Don't Wear the Silk Camisole to the Pool

I was going to put this Silk Camisole from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts into the Winner's photo album, but I'm not. You know why? Today is the first time I wore it and the La Luz, as wonderful as it is to knit, and as beautiful it is to see, pills like somethin' else.

Feeling free and glamorous, I put this little number on and debuted it at Girlfriend's swimming lesson today (HWWV was in the pool with her). This tank had been cooling off in the drawer for a couple months, waiting for the right kind of weather. So I sat there in one of those unfolding cheapy-do camping chairs, wearing my blue Chanel's and frantically knitting Orangina in the sunlight and being my usual self. Then, I started sweating like a pig. "Is it the La Luz?" I thought. I don't know, but let me tell you, I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Call me crazy, but the La Luz couldn't stand all the friction and heat from my sweaty body and fast-moving fingers.

Looking down at it now, it doesn't have that crisp look anymore. It has a layer of fuzz at my mid-section that is, well, a bit unattractive. I love the pattern. I love the yarn, but if you're going to make this one up in the La Luz, don't wear it to the pool and knit like a banshee.

Comments

[Norma]

Oh, that is a complete shame. It should hold up better than that -- a little ONE TIME knitting friction -- it shouldn't do that! It looks marvelous on you. I hope that maybe washing it in a little silk wash or Eucalan or even a vinegar-water rinse will make it look like new? Give it a try.

[wendy]

Thanks for the tip, Norma. To make it worse, after all the sweating, etc., we went to lunch and when I got up from the chair I looked at the back of the camisole, and the fuzz was even worse in back!

I have Eucalan, and I will give it a go. I really like the way it looks, so we shall see!

[froggy]

oh no about the pills, but it looks gorgeous!

[lynette]

your tank looks great on you. i have that project on my list. i'll either substitute the yarn or follow norma's advice.

[Kelli]

I made a scarf in La Luz and have had the same problem with pilling and general fuzziness. I'll be interested to see if the washing works so I can try it with my scarf!

[Rachel]

I had fun looking at past entries and projects! You are a talented knitter. Your tank is gorgeous... too bad about the pilling. Have you tried Norma's advice yet?
Oh and I saw that you made the cropped sweater from Rebecca! I love that pattern! I need to spend more time knitting and less time blogging so i can amp up my finished projects list! ta ta

[Miz Booshay]

Oh don't you just hate it when your best laid plans go South?
Bummer.

It sure looks pretty on you tho!

[wendy]

Oh, the La Luz. Love it, but it just doesn't hold up. Even for one wearing! Beware! Still haven't gotten around to washing it, but I will!

[MaryB in Richmond]

I don't know anything about La Luz, but I know that silk is WAAAAAY warmer than cotton. Silk, not wool, is what serious long underwear is made of.

That's why Silk Garden is so hot -- it's both silk *and* wool....

But, girl, it's gorgeous! Shave the pills and wear it for special occasions (like taking out the garbage in an earlier post?). It's fabulous.

[Jenny]

What a great pattern and it turned out beautifully. I want to knit it now too. I had the same problem with pilling recently and I was so disgusted--when you pay a bundle for high-end yarn you just want a little respect, ya know? It wasn't La Luz, but I'm trying Norma's advice. Your photos and blog are very witty--your projects are awesome!

[TAMARA]

But your hair looks fantastic!