Blocking Knitwear FAIL: Foxes Blog Knits | Video Knitting Podcast
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ค. 2024
- Finally, after the hurt has healed (just slightly) I thought I would share my sweater blocking fail! How to wet block a knitted garment is a scary prospect, and rightly so! See what happens when it goes wrong, and learn a few of my tips for SOS (Saving Our Sweaters!)
many tears were shed over this blocking fail
I hope you enjoy my knitting video blog and podcast, with all things knitty!
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When my first granddaughter was coming up to her third birthday I decided to knit her a cardi-vest. I searched for the perfect pattern, then the perfect yarn, a Malibrigo in the most gorgeous medium blue colour that matched the blue in her eyes. I was at her little birthday party and she seemed to like showing off her new possession. A few months passed and we were apart, living in different parts of the country and the next time I visited was helping my daughter by putting away toys when I came across this tiny little blue doll sweater. You guessed it! Was the Malibrigo sweater that was now doll size. I took a deep breath and put it in the toy box. At a later time my daughter sheepishly admitted to what happened and apologized to me for not giving it the care needed. The story is now a family laugh, and my baby granddaughter who is now a beautiful 15 year old, is a knitter herself. At the end of the day, the life of the sweater didn't matter, I loved making it for her, then I had to do the hard part, which was letting go.
Not exactly about blocking, but...I sent my daughter a wool sweater I had made for her. It was finished, blocked, and ready to go. I was so excited, I wanted to see how it looked on her. I mailed it to her at university and told her not to wash it in the machine, it had to be handwashed. I told her if she needed to wash it to take it to her aunt's one weekend and do it there. Fast forward to me picking her up at the end of the semester....she broke down and told me she forgot and washed it. Ugh. It still fits her, but oddly. She wants to give it to a shorter friend that it will look better on. That is probably better than it not being wearable at all. The good news is that she was in a play during the semester and wore the sweater pre-shrinkage! So, my knitting made it on stage!
I guess Im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a trick to get back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb lost my account password. I love any assistance you can give me.
@Everett Karter Instablaster ;)
@Edgar Castiel i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im trying it out now.
I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Edgar Castiel It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
Thanks so much, you saved my account :D
@Everett Karter Glad I could help =)
I know this is 3 years old but the algorithm gave it to me and the involuntary "oh nooooo" that came out of my mouth 😭😭😭
Years ago I knitted my newborn daughter a gorgeous cardigan and embroidered on it bullion roses. It was a labour of love and made whilst nursing her in hospital when she was sick 9 days after she was born.
One day shortly thereafter, at home, pulling laundry out of my old and decrepit top loader, that my husband had loaded earlier, I removed a mass of tangled cream yarn. I only recognised what it used to be when I spotted the tiny cluster of colour that used to be the embroidered bullion roses. Somehow the exquisite cardigan made its way into the machine.
The tears came and I then purchased a new machine…. Not that the new machine would have made a difference but my old machine was ferocious. ( I kept the husband 😂)
Ouch that’s painful! 😓
I didn't want block something, I accidentally washed a crocheted, wonderfully soft lace-dress that my sister-in-law made for my newborn daughter ten years ago. It was rather felted and smaller than before, and I shed tears for all the painstaking work my sister had invested in it. I never told her, and luckily my second kid is a boy. Nevertheless, I kept it as a dress for my daughter's doll; the doll wears it with pride.
As soon as you said “front load washer” my hand went over my mouth and I watched the rest near tears for you. Such a nightmare! Love your new channel, keep it up!
Thank you Diana! An actual nightmare, although definitely one I’m aiming to not repeat!! Such a dufus thing to do 🤦♀️ thanks so much for watching! Glad you’re enjoying my channel ☺️
Me too! I was so enthralled by your story and then when you said “front load washer” my hand went up to my mouth too and “noooooooooooooo” ran through my brain! I’m SO sorry you had to experience this! Thank you so for sharing for the greater knitting good! 💚🧶
ohh been there done that...lesson learnt....😔
Oh man. My front loader has a spin cycle I have used a lot! Also, I can just pause the machine and it’ll unlock itself. I didn’t realize some front loaders can’t be opened at all once the cycle starts.
