Friday, February 14, 2014

Good News and Bad News

Well, I have some good news and some bad news.


But the good news is really, really good, and the bad news is more like just a bummer.

So the good news is... Smoky is cured! He's been given a clean bill of health and the vet says he's now completely normal!

See... I is normal now!

There was great rejoicing!


So now to the bad news...

Don't know if any of you will remember this or not, but a few months ago when I got my mortgage paid off, I celebrated by letting myself buy a few things that I really, REALLY wanted. One of them was a SmartWool base layer top that I bought to replace one my mother had given me that was the wrong size.



When I purchased it, I did so with the intent of wearing it for winter bike rides, but very quickly it became my most favoritist piece of clothing. Seriously, the thing totally rocks!

It's warm, but never too warm, and it isn't at all scratchy like most wool is, and I was even beginning to convince myself that it was worth the ridiculous sum of money that I spent on it. I think it was like $85-$90 which is vastly more than I've ever spent on an article of clothing in my entire life.

I've worn it WAY more than any human ought to wear any single piece of clothing, I just love it so much...


OK... so... if you have a wonderful piece of clothing that you love to pieces... and it's your most favoritist thing ever... well... you probably shouldn't wear it when you're trying to cram a struggling fe-lion into a box to take him to the vet.


Long story short, my wonderful, beautiful, beloved SmartWool shirt now has a lovely hole in the front of it where Smoky got me with one of his back claws.

Yes... My life is covered in cat fur... why do you ask?
I guess he wasn't entirely happy about having to go to the vet.


Oh well... it's only a thing after all. I'm gonna see if I can find some thread that is a pretty close match and maybe I can darn it so it won't be too noticeable. And it will still be warm and fuzzy and comfy and wonderful... but it's still a major bummer. I guess this is why I don't generally spend much money on things like clothes.


It reminds me of a cartoon that a friend of mine at work used to keep over her desk. I searched the interwebs high and low for it, but alas, no luck. So I'll do my best to re-create it for you.

It went something like this:

Releasing Your Attachment to Material Things.

Option A: Spend years practicing meditation and slowly, over time, your attachment to material things will begin to diminish.



Option B: Get a Puppy



Oh well... anybody got any advice on darning my SmartWool top?



38 comments :

  1. Oh gosh! YAY about Smoky!!! But boo about the sweater! This too is why I don't buy expensive clothes...that and kids. And the fact that I forget to change before cooking/making something and I inevitably get oil stains that refuse to get out. However, if it's something I love, it doesn't matter if I spent $2 or $200...I just don't want it ruined! I hope you can find some similar yarn and are able to fix it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes well, I think clothing destruction is probably inevitable... I just wish it had made it through an entire season. Although given the amount it's been worn... Anyhow, we'll see how the repairs go.

      Delete
  2. Great news about Smoky! Yeah, a bummer about the shirt. You'll be able to darn it well enough, though. And it's real value, to keep you warm, without itchiness, is still totally intact.

    When I have something that has been in pristine condition, and it suddenly develops a flaw, I find I worry about that item less. The "worst" has already happened. Now you're free to wear that shirt whenever, wherever, and under any circumstance.

    Just my two cents.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True... it will still retain its fabulousness in all ways but one. And to be honest, part of what I so love about it is that it is a piece of clothing that is totally about function as opposed to fashion - which is probably why I wasn't more careful about when and where I wore it in the first place!

      Delete
  3. So glad Smoky got a clean bill of health! I'm sure you're relieved :)

    And I can relate to cat-altered clothing. Dottie loves to climb me when I come home from work most days and ride around my shoulders for 10 minutes or so. Since I know it's inevitable, I usually bend down to her so she can just jump on my shoulders. But sometimes I forget or I'm (heaven forbid!) carrying groceries or something. The occasional climbing goes okay in the winter when I'm wearing more sturdy fabrics and a coat, but in the summer, it's not pleasant. She also hates the cat carrier. *sigh*

    But back on topic, I don't usually repair holes or tears unless they start to worsen. Of course, since it's something you wear so often, it probably will worsen. Boo :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OK... I totally LOVE the phrase "cat-altered" as opposed to "ruined" or something more ominous sounding. Because it is still a perfectly functional piece of clothing... just a bit changed.

      Anyhow, Smoky's brother Jasper LOVES to jump on my shoulders if I'm kneeling down doing something... like, say, yoga. It makes things a challenge, but it is totally adorable so it's pretty hard to complain. There have been a few times when I was wearing skimpy clothes and his claws weren't trimmed though... OUCH!

      Delete
  4. Glad to hear Smoky is well again! I have a cat that chews fabric. Other than the upholstery, she chews EVERY piece of cloth she finds. All of my scarves have holes chewed in them, even when I've just left them out for literally minutes! (It is the otherwise lovely Luna!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my... I've never had a chewer, but a friend of mine has bunnies and they regularly chew through any and all fabric... which wouldn't be so terrible if it weren't for the fact that she's a quilter! There's gotta be some sort of karma in that one!

