Tip 1 - Watch for dog claws
Well not just dog claws, any claws - cat, possum, tiger, your own etc. Anything sharp that could hook the woven cotton has the possibility of pulling a thread so try and avoid where possible.
Tip 2 - How to deal with pulled threads
Where possible it is my personal preference to use a pair of tweezers and a sprinkle of paitence and slowly tease the thread through each weave until you reach the edge. If your throw has an added trim sewn on, once you reach this, then you may trim the thread. If you lack patience as your kids/partner/work college has taken it all (I get it), you may decided to simply trim the pulled thread. Please be aware this may cause areas of loose weave long term.
Tip 3 - If you make a whoopies, clean asap
Now this doesn't mean you have to kick everyone off the blanket and race home to throw (pun intended) your throw in the tub or washing machine. If you have had food or drink spill on your throw that's fine but please don't roll it up and leave it in your boot for the next 3 weeks. Take it out and give it a hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent/washing powder or if required, a machine wash on a cold gentle (delicate) cycle. From a bit of testing I have conducted, front loader is preferred. Don't let that machine spin too hard and throw the weave out of whack (technical term).
Tip 4 - Don't dry with your hair dryer
Because that would take forever haha. But seriously, please try and dry your throw over a clothes line. Don't forget about it and leave it out there for a week though, the colours will hold up in the sun for a very long time (I have a My Happiness that lives on my deck in full sun for 10hrs+ every day for 7mths and she has only faded slightly) but to ensure longevity of your woven art piece come throw rug, be kind to it and pop it inside once dry - roll it up in your carry strap, pack it into your drawstring storage bag or spread it back over your bed then stand back and smile. In a pinch, I have popped in the dryer on a low heat / delicate cycle once again but I do advise against this as it can mess with the fibres.
Tip 5 - Love it, enjoy it, make memories with it
That is afterall, why I created my designs. Along with being able to share my stories and passion, I wanted to encourage others to get out and make treasured memories to last a lifetime for you, for your kids and for the ones you love. I wanted everyone to enjoy having these rugs as centrepieces to special events that you would reflect fondly on everytime you looked at your throw or back at photos with your throw in it.
Now get out there and make memories - or stay indoors and cuddle up because those moments can be just as precious.
Big love, Steph x