I knit my very first project in high school in 1974, a three colour Icelandic wool sweater. My gauge was spot on, until I added in the colour changes. But I didn't know that. I didn't leave the carries loose but pulled them tight. When we finished my sweater I cried and cried, it was made for a giraffe! My school librarian, a very talented Icelandic and fair isle knitter, helped me to steam block it. It just never fit me right. I gave it away a few years later to a friend with a much tinier frame than mine. I learned my lesson the hard way. Onward.
Oh that sounds terrible! But yes, it's a lesson we learn hopefully once, thanks for watching!
You tearing up as you’re still telling the story is breaking my heart! I’m so glad I saw this before I blocked my item! I’d turn the sweater into a sweater dress for a doll. I wouldn’t be able to throw it out either ❤
Oh no I could cry for you. I can see the work you put into this.
I got to wear my sweater once before I did the very same thing to what would have been my favorite sweater. I feel your pain - literally. !
I felt all the feels watching this. I could picture it in my mind. Such a bummer that this happened. I had blocked something yesterday. I ran to check on it. And hugged it. Lol. Hope you can still get use of the sweater in some form. ❤️
Hug that FO tight and never let go! It’s really the most stressful part of the process :( thank you, haha, I’m not sure this can be worn, it’s like cardboard! But I’m sure I’ll think of something x
I feel your pain through the video. I always wash my woolens by hand. I have just tried my hand at crocheting a cashmere shawl ! Wish me luck with blocking🥰
Thanks for the video and useful info. When you said you put it in the front loader I knew where it was going. I don’t know how people get away with it. I have just finished the cardigan version from the same designer!! It’s a lovely pattern.
This is so helpful! Thank you so much for being so descriptive in your explanations with each technique! I have been searching so long for a video like this. Absolutely wonderful! Thank you again!
Ohhhhh jeeez! Sorry for your loss - totally feel with you. Thanks for sharing and warning!
All the best from Copenhagen :)
Oh my goodness, I have almost finished my first sweater, and was going to put it in the machine on the gentle setting. Not now.... 100% going to handwash. Thankyou!
Oh, you poor thing! I am SO sorry this happened to you. Your sweater is absolutely gorgeous. I can feel your pain in the way only a knitter can. When I first started knitting (less than a year ago, ha!), I used to get physically ill when I made a mistake. I could not believe how stressed out I got. I would almost throw up. I think that if (when) the day comes that I make an unfixable mistake, I will probably have a nervous breakdown! I guess we have to remember to breathe, right? Anyway, thank you so much for your tips. This was actually the first video I watched on the subject, as I am getting ready to block my sweater. Wondering now if it’s even necessary!
Omg no! You poor thing! 😭 I sat with my hand over my mouth throughout your story. I'm a relatively new knitter and this is a nightmare of mine. Thanks for your advice.
Arne & Carlos have a very good tutorial on their TH-cam site regarding finishing knitted garments. They don't block but use an iron and a wet tea towel and it gives a wonderful finish. I remember my grandmother doing the same thing. Thanks for your interesting and informative content.
That is exactly what I do and it works PERFECTLY!🥰
Can you elaborate on what to do? 💚
@@glinnisbaines Google Arne and Carlos steam blocking...they have a instructional video you can follow.
It's always them isn't it ? These guys save lives I swear.
I am so sorry!! I can relate, but on a much lesser fail. (Don't worry, I've had plenty of knitting and non-knitting fails in life! I'm not ashamed to admit I've cried over my own dumbness! Anyway!) I knitted a sweater vest that was supposed to hit at mid-hip after blocking. I made gauge, soaked and blocked the swatch and then measured to be sure. What I didn't know at the time was how much superwash wool yarn will STRETCH. I blocked to the specified measurements and it looked great. Once it was dry, I eagerly put it on and after a few minutes became aware that it was lengthening. The armholes were a little longer and the length grew to about 6" too long. It's still wearable and looks ok to an untrained eye so I do wear it and have received lots of compliments. I could have avoided the whole superwash and stretching problem by wet blocking my swatch and once dry and gauge was met, hanging it for a few days to see what havoc gravity would cause. I honestly didn't know how much superwash stretches! I am super wary of using it now. Maybe your sweater would make a nice doggie sweater? so much work - again, so sorry - we've all been there.
