[Author] Cherie Corbin [Message] 
Crocheting from Cones Friday 30 April 2010 1:32:28 am Hi All, I have to say that I have been working directly from the cone...did not even wash a sample(my bad!). I'm quite the lazy designer, but I have had much luck in my "guesstimations". I thoroughly enjoy the gorgeous cashmeres and cash/silk blends. Recently, I begun a crocheted lace top out of the latest Tand D lace-weight cash. The thread is a joy to work; however, I noticed that it just doesn't seem as soft as you might expect...WELL, upon reading all of your input on the subject, I thought perhaps I should jump right in with some hot water, TIDE detergent and a little hair conditioner rinse. I AM ASTOUNDED!! I liked the yarn before, but now it's the most exquisite texture; soft and lofty! A while back, I made a lace cardigan from doubling cobweb lace wt. from Tand D. I just went for it; Tide, conditioner, and Dryer on low heat..WOW! I got so lucky; it's perfect! What I can advise now through experience, is if you make your garment in a looser gauge, you will have a bit more shrinkage. Someone commented that it shrinks more in height than width. I also found that to be true- you are approximately a row shorter. I think I will complete the top and then do the wash cycle, since I tested my sample swatch and it just shrinks a tad in height. I will try to get some pictures! Thank you so much to all who took the time to share! Warmly, Hautelamby, Cherie Corbin Lafayette, CA Cherie Corbin