"When I first saw this tutorial I laughed out loud. I love Kira's descriptions, pictures and humor! When we started Wee Carry I knew I wanted to include Kira's awesome picture tutorial on our site. And thankfully, she was gracious enough to allow us to reprint it!" -Nancy
Hello peeps! I've had about a million requests to elaborate on what I mean when I say I use conditioner on my woolly wraps, so here's my step-by-step instructions. This method is safe and effective for all protein fiber blends such as wool, alpaca, cashmere, and silk. It is still safe but less effective for cellulose fibers like linen, cotton, kapok, hemp, etc. Wool is hair! Hair conditioner conditions hair! Hence, hair conditioner conditions wool.
1.) Get a scratchy woolly, intentionally or otherwise.
2.) Get thee to thine bathroom and get your hair conditioner (no 2-in-1's, no silicone products please!). Alternatively, if you are a no-poo'er like me, you will have to get thee to thine local grocery store to accomplish same.
2.) Get thee to thine bathroom and get your hair conditioner (no 2-in-1's, no silicone products please!). Alternatively, if you are a no-poo'er like me, you will have to get thee to thine local grocery store to accomplish same.
3.) Start with a clean sink! Because, ew. (Tubs, basins, plastic bins will also work). Clean with something gentle, or re-clean with something gentle after something harsh. I recommend white vinegar or a baking soda scrub for metal sinks. DO. NOT. USE. BLEACH. If you miss a drop of bleach product when rinsing, your wrap could pay the price. Plus it's really bad for you.
4.) Fill sink with lukewarm water.
5.) Take a handful of conditioner. More is ok, less is ok, whatever. If your woolly is hella scratchy, use more. If your woolly is mostly soft but needs a boost, use less. There is no wrong amount.
4.) Fill sink with lukewarm water.
5.) Take a handful of conditioner. More is ok, less is ok, whatever. If your woolly is hella scratchy, use more. If your woolly is mostly soft but needs a boost, use less. There is no wrong amount.
6.) Dissolve under running water. If you have clumpies, swish them around to dissolve. If they don't dissolve, you have the wrong type of conditioner and it is likely comprised of nasty petrolium products. Start over at step 2.
7.) Add wrap starting at one end so it's not in a clump. Gently squish to saturate, or it will repel water and float. Drown that sucker!
7.) Add wrap starting at one end so it's not in a clump. Gently squish to saturate, or it will repel water and float. Drown that sucker!
8.) Teach your wrappee to do the Funky Chicken.
9.) If your woolly is REALLY scratchy, take straight conditioner and apply directly to wrap. Great globby handfuls of it.
10.) Rub it right in there.
11.) Squish the wrap to move the conditioner around. Gather it into a lump and let it sit for a few minutes.
11.) Squish the wrap to move the conditioner around. Gather it into a lump and let it sit for a few minutes.
12.) While that's soaking in, teach your wrappee to Walk Like an Egyptian.
13.) Place wrap back in the conditioner soup.* Gently swish, squish, and move the wrap about in the water. Movement is ok, rapid agitation is a no-no.
14.) Teach your wrappee The Twist.
14.) Teach your wrappee The Twist.
14b) (Optional) Get distracted by a bubble bath and your hottie hubby , and completely forget about your wrap soaking downstairs. Overnight. On your morning to sleep in. Which your hubby will lovingly let you do until you snap awake at 10am FINALLY remembering your wrap.
15.) Starting at one end, gently squeeze water from wrap and drain.
15.) Starting at one end, gently squeeze water from wrap and drain.
*Alternatively, you can use fresh lukewarm water at this stage in to rinse. I don't rinse. If you've used a significant amount of conditioner (half bottle or more), you'll probably want to rinse - just be careful to maintain comparative temperatures so you don't felt the wool!
16.) Lay wrap out on clean, dry, fluffy towel. Fold to fit.
16.) Lay wrap out on clean, dry, fluffy towel. Fold to fit.
17.) Roll up like a burrito.
18.) Practice your beam exercises.
19.) Remove from towel and hang to dry, being sure the wet wrap is properly supported to prevent stretching and sagging. An unused slotted bedframe works well.
Or a second-floor half-wall/bannister.
20.) Go feed your drama-queen cat, because clearly he is going to die if his food bowl is not full to over-flowing.
Also clean up the mess he made the last time you fed him, and remind him he is not a dog.
Also clean up the mess he made the last time you fed him, and remind him he is not a dog.
21.) Once dry, iron your wool wrap woolliest side up. Medium heat, low steam. Keep the iron moving to prevent scorching. This will not felt your wrap, so don't be scared!
Use gentle pressure and let the heat and steam do all the work.
Use gentle pressure and let the heat and steam do all the work.
22.) Fold prettily and pet! Your wrap is now clean, dry, pressed, and hopefully significantly softer.
23.) Enjoy!
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