The dreaded super wash stretch!! Thank you for your condolences 😅 and of course for watching, nice to know I’m not the only one with a few fails chalked up ☺️
Hi I’m a kiwi also, I’m so glad I found your channel. I learnt to knit in June and I have made 3 sweaters I’m too terrified to block. Thank you for making this video I found it so helpful. I think I’m brave enough to wet block now following your tips . I’m so sorry about your beautiful sweater though!
Oh I’m so glad Emma!! It’s not scary, just learn from my mistakes, then it’ll be worth the sacrifice. Welcome to the knitting community too! Thanks for enjoying my channel :)
I had sort of an opposite fail. I made a cowl that was supposed to fit close to the neck. (Wolkig by Martina Behm). The intended recipient is sensitive to wool, so I made it out of a cotton/silk blend that feels heavenly. I had recently discovered the magic of aggressively blocking lace, so I stretched the heck out of that cowl when I blocked it. Of course those fibers have no resiliency and it was just a useless rag. So yeah, fiber matters! (Also have subsequently learned that non-lace items usually don’t benefit from aggressive blocking.) Thanks for the video!
Ouch, I have done an exact same thing to a cardigan last year, it came out toddler size! So put it down to experience and had a good laugh after a while. Now it's upcycled into some slippers and a festive door wreath :D
Oh I'm so sorry that you went through that too! It's pretty amazing how much they shrink! That sweater was pretty oversized before I ruined it, haha, great ideas on the upcycling! Will have to look into those :)
Totally cute and informative story about your blocking fail. I absolutely refuse to allow my hubby to wash my oh-so-delicate sweaters and cardigans bc he has felted and ruined so many of them in the washer. Thank you for sharing your story with us - it will no doubt help many fellow knitters. I love all (most?) Kiwis btw, so extra love sent to you there in NZ! ❤ A quick FYI: not sure about washers in New Zealand, but I am aware that washers in the US are not prisons, one should be able to immediately stop whatever washer cycle it is in by simply powering the washer off. Again, locked cycle can be unlocked by turning the washer off. The tub will drain if need be, and unlock. Good blocking-luck my knitter friends around the world, and thank you! 😊
Just saw this video...you clearly described a lived experience I had a few years back, my sweaters never go near the dreaded washing machine for fear of shrinking!!! All my friends apparently have that ‘spin only’ feature, so I thought I’d try it... little did I know my didn’t! Somehow I was able to save my sweater, it’s a bit cropped but wearable to some degree. I feel your pain!
Oh woah, yes! Those front loaders have a lot to answer for.... sorry that happened to you too! Thanks for watching :)
I worked as a nanny years ago. My boss was a very successful clothing designer and had gorgeous clothes. She’d travel overseas fairly regularly and would show me things she bought on her travels. One trip she brought home a stunning cashmere sweater. Not too long after she showed me said sweater again. She’d accidentally put it in the washing machine with a regular load of laundry. It’d shrunk to toddler size. 💔
Didn’t know cashmere did this! My mom once shrunk a store bought wool sweater I had, and it shrunk to toddler size as well
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching too :)
Awww no! I’m so sorry !
First of all: I love your accent. 🙂 And I could literally feel the desperation and pain you must have felt when this "accident" with your sweater happened. All the work, all the love, and also the lovely wool - but then, lesson learned. And probably a help for fellow knitters who can avoid the very same mistake. Thanks for sharing.
I'm just about to block my first finished sweater. I read about blocking sweaters before sewing up the seams, so I'm going to try it that way. My yarn is 65% wool and 35% alpaca, and it's the first finished knit for my daughter at all, she's as excited as am I (only that I'm scared to death about possible blocking disasters!). So definitely NO super wash and anyway, I don't like to put woollens into the machine, even if they're super wash.
But, I do have a question: what about blocking cotton? I knitted an Arran cardigan ages ago (my first knitted garment ever), but little did I know back then, so I didn't block it. Sadly the cardigan is now about twice the size it was intended to be - can a proper blocking fix the problem? Otherwise I am seriously thinking about unravelling the entire garment to save at least the material, because in the current shape I can't really wear it.
Hey. I don't think blocking would help now because after all the time, the stitches have essentially self adjusted and set themselves in their place now and that's equivalent to blocking and blocking only really works when the piece is freshly knit and the stitches haven't settled down into shape yet. Hope that helps
Poor thing! Anyway, thanks for sharing your fail as a lesson for all of us. Never block my project before and if I do, I will super nervous...I crochet very slow as a beginner.
