As you know every Friday we go out and scout around local thrift shops for great items that we can re-sell through our FindingFashion trademe boutique. The best part is finding something truly great for an amazing price, or something quirky that isn’t seen all the time.
This week I want to share with you my discovery of Cashmere Wool. I know, I can’t say cashmere and The Finder have crossed paths at all really. Most of you know about my love for Possum Fur and Merino. But Cashmere, might just have to be in my new favourite kid on the block.
I was methodically trawling through racks of winter wear looking for a black cardigan in particular, when I felt, more than saw, this black jumper. At first touch I thought it might have my old friend the possum. Thrilled that I may have stumbled onto another possum item, I dug a little deeper to find the label, and discovered that it was actually 100% cashmere. So soft, so very, very soft.
Much to my amazement, I’d never really thought about cashmere as such (well, never really having the budget to afford it). So just what is Cashmere?
Well, Cashmere wool, usually simply known as cashmere, is a fiber obtained from cashmere goats and other types of goat. Common usage defines the fiber as a wool but in fact it is a hair, and this is what gives it its unique characteristics as compared to sheep’s wool. The word cashmere is an old spelling of Kashmir. Cashmere is fine in texture, strong, light, and soft. Garments made from it provide excellent insulation. Cashmere is softer than regular wool. Yes, that it SO is.
Along with my possum farm, I now want to own a herd of cashmere goats….
Cashmere care:
Hmm… ok, so probably should have looked into the care but I was just so excited that I wanted to wear my top RIGHT AWAY! So for those of you with more patience than The Finder, here are some top tips on caring for your cashmere from Cashmere Affair: http://cashmereaffair.co.nz/default/cashmere-care
Hand Washing
> Turn the sweater inside out to wash the fabric where stains and odors buildup on the inside closest to your body and under arms.
> Prepare a basin of lukewarm water with 2 capfuls of wool wash detergent.,
> Submerge the sweater in the basin using your hands to agitate the water and detergent, soak for at least ½ hour,
> Rinse well in running, room temperature water, until all soapy water is gone,
> Do not wring, instead press the water out of the garment.
Drying
> To dry – place the sweater on top of a towel making sure the towel and garment is flat and in its original shape, then roll up in the towel (like a rolling pin) to remove excess water,
> To finish drying – lay item flat & reshape into its original shape on a drying rack or towel,
> Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat. Never hang cashmere because it will distort the fabric and ruin the fit.
So in my haste, I just handwashed and chucked on the clothes drier to air. Well, it took some time, as obviously we’re in winter here and the sun never rarely shines. So the jumper then sat inside for a few days in front of the fire and eventually dried. I like the suggestion of rolling in the towel… must remember that.
Cashmere does seem to hold its value, so I scored myself a bargain for the pricey sum of $17.
If you prefer new, looking around this winter you can get your own cashmere here;
Ezibuy
The Iconic
And from specialty wool shops such as:
Cashmere Affair
Wool Overs
Cashmere
Merino Queen
And of course, there’s always preloved cashmere here:
TradeMe