What to do with a scratchy vintage mohair stole

jpscloud

I have a lovely vintage mohair stole in beautiful pastel shades. It's gorgeous but can't be worn as it is VERY scratchy!

Since it was given to me by an elderly relative I've kept it for years but never been able to use it.

I just can't think what to do with it... any ideas folks? I don't mind making it into something if it would be useful, it doesn't have to stay as a stole.

I thought of making hot water bottle covers but that seems a bit of a waste (and they wouldn't be huggable ones anyway!)

honeythewitch

jpscloud wrote: »

I have a lovely vintage mohair stole in beautiful pastel shades. It's gorgeous but can't be worn as it is VERY scratchy!

Since it was given to me by an elderly relative I've kept it for years but never been able to use it.

I just can't think what to do with it... any ideas folks? I don't mind making it into something if it would be useful, it doesn't have to stay as a stole.

I thought of making hot water bottle covers but that seems a bit of a waste (and they wouldn't be huggable ones anyway!)

Test it on a small hidden patch first in case it damages the fabric, but you could try putting waterproof spray on it, which will coat it in a layer of plastic and hopefully stop the itchiness.

ladylouise62

You could still keep it as a stole by lining it. To ensure no itching from the edges then use it as a border as well on the showing side so there's no chance that the fibres touch skin.

Raksha

Could you line it with a lightweight silk?

Lilyplonk

Exactly my thoughts as well - a pretty silky lining would make a world of difference to it .

Living_proof

Compost heap?

jpscloud

I honestly hadn't thought of lining it, I might have a think about that, thanks! I like the idea of silk but I wonder would the mohair come through that a bit?

hardpressed

Have you tried washing it with shampoo and hair conditioner?

Gracie_1827

If you're happy not to use it as a stole, you could wash it in a hot was to shrink and felt it, then make it into a bag.

thriftwizard

I'd be tempted to nuno-felt it onto a fabric with a fairly open mesh, e.g. silk or muslin, first with a felting needle & once it's mostly fixed down, by bunging it in a hot wash, though that always runs the risk of going too far. Then line it with silk & you'd have something - a wrap, or a scarf? - quite unique & special, but also practical, to remember your relative by.

jpscloud

Those are great ideas, thanks everyone - I now have to decide between keeping it as a stole or repurposing (a bag hadn't occurred to me, that might be really nice)... hmmm! I don't think I will compost it, though.

I did try washing with fabric conditioner, but hadn't thought of hair conditioner. That might be worth a try, thanks!