Thanks Mazza! Good luck with blocking ☺️
I washed a store bought wool sweater in the washing machine accidentally. I gave it to my ten year old friend. It fit her pretty well.
Oh my goodness - your sweater looks EXACTLY like the one I made and which came out like a board and shrunk - same colour everything!!! Mine was pure wool and the washing machine ruined mine too! I know just how you feel believe me!! Never again!!
Ugh, the worst 😔
Enjoying your channel and learning...
That's so great to hear! Thank you so much :)
I feel your pain. I have just blocked my first jumper in gloomy Melbourne. Luckily it was cold yesterday and we had to light the fire- it was 4 days drying. I did the towel sausage but was thinking if it didn't hurry I'd need to wash it to keep it smelling fresh, at which stage I had decided to put it into a pillow case and spin it. From your story I'm glad it didn't come to that.
I'm crying for all of you in the comments (and the video), I can totally feel the pain! 😭😭😬🧶
I have never really blocked anything as yet but I am getting ready to do so, hence why I am watching all these videos about blocking!
However, many years ago, when I was newly married, I washed, rinsed and spun my husband's beautiful wool sweater in the machine. What was a beautiful sweater before now looked like a doll sweater. Lucky for me, he was not too upset with me!
Oh my dear, so sorry for you loss. I never machine block because I’m scared of exactly what you described. My husband recently felted a finished top in the washing machine (accident). It’s currently in time out but will eventually become either a: project bag, cushion, or pencil skirt. Hopefully you can find a way to repurpose that piece of gorgeous and luxurious felt.
Thank you for your condolences 😔 I feel for you too!! It’s tougher I think when someone does it by mistake, I’m sure he felt terrible... a project bag is a good idea! Albeit a slightly luxe one as you say.
I'm almost finished with my Sunday Sweater and I was looking on ways to block it when I found this video!! I noticed your shrunken sweater is the Sunday Sweater by petiteknit as well! (Or looks extremely similar).
Thanks for sharing this with us!!! I'll make sure I only hand wash for blocking :)
Greets from San Francisco 🌉
Yes! Keen eyes there! Such a shame :( it really looked great for the 2 minutes that I got to try it on! I thought about making another one, but ugh, I just can't bring myself to! Thanks for watching, glad you found this useful! x
Try to make a bag out of your felted jumper just sew it as an ordinary fabric it would looke great
Yes! My first thought too. I adore felted bags😍😍 Maybe even felt it a bit more to feel confident about in cutting into the pattern pieces.
Aww, I’m so sorry! If you still have your beautiful felted sweater make it useful. There are videos on TH-cam that show you how to cut up a sweater into pieces (yes cut up) and sew a hat and mittens from the pieces. I bet your beautiful sweater would make a beautiful hat and mittens! Good luck!
Thank you!! Yes I think this might be destined for a repurpose, great idea 🥰 thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing your experience and your tips. I love that you can say it straight and true but also not beat yourself up about it!
The sweater actually is still very gorgeous looking. Hang it on the wall?? 😎
Thanks Rebecca!! Haha, this is going into the depths of a cupboard... too much of a reminder! But I appreciate the sentiment x thanks for watching!
I am in Australia and never heard of blocking before until finding a pattern for a shawl I want to make for my sister. My husband once felted a cardigan in the front loader but he was as simple as fogetting to select the wool wash cycle and washed it on cotton hot - he will never do that again.
I have found this video very helpful. Thank you.
You’re welcome!
I've never ruined a garment in the blocking but lost a few to improper storage. The dreaded moth larvae quietly munched all through a spring and summer and after never seeing an adult moth flying about i was horrified to see my sweaters riddled with holes. So sad and disturbing. Now, all my woolens go to bed with moth balls and red cedar planks and scraps my husband gave me after acquiring some from his tree cutting business that he milled up himself for his woodworking. I'll never again be so dumb about it!
This is one reason I almost always make a big swatch (or two) before starting a project, especially if it’s a large, time consuming, and/or expensive project.
If necessary I buy extra yarn and do not plan to unravel the swatch to use the yarn in the garment.
Test blocking methods with swatches to avoid unpleasant surprises, such as a change in the yarn appearance, the garment size due to shrinking or relaxing, excessive dye bleeding (especially with multi-color items), likelihood of felting, etc.