      Delete
    2. My dad used to have a cat who chewed socks. None were safe - they all got taken under the sideboard and chewed to pieces. One day, dogs arrived in the house. The cat moved out into the shed. We knew he meant it because he took a sock with him.

      Delete
    3. Poor kitty... at least he had a sock to keep him company.

      Delete
  5. I just use an overstitch from the back side and hope it's not noticeable--probably not the best advice. But so much better than throwing it away--you can still wear it around the house and for biking and under things.

    You could also so or iron on a cute patch. Or if it's not in a good spot for that but still totally noticeable, you could add several patches in a pleasing pattern which just happens to cover the hole.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm... a patch... I hadn't thought of that idea. The hole is a few inches below the zipper right in the middle... so a patch would end up being right between the "girls." Not quite sure how it would look, but it's an interesting idea. I'll probably try mending it first and see how it looks... the hole is pretty small so I'm hoping the repair won't be too terribly conspicuous. But the patch is certainly worth considering if stitching up the hole just looks terrible. Thanks!

      Delete
  6. It's a bummer when it happens on something you didn't spend a lot on but you got at a really great price so it's still something that would be costly to replace. *That* is the story of my life! One thing you could put on it would be super glue.

    btw, I like the new wallpaper/background you've switched to. And congrats about the kitty being deemed healthy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well... I spent about a year looking for a smartwool top at the thrift stores with no luck before I finally broke down and bought one... so yes... bummer.

      Glad you like the background - it's one I made. Believe it or not, I actually make part of my living by making backgrounds and giving them away on one of my other sites.

      Delete
  7. I'm so happy that Smokey is well. Next on your shirt. I too understand all too well about cat-altered clothing. I have a lot of it. I think that you should mend this shirt and not focus on how much it cost. Whether or not you got at the thrift store or full price, it has functioned very well and made you very happy (clothes happy, that is). That's the important part. Next, I would mend it the best I could and get another one. They are probably on sale now. We all try to be smart the way we spend money, but if you can afford it, money is ultimately there to improve the quality of your life whether that is heating or a piece of clothing that you love to wear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good point... I have actually been looking around on the web and have found some just like it on eBay for significantly less then I paid - and now I know what size I need. So.... if I do get a new one I'll probably go that route.

      Delete
  8. Hooray for Smokey!

    As for the hole, I admit to being a little surprised that this even merits a mention. My favouritist jersey ever, that I wear all the time, has one felted sleeve caused by cat claws kneading my arm. Sometimes she gets over-enthusiastic and makes a hole. Then I mend it. This is normal, isn't it?

    OK, that very fine knitting is going to be hard to repair invisibly (possible - my mum could do it - but if you had to pay someone who has that skill it would probably cost more than the original garment), but even with a visible repair it's still going to be super warm and comfy, isn't it? The important thing with the repair is to make sure you catch all the threads. Be prepared to make the darn quite a bit bigger than the hole.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well... it's just that I NEVER buy new clothing that costs actual money. I generally wouldn't spend more than a dollar or two on a top, so dishing out $85-$90 for one was a BIG deal.

      That being said... You seem to have the the secret knowledge about darning that I'm looking for. I have no earthly idea how to officially "darn" something... when I lived in Norway, people would fix knitted garments by actually knitting a section into the hole... is that what you mean when you say "make the darn quite bigger than the hole"? I would have no clue how to do that - and the knit is VERY fine... so I don't even know how you would do it... you'd need microscopic needles. And what do you mean by "catching all the threads?" I was just gonna try to sew it together from behind, but I sense you're talking about something much more sophisticated than that.

      Delete
    2. I see from a comment below that you have now found youtube videos. I go on what little I can remember of what Mum taught me and a very ancient book, which is available online, relevant chapter here (scroll down past the pictures of socks). It's not the easiest book to follow, but maybe the pictures of all the little loops will give you some idea of what I mean by catching threads. If one of these loops is missed, it can 'run' like a ladder in a stocking.

      Delete
    3. Thanks for the link... there's a LOT of info in there!

      Delete
  9. Awwwwww Smoky looks like my Merl cat! SO please that he is officially better :)

    Good luck mending the top, it sounds like the perfect piece of clothing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am beyond happy that Smoky has been pronounced healthy. He celebrated by knocking the trash and recycling cans down the stairs and creating a giant mess. It's so nice to have my marauder cat back!

      Yes... the top is wonderful. I think I've fallen in love with merino wool.

      Delete
  10. I am so happy to hear that Smokey got a clean bill of health. Sorry to hear about the sweater. I have ruined several pieces of clothing in unfortunate ways and can empathize with you being bummed.

    I wonder if a good tailor would have an idea of a repair.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Cheryl... My best friend is an excellent seamstress so I should give her a call and ask her what she thinks.

