Cashmere Jumper

I thought it looked wrong sheer...

Whitewavemark2

I use a wool and silk wash and put it through the wool cycle in the washing machine. I reckon the oldest I’ve got is at least 25 years old and the youngest purchased in last years winter sale. All come out like new.

Never ever use fabric conditioner on wool???

I did everything right with the Woolovers jumpers I bought (they were wool, not cashmere) and they shrunk.
Apparently it was my fault even though I followed their instructions to the letter.
The Letter!

The best cashmere jumper I bought was from Johnstons but that was many years ago. I'm not sure if they're doing them now.

We're off to the House of Bruar on Monday with an open mind. Anything could happen...
At the very least a slab of the Paradise Cake!

Edinburgh Woollens did beautiful cashmere, I don’t know if you can get them still on line. Over the years I’ve found most makes have seemed a thinner product.
I always hand wash, and then roll in a towel to remove excess water, then dry flat.
Never use conditioner as it matts the fibres. Every summer I put mine in vacuum packs for moth proof storage.

Just did a Google, EMW still do cashmere jumpers under the name Lochmere. Seem very competitively priced.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202111/medium-971771-3b19872e-4e4c-45f5-b6e0-26583c9be514.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202111/medium-57186-90f29d25-a71a-405e-b0e5-eaaa30c5839d.jpeg

Urmstongran

I’m off to Google ‘Turtle Doves’ Maw!
Bad enough you got me into ‘Safari’ a couple of years ago.
Good job I don’t buy many clothes. ...
?

They also do fingerless gloves in wonderful wacky stripes, cosy bedsocks, neckwamers, wraps, scarves and the most exquisite baby blankets.
I have to admit I do have a serious Turtle Doves habit but they are so ethical (as I keep telling myself! )
The jackets are unlined and make a nice alternative to a cardi over a roll neck and the ponchos are perfect for Autumn or milder Winter days such as we have had recently. .
End of advertisement

House of Bruar always have lots of cashmere choices. Not the cheapest but lovely quality and wear.

House of Bruar gets my vote every time.

OH is happy to drive me there as long as he can have a plate of their roast potatoes!

Agree my M&S ones ended up with little holes. Don't buy from them now.
I buy Boden and JL and always 1 size up, just in case I shrink them.
Wash in Woolite, wash as cool in machine short wash.

Right, you’ll have to excuse my ignorance on the subject of cashmere but what is so wonderful about it? This is a serious question I would genuinely like to know why it is worth spending quite a vast amount of money(Well a vast amount to me ?) on a jumper/sweater (is there a difference?)

Cashmere is lighter and softer than even merino wool and feels thinner under top clothes for the amount of warmth it gives, so you get warmth without bulk. It looks and feels luxurious.

Most importantly for me Shinamae it’s warm but not itchy! I can’t wear wool, or even items with some wool in, it drives me crazy with itching, but cashmere is lovely.

I think it is warmer than merino. Alpaca is also a nice fabric and some of the colours are gorgeous.

As much as I like cashmere I don't feel comfortable with the high prices so look out for the sales. My last years bargain was from Uniglo, a lovely cream cardigan, soft and warm at £29, a late night purchase . I have been looking recently as I could do with a black jumper and both Lands End & M&S frequently have reviews complaining how thin they are now compared to previous years. I must agree that it is the softness, warmth and non itchiness that makes me want to buy.

Never had a cashmere sweater. I buy M&S Cashmilon jumpers. Have for years. Still going strong. They are lightweight but very warm. Many colours. True to size. Keep their shape.
Woolovers not as good as a few years ago. Necks became very baggy.

I use LandsEnd and I’ve had them many years so the quality is good. Some of the M&S are thin by comparison so I returned them.

I wouldn’t recommend Woolovers. I bought a beautiful cashmere cardigan from then a year or so ago. I washed it according to their instructions using liquid soap etc. It bobbled very badly. I contacted them and they sent me a bobble comb. That didn’t work. They weren’t happy when I asked for a full refund but agreed when I told them I was taking the cardigan to my local Oxfam! I used the refund voucher to buy a cotton and silk cardigan and a pair of socks. These are fine. I took the bobbly cardigan to Oxfam.

When I lived in China twenty years ago I bought cashmere in the government shop and I still wear them.
I used to buy from a well know shop in France (Eric Bompard) over several years but have found that it depended on the year, as they changed manufactures. I don’t buy from them now, I got so disgusted.
Cashmere tends to ball if the length of the fiber is short. Shorter the fiber cheaper the price.

I was wearing an old faithful cashmere jumper today. It's a fantastic colour and fit and I always feel great wearing it. DH always comments when I wear it. It got me thinking. I bought it in 2007 and it was reduced to £126. I remember the price as I have never spent as much on a jumper before. However, I was working back then and the shop owner was an old school friend who I wanted to help a bit. At £126 that works out at £6.30 a year. Pennies a wearing. It now seems an absolute bargain! Wish I'd known. I'd have bought another one.

gretnagreen.com (sorry can't do link) sell cashmere and have blackfriday sale on at the moment.

Oh Cherrytree, don't do this to me! Now I will need to look.

www.gretnagreen.com/sale-b913

I have a number of cashmere ponchos, all bought from an outlet I know in Rome, never paid more than €30 each.
Sometimes you find stalls at the market there, with cashmere samples, from companies like Johnstons, €20 and €10. You do have to have sharp elbows, lots of patience and be prepared to rake through them. Oh and be a size 8!

I have two M&S Cashmere jumpers, both bought about 8 years ago and they have worn reasonably well, though I found that the sleeve length on both was shorter than my arms. I did once get a lovely lilac M&S cardigan but somehow it got into the tumble drier and ended up with a grateful and much slimmer DiL I have lots of Woolovers merino/cashmere jumpers which have 'pilled badly. I have to use my little battery operated jumper-shaver when I've washed them.

When TKMax opened in our town I popped in for a look and came out with a Cashmere jumper for under £10. I'm sure it was a slip-up in price marking as it was from the Cashmere company. As my Mum would say "it washes like a rag" and looks like new - not a bobble. It's a dull khaki colour but brightens up with a scarf and it is so warm!!

Always buy a Cashmere sweater about 2 sizes larger that a dress size ... just to guard against shrinkage .. watch out for moths .. personally I find it all a bit nerve-racking .. worrying about moths, pillage, shrinking ...