Test seaming methods, buttonholes, ribbing, and other techniques for the garment with swatches to save time and get the best finished look.
Hang the swatch and clip light weights to the swatch to simulate gravity and test for excessive garment length growth/stretching with wear.
The swatch is also great for testing stain removal products or over-dyeing.
OMG! I did exactly the same thing for exactly the same reason! Sadly, I also got the same results. Pure towel rolling for me ever since!
Thanks for your video, I was raised in England and steam blocked now living in US they wet block. Question: Do you block each knitted piece separately and let dry to correct pinned on mat size and then sew together or do you block the entire knitted garment with all seams sewn together?
If you’ve made it in seperate pieces, block them first before seeing together would be my advice ☺️
It’s funny because I’d never heard of blocking either until TH-cam. My mam and grandma have knit my whole life and they never blocked anything but I have blocked something and saw no difference! I’m planning on knitting something with lace pattern and I think that’ll need blocking.
Yes! So true! Maybe it's not much of a thing? It does do a great job, but it depends on the fibre... not everything needs it. I''m working on some lace at the moment and it's definitely going to need a proper block! Looking like a bit of a mess at the moment, haha :)
I just finished a silk and cashmere tank that I was concerned about as silk is very particular. I spray misted it which only showed a stain which must have been acquired in the month that it took me to knit. I thought I was clever and dyed it with black tea and it came out a wonderful tan. Unfortunately a dark line appeared that must have been a flaw in the original fiber but I will still wear it!
So particular!! Oh that is such a shame, especially being so cautious, I wonder what it was? Great that you can still wear it though, I think flaws just add personality sometimes ☺️ thanks for watching!
Ugh, I have also ruined a few sweaters and other woolens. My front loader gentle cycle also caused felting and shrinkage! I didn’t realize until too late. It seemed to be fine with cashmere but not with thicker wool and alpaca.
Listened to your story with my hands over my face. Absolutely gutted for you!😢
So sad to hear this, but thankful for sharing this as I have never blocked anything yet so will make sure to follow your tips. The sweater you are wearing, did you knit that one? If so could you share the pattern? It looks lovely.
Lovely Terri! I hope this helps :) that sweater is the Cumulus Blouse, you can watch my FO video for that one here: th-cam.com/video/GDdnIGRibn0/w-d-xo.html enjoy!
I really enjoy your vlogs! I thought maybe if this happened again by accident you could unplug your washer? Ahh I dunno. My heart sank for you!!
Thanks Alana! Glad you're enjoying my channel :) yeah it was a bit late for pulling the plug on this one, but never again!! Thank you for the commiserations x
I had a similar experience with opposite results. My knitted jumper was the perfect perfect fit before blocking. I blocked it and it stretched massively it’s unwearable. I’m so upset. I’ve put it in hot water and dryer and waiting right now. This has put me off blocking completely. I might try steam blocking. Wet blocking stretches too much!! I feel the garment looses it shape a bit
I felt sick to my stomach while listening 😥😥😥so so sorry this happened to you!
I did this a few years ago..... my mother took my ruined sweater and put it on a Christmas statue for decoration (because it was red). Every Christmas when I see it, it makes me so sad😭 but it is a little reminder to be careful with my knits!
Oh, that would be such a sad reminder! Definitely a lesson we only need to learn once. Thanks for watching :)
Yes yes yes. I make the Boxy by Joji Locatelli. I soaked it in the sink and spun it in the machine. My yarn was super washed but it still felted. It was my first sweater. I won't throw it away, I want to keep it as a reminder to Not Take Shortcuts.
Oh I'm so sorry that happened to you too! Definitely a no to the washing machine spin cycle in the future :(
Yes that happened to me with a hat and scarf combo I was gift knitting for a friend for Christmas 🎄 so sad seeing that before your eyes
Oh I'm so sorry that happened to you too :( my Mum tried to make me feel better and told me the story of when she made me a summer cardi when I was a baby, first thing she made for me, and did the same thing! I think it must be some kind of knitters initiation... we'll go with that ;) haha, was your hat and scarf salvageable or too far gone?
Foxes Blog Knits unfortunately it is tiny and hard nothing help it . And like u I still have it as a reminder. Heart breaking but a lesson learned nothing goes near the washing machine now ! 🙂😔
Thank you!!!
