Originally Posted by ckcowl
when i purchase wool jackets to use from thrift stores/yard sales i take them apart- remove buttons- what ever take the linings out- then wash them in hot water- and detergent-rinse in cold water then dry in a hot dryer- then it is ready to use for what ever i'm going to use it for- wool appliques- patchwork- hooked rugs, purses- what ever i am using it for-
you can also over-dye your wools in you want.
I agree. I remove the lining, shoulder pads etc. Note that some manufacturers used iron on interfacing on some of the jacket parts to keep them from stretching, which may prevent that part from felting. I usually try and pull this off. Sometimes it comes right off, sometimes it comes off with steam pressing. If it won't come off, felt it anyway.
I would also wash the items in a pillow case. I use several and put some of the wool pieces in each one to balance the load. You can just safety pin the closed, or baste. There is a lot of fuzz that will come off the wool and this will save your machine and plumbing from the stress.