      Delete
  11. That is great news about Smoky but a bummer about your top. I'd try repairing it but if it was too noticeable I'd find something to put over it, a pin or some embroidery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Putting something on top is an interesting idea. Although, truth be told, the top is what's called a "base layer" meaning that it's like glorified long underwear and probably should just be used as such. I just thought it was so pretty.

      Delete
  12. Yay for Smokey, I know how much of a relief it is when kitties are pronounced healthy.
    I wish I lived closer, I'd come and darn your shirt. I haven't looked but I'm sure there must be a you tube about darning or even check the library for a repair book. I come from a long line of darners:)
    I've saved many a shirt/pants/coat from the rubbish pile.
    You will need a fine wool, the tapestry yarn available might work and it comes in loads of colours.
    I was going to try and explain it but I think darning is more a hands on learning.
    Remember...it's not hard to do, just different.

    Marie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhhh, YouTube now why didn't I think of that? The modern depository for all hidden knowledge. I'll go see what I can find.

      Delete
  13. The good news is GREAT news. I'm sure you're breathing a big sigh of relief.

    Have you thought about using a cross stitch pattern on the boo-boo? You can purchase grid cloth, pin it on & cross stitch something small (a flower? a kitty's face, a snowflake?) over the damage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Connie... I am enormously relieved. After losing Sputnik a few weeks ago, I just wasn't sure I could take it if it had been bad news.

      A cross stitch is an interesting idea that I hadn't considered. I would have no earthly idea how to do it, but I suppose I could figure it out. And a kitty face would be about as perfect as I can imagine!

      Delete
  14. I hate it when a favorite piece of clothing gets wounded, so I feel your pain. In reading the above comments--cross stitch involves counting out on a grid to create your pattern, so bear that in mind when you consider your options. If you are someone who hates following a precise, mathematical pattern, that might not be the option for you. Regardless of what option you choose, you will need to repair the hole first (I LOVE youtube for this sort of thing) and then you can decide if you want to choose something to distract the eye from the problem. In looking at the closeup of the material, I don't think an iron-on patch will work for you. They don't work well for knits. Just as another thought--is there a way you could make a pattern with buttons over the area and sew them on to make it look like you intended the effect? I also like the embroidery idea (but I know how to embroider--although, again, youtube can help) or you could look up applique options.

    Glad to hear about Smokey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kris - Well, I've been reading online tutorials on darning, and trying it out on a few old dead knit shirts... and I think if I can find thread that's pretty close in color I can probably fix it so it's not too terribly noticeable. But the idea of doing something decorative to cover it up if it looks bad is definitely plan B depending on how the darning goes! I'll be sure to post a follow up!

      Delete
    2. I'd probably do what you are doing as it looks like the kind of top that is best left plain.

      Delete
    3. Well, technically it's a "base layer" which is really just glorified long underwear - so I suppose it isn't really designed to be worn by itself... it's just sooooo darned comfy, and generally warm enough that I don't need another layer on top. But I did take it for a bike ride in 45 degree weather the other day, and hole or not, it performed splendidly!

      Delete
  15. Bummer indeed! Good luck on the repair. Matthew took a couple of wool sweaters to be repaired by a "professional," and the work looked like something we probably could have done ourselves.

    I've considered investing in a couple of wool pieces from Icebreakers, but we have a moth problem. Not an infestation where we ever actually see the moths, but all of Matthew's nice wool sweaters end up with holes. We don't have cats, so we think they must be moth-eaten.

    Matthew's given up on repairing the holes. I adopted one of his very holey merino wool sweaters (he was just going to ditch it). It's not at all suitable for wearing out of the house, but I love it for all the reasons you mention: light, but warm, but not too warm, not itchy at all, AND I can where it forever without it getting stinky.

    My enjoyment of the sweater makes buying more merino wool very tempting, yet the prospect of spending serious $$, only to watch it become moth-eaten, really makes me hesitate . . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Merino wool is my new favorite thing on the planet. I've been keeping an eye out for it in the thrift stores and did find one Ibex top... it's men's so it's kinda huge on me, but still wonderful. Anyhow, that's my plan... I'm just gonna keep hoping I can find some second hand ones.

      Delete
  16. Bummer about the sweater. I know less about seam repair than I do about just about anything...maybe try some of that camping repair tape? If it can hold together a rip in my backpack, I bet it can hold together that sweater.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well... if it was a seam it would be no big deal but alas, it's just a hole right in the middle of the front. Anyhow, I've been reading a bunch of tutorials on darning and experimenting on some old dead t-shirts, so I think I might be able to fix it reasonably well if I can find some thread that is the right color... big if!

      Delete

I welcome your thoughts so please leave me a comment and I promise I will respond.

On older posts I've had to enable comment moderation to prevent spammers, so don't worry if your comment doesn't show up right away - unless you're just commenting for the sake of embedding a link, in which case I really wish you wouldn't waste your time or mine because I'll just delete it.

Thanks, and have a fabulous day!