I knit my mother a hat for Christmas last year. I’d been knitting for 1.5 winters (I don’t knit in the summer (yet😉)) it came out large, I thought, it’s a wool blend, so if I wash it it will shrink a little- Nope. The thing relaxed even more to what may as well have been garbage bag proportions.😞
Oh no...that was beautiful jumper...I felt my favourite jumpers as well and I promise myself not to put in the washing machine anymore... lesson to learn.i am only use wool wash cycle without spin on superwash wool. all non superwash wool- hand wash only... which takes forever..😉
Thank you! It really was :( I'm so sorry you've done this before too! Definitely a hard lesson to learn, never again!
THANK YOU will remember to add these directions & tips when gifting my knitted items 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you so much for your kind words! Definitely a great idea when gifting, I have something I’ll be sharing in my monthly vlog next week that might be helpful too ☺️
When I had a newborn I was so frazzled and sleep deprived that I some how threw my knee length fingering yarn cardigan with tiny delicate cables into a warm wash . It felted so badly it stuck together at the sleeves. It has now become toddler slippers. Making something useful out of the felted fabric was the only way I didn’t loose my mind. I feel your pain, so disappointing when one silly action ruins months of work!!
I feel that like that well be in my future! Such a good idea on the slippers though, I'm so sorry that happened to you too :(
Oh nooo. That’s so sad.
I’ve had to learn things the hard way too, despite watching endless you tubes as well.
Thanks for sharing.
Are you able to unravel your jumper and use the wool for a different project?
Years ago I mean decades I knitted a lace mohair sweater - I didn't read the washing instructions. If I think about it too long I could cry now. The sleeves grew to almost double the length whilst the body shrunk to a ten inch square.
I steamed acrylic with an iron steam function and it was so horribly ineffective that I thought blocking would always be that way. I didn’t know steamers actually existed. I pressed the steam button so many times on that darn thing. Thought it was normal. I also tried to sell the iron but no one in cities ever has a need for an iron so I ended up having to give it to my own mother. 😂
Hi Jessica, I’m also from NZ, in Auckland, unfortunately not the Winterless North!! I see why you knitted this sweater, it’s such a gorgeous pattern. Did you use the yarn suggested? Just wondering as I really want to knit this and deciding whether to order yarn from overseas or source a NZ wool. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks
Hi Ruth! Thanks for watching :) no, I didn't use the suggested yarn, only because at the time getting things in from overseas was a bit of a gamble (peak Covid!) I'm actually just knitting this again now (only took a year to gain the nerve...) and am using a DK weight and mohair held together, lighter than suggested but I am getting gauge and I know this particular DK 'plumps' up after blocking. I think in the first instance, sourcing something within NZ would be ideal, but it really comes down to shipping time/cost and overall cost. Have fun! It's a lovely project :)
I was tearing up a little when you told about watching it shrink in the washer... It must have been terrible
I’m so sorry that this happened to you, but while I was listening to you, all I can think is how awesome the sweater you are wearing is. Do you have a pattern for it?
Haha, oh thank you! That’s the Cumulus Blouse by Petite Knit, I have a finished object video you can check out too, links will be in the description ☺️
Oh snap! Here I am wearing my sunday sweater and watching this video :) For anyone interested, it's PetiteKnit's Sunday sweater (unless it's some other pattern that looks very similar :) )
Yes Anna! That's the one, I don't think I mentioned the pattern as it was almost unrecognisable! It looks much better when it's not totally butchered >_
So sorry I was introduced to your channel with such a heartbreaking story, but I’m glad to have found you!
The blue v-neck you’re wearing in this video is beautiful. Is there a pattern available?
Nevermind, I found it! Never would have thought to use the term “blouse.” Looking forward to checking it out.
Omg 😱 it was painful to watch. I can’t imagine how you felt 😢 I only just wet blocked my first sweater, terror kept me away from the machine and now I’ll definitely stay away. Loving your channel 🥰
Oh I know!! Such a horror story, right?! Blocking is totally a no machine zone! Thanks so much for watching, glad you're enjoying the channel!
@@FoxesBlogKnits Considering that I am just about to finish my own Sunday Sweater, this video came to me just in time. I will not be tossing it into the machine! I feel your pain.
