VANITY--Laundry Question

me | June 23 2005 | grellis

[grellis]

Just a simple question for my FReepin' frineds: What is the best way to intentionally shrink 100% cotton?

I was given two summer dresses for my birthday, both of which are about 1/2 size too large. They are 100% cotton with a pretty tight weave--almost denim to the touch. The directions say to wash cold, tumble dry warm. Help!

[tomkat]

*snort*   

[Tax-chick]

As long as I eat all the time, I rarely throw up. But I gain a ton of weight in the first three months (and I'm short and bumptious to start with.) Well, they'll love me at Weight Watchers again in March!

[Gabz]

You're too funny!!!!!!

[grellis]

That would probably be the smart thing to do, although I am a horrible seamstress. Only problem is that all of my sewing gear--everything--is boxed up and locked up in storage across town. Digging through everything is my last-ditch option.

This wouldn't be a problem if I had something in the "balcony" section, if you know what I mean. Sad. If a woman happens to be small there, it affects how everything fits through the arms, neckline and shoulders.

[grellis]

I could probably give Chappaquiddikennedy a run for his money in the eating department. I have the metabolism of a hummingbird, nothing sticks.

[pax_et_bonum]

Your local dry cleaners might alter them for a reasonable charge, or they may be able to recommend a good seamstress.

[Gabz]

This wouldn't be a problem if I had something in the "balcony" section, if you know what I mean. Sad. If a woman happens to be small there, it affects how everything fits through the arms, neckline and shoulders.

I understand that problem perfectly - I've got the same problem!

[Dashing Dasher]

Laundry Ping!

We knew it would happen.

[grellis]

What really irks me is that these are girl's dresses. No wonder teenage girls are looking to get implants! It is the only way their clothes will fit properly.

[Gabz]

YIKES - I forgot about that part of your original story.

[martin_fierro]

lol

[martin_fierro]

Nonresponsive to your question, but what the heck.

[fishtank]

[jw777]

that's hot. LOL. Wish i could say the same for myself. I have to run at least 1.5miles per day, just to keep even. miss 1 day. add 5lbs.

[missyme]

I say give the darn dresses back and say Do I look like a Sow? to you??? buy my right size for pete's sake!

OKay if that's to strong take them to the consignment store! that's my second job take many clothes to consignment it a great way to make extra cash and buy new clothes on a consistent basis, one day I am going to have my own Women's Consignment Store and I expect freeperettes to bring there clothes to me!

[HairOfTheDog]

The dryer will shrink it a little as you just wash it normally.

Myself, I like things a little too big when it's hot out. Half a size is just moving room, IMHO.

[Rushgrrl]

the drying is where the majority of shrinkage occurs, which is why on a lot of fabrics, they're instructed to hang dry. I would suggest drying in a heated dryer. I know it seems to work for me!

[grellis]

If they were from anyone other than my mom I'd be pretty unforgiving but she's a dear. She just cannot buy me clothes--and frankly, at the age of 35, I wish she'd stop, as I have politely asked in the past. I feel awful not wearing what she buys me, knowing that she goes out of her way to pick out something I'll like (and I do like them, she has good taste).

[grellis]

I agree, except the extra 1/2 size is right through the torso. I hate the heat, too, and I hate wearing a bra in hot weather (I can EASILY get away without one, sadly). I don't want to be flashing folks when I haven't really got the esentials for flashing--that's why I'm trying for a closer fit.

I got all the errands done, now I can go do the laundry. I'll let everyone know how they come out. I know you'll all be anxiously waiting to hear!!!

Egad, slow Thursday.

[mrs. a]

"This wouldn't be a problem if I had something in the "balcony" section, if you know what I mean. Sad. If a woman happens to be small there, it affects how everything fits through the arms, neckline and shoulders."
"I understand that problem perfectly - I've got the same problem!"

Ladies, there's a simple solution to our problem. It's called "stuffing with cotton what nature's forgotten."