Unshrinking the Christmas Sweater

[ina]

I was thinking it would be bright red, rather...

[herbwormwood]

Well, I'm please to say that after soaking in a bath of warm water for a few hours, and then doing some stretching, things are looking better. The sweater seems to be improved, too. At least it might do for use in the garden.

If you decide it is no good don't throw it away or try to compost it, most animal sanctuaries/cat and dog shelters are always on the look out for warm soft fibres.
They will use it for bedding for a needy animal.

[albert onglebod]

Or use it to line a hanging basket instead of using moss

[ina]

Or, if you have quite a collection of felted sweaters, cut into squares and make into a blanket...

[Hepsibah]

The thing to do with a slightly felted wool garment is block it.
Wet the garment then press out most of the water with towels (never wring woolens).
Pin the garment out to the required dimensions onto a board, placing pins every two inches or so then leave it to dry. You can add an extra few inches this way.
Alternatively you can steam block a dry garment by pinning out to the required dimensions, placing a damp tea-towel or pillowcase over it and ironing lightly over it with a hot iron until the towel is dry. If it isn't long enough after this then take the pins out right away and the heat and moisture will allow you to stretch and pin it again a little more.

[Muddypause]

I should have started '101 Uses For A Shrunken Sweater'.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

[circlecross]

if you have any small bottoms needing covered, you can make nappy covers from old wool sweaters. Can have groovy patterns or logos on the bum!

Susan