Not laughing at you. I would have been devastated. However your “ruined” sweater would totally fit me. 😊
Aw thanks Harmony! It was a tough lesson to learn.... I’m not sure it would fit over your head!! It’s seriously teeny, haha, I think it’s destined to be repurposed, thanks for watching!
it is still beautiful tho! u could probablu salvage it as fabric for a hat or something:)
id love to see closer what the fabric behaved like when pulled and moved and if u can wear it or what it can and cant do
It's an absolute mess! It's so thick and matted, there is no way I can do anything with it... expect shove it in the back of the wardrobe, haha, lesson learned!
This is fab - I watched another 'blocking fails' and I gave up after 2 minutes - so boring. Your's is upbeat (though I can imagine you weeping as your first sweater drowned) I rarely block but have noticed that my knitting is getting a tad wobbly (think it's my age) so , for the first time, I'm going to wet block this cardigan I'm knitting...wish me luck x
Thanks for the tips... LOVE your sweater..where can we get that pattern?
Should be in the description, but it’s the Sunday sweater from petite knit x
I'm a new knitter. Made a sweater for my son, dark purple with a gold band around the chest. %100 wool, not superwash. Put in the warm water with wool wash and then started watching a basketball game and completely forgot about it until the next morning. The purple dye bled into the gold. Its BAD. Have tried to block again with wool wash. Not getting any better. Any suggestions?
I Paul, oh no!! There really isn't much that you can do with that as the dye will have 'bitten' into the brighter colour, so sorry to hear that, it's such a shame when we do things like that!! Anything that will strip the colour will also potentially damage the wool given it's non-treated. The only other option would be to add a lifeline to the start and end of the gold band, removing the band and reknitting, then grafting the bottom back on using Kitchener stitch perhaps? That's getting a bit technical but I would investigate if you could do that! Good luck, I feel your pain!
Thanks for the prompt reply. I'm looking at all options The dry cleaners today said they couldn't do anything. My son says just leave it and he'll wear it when it doesn't matter what it looks like and he offered to pay for the yarn to do another. I think I'll take him up on his offer. Kitchener stitch doesn't always work out well for me on mittens and socks so I think I'll stay away from that. Thanks again, Paul@@FoxesBlogKnits
omg---sorry babe--I just this very second finished a sweater---which looks perfect so I don't know why I should block...I was just about to put in the wash on delicate---thank god I saw this!!!!!!thank you and sorry again
Oooh
Noooo
What a shame ... maybe you can use the felted fabric now for some accessories like mittens or so.. Pinterest might have some ideas! I also heard that when you block your FO the temperature needs to be always the same.. Soaking water and rinsing water need to be alike because it’s the quick temperature shifts that make the yarn felt. Good luck guys!
Oh I know, so heart breaking! Definitely not something I will repeat anytime soon.... good tip on the temp, I find anything that is cold to body temp is usually ok, this one was the damn washing machine! Ugh, such a silly mistake :(
Lol 😂 I have once chosen wrong program (my washing machine got not that user friendly controlling panel) and the machine has just done the same to my sweater. Now it is a fancy little thing for my cats to lay on 😅
I am not gonna putting my knits into washing machine ever again.
I'm in the middle of my first sweater. I searched the internet for the exact yarn (wool/ acrylic blend) and started crocheting it. I was following the pattern perfectly and after getting past the arm holes I was excited to try it on. But they don't comfortably fit and I'm kind of terrified if blocking will be enough to be my size. Or do I just frog a bit and make it bigger before putting more time into it??
I know nothing about crochet as I know it makes a very different fabric.. but did you make a swatch? You can make a swatch to check gauge and then wet block it and see how it changes. I wouldn’t necessarily hope that washing your sweater will change the fit that much. I’ve only had it happen with one yarn so far, and everyone who used it said it grew a lot in blocking, so I was prepared.
@fleeperification Yes I made a swatch. Yeah I need to try that. I'm new to blocking as well. That was smart of you to do your homework beforehand! Thanks for the advice!
I learned to knit at around age 8 ( now in my 50's) from my Mum who never did this blocking business. I think it must be an American thing, I dunno! I usually do it, but find it doesn't seem to do much, plus trying to get jumpers dry in our damp NZ winters is hard.
