, soil, cod liver oil or tomato?
I have created a brand new guide for you, with great help and expertise from På Stell, on how to deal with both new and old, light and difficult stains: How to remove stains
Week 3: Fixing zippers and holes in wool
Do you have a jacket with a zipper that doesn't quite work properly? Jackets without a working zipper suddenly become pretty useless... and very often it's the zipper that breaks first. BUT the solution may be much simpler than you think!
Have you tried the trick of gently squeezing the carrier so it catches again , on a zipper that opens at the bottom or where the carrier jumps off on one side?
I've also made a big zipper guide for you, where I've collected just about everything I know and have experienced about zippers that need care. Use the table to "diagnose" what's wrong, and see if you can fix it yourself 💪
And small holes in wool? If that's the case, we have a guide for you. Start with something light, test on a piece of clothing where it's okay if it doesn't turn out perfect, and pat yourself on the back for every attempt!
Week 4: Exhausted - what now?
Yes, at some point we all get tired of our clothes, whether they're completely worn out or just no longer serve their purpose. Today I want to share a new, free tutorial for something you can transform them into.
Today, few of us need to hold on to the textiles we have. Most of us have the opportunity to buy new ones and stay warm. Yet something has been lost; not only the practical ability to carry out repairs, but also the relationship we have with clothes, the mental rest that lies in needlework and the creativity in finding solutions for further utilization of textiles. So perhaps, once in a while, we can allow ourselves to take some of this back?
A while ago I received an email from a customer in Copenhagen who wanted to tell me that she had just bought a new Blue Tit sweater. She had bought one before - it had worn out and been sewn into a tea pot warmer ☺️
Give your clothes a new life
Even if your garment is completely worn out when you're done with it, it can still be useful in another form.
An easy way to upcycle a wool garment is to felt it by washing it at a warmer temperature. A regular machine wash at 60 degrees will be enough to felt wool that is not Superwash treated. Wash with regular detergent and together with at least one other garment (optional material) for a good effect. It is advisable to wash it inside, for example, a pillowcase or laundry bag, so you do not get wool fibers on the rest of the laundry. Stretch and shape the garment while it is wet after washing. When it is dry, you can freely cut the garment since it does not unravel, and turn it into something new.
Felted wool can be made into smaller garments, neck warmers, mittens, hats, computer or mobile phone covers, stuffed animals, seating mats. Cotton fabric can be used for example for gift wrapping, rag rugs, crocheted baskets or sewn into something else. You can find more ideas about what you can make among our upcycled products.
Small remnants or garments that are no longer suitable for redesign can still be useful. Perhaps they can be used to patch other garments? Or cut into small pieces and used as stuffing for pillows, pincushions or stuffed animals?
Good luck!
Greetings Anja