Totally an american thing! But it really does a great job at finishing something nicely, to me anyway but I think it depends on the yarn you're using... and if you can be bothered ;)
I haven’t ruined my own work (yet), but I have ruined a very expensive handmade Aran sweater… Hopefully I can avoid that ever happening again!
Oh wow how sad! I'm so sorry 😢 I'm about to steam block an ABC bobble baby blanket I've made for my son and dauther in law. Their baby is due in June. I'm absolutely terrified to block the thing. I want the corners to permanently stop curling but I also don't want to turn it to ribbon. Ugh
I'm from the US and you have a beautiful accent. Could you fix the sweater for a smaller person? Maybe an older kid. Frog the sleeves and it should be fine, right? Or just pull out the sleeves to a certain point and create a tunic/vest garment. It is so pretty and you've done a lovely job of knitting it. It should be nice and warm too since it's felted. I do think it can be salvaged for someone else to enjoy. I think I recognize the pattern. Is it PetiteKnit's Novice sweater?
You should make something with it.... Jacket for pup? Cut off a sleeve and put leg holes in it 🤷♀️ Felt it even more and make mats, slippers??
True! But oh my gosh, such a waste, I'm not sure I can bring myself to cut it up just yet.... one day!
😭 I had exactly the same tragedy of a beautiful laced wool cardigan. 😭
M beginner n dont know much about techniques...i have iron my 100% acrylic scarf n now feeling just like you 😭😭no videos found to resolve my problem 💔
Oh Asma, there's not a lot (if anything) you can do about that, so sorry! The fibre has actually been damaged when you iron acrylic as it's melted. Chalk it up to experience and call it a hard lesson to learn :(
If only I had watched this 8 weeks ago! I’m a fairly new knitter and did exactly the same and thought it was just as I was impatient and a novice. I like you cannot throw the jumper away after all those hour of work so I’m waiting for granddaughter to grow into a felted jumper.
I am really sorry it was not something you have been expecting to see and after all that effort. It hurts. My mum told me that soaking the garment in room temperature water bath with white vinegar can help. Apparently the vinegar releases the felted fibre. Never tried that but tried hair conditioner for a curly hair and that has worked. Best of luck.
Thanks Darina! That's a great tip :) this is way too far gone, but definitely won't be making the same mistake :) thanks for watching!
That happened to me once with something I bought and I was very upset it was my favorite sweater too and the only thing I could do is give it to my little daughter so if you have a kid or somebody you know that needs a sweater give it to somebody who will use it give it to somebody smaller than you
Wow!! I have never ever heard of popping a wet blocked item into the washer. Like...EVER!! And I have watched lots of blocking videos. Eeek!!
Maybe an idea : I always put knitting inside out in a washing bag. If you have a front loader, you can switch it off, wait till the water resides and then you can open the door. Can imagine you felt horrible
That would work for super wash treated yarn, untreated yarn is a gentle hand wash only and in this case the damage was already done :(
I wonder if you came up with anything in the time since this video had been filmed. I am not that experienced so I wonder if there would be any point in unraveling the whole thing, maybe drowning it in fabric softener and knitting something else with the yarn?
The yarn was so felted, unravelling was definitely not an option 😭
@@FoxesBlogKnits somehow that hurts even more
OMG. Maybe, if you sew, you can make plain mittens and ribbed cap from beautiful yoke.
How horrible for you! Very much a "Know Your Washing Machine" tale, which isn't top of mind for many. Thanks for sharing.
it is still a beautiful sweater :)
Aw thank you!
I once put a sweater I had just knit in the dryer. It did not end well 😭
I'm guilty of something similar - and it was totally my own fault; and that's me speaking as an experienced knitter. I made a Shetland lace shawl 8 years ago for my first grandchild, and despite knowing that I shouldn't wash it in the machine, I did. In my defence, I was lured by having a new Miele washing machine with a new cycle called 'delicate'. I know! It came out like a handkerchief. If you're reading this Foxes Blog Knits, you can sometimes salvage tightened knits with a few drops of glycerine in the water.
each machine can be stopped in any process. You stop the program and after couple minutes the doors can be open
Wait why couldn’t you just stop the cycle?? I have front loader I just pause it when I screw something up or need to add something and it will take a few seconds the unlock…
Unfortunately not an option with my machine, it still has to spin out all the water before unlocking 😖