Top: Big W
Skirt: Asos
Shoes: Mollini
A few weeks ago I bought myself a good quality fabric shaver, so now I feel a bit more confident giving this skirt a positive review. The pilling on the sides of the skirt finally reached the tipping point between natty and tatty, and I knew if I wanted to go on wearing it I’d have to do something about it.
I bought the Classic 50 Fabric Shaver at the QVM for $50, which was well beyond what I thought these little devices would go for. And sure enough, you can pick up a little battery operated version for under $10, but I’ve spoken to a few people since and apparently they’re crapola, so now I feel better about having (accidentally) splurged on the rolls royce of the fabric shaver world.
The guy at the market was totally lovely and helpful. He shaved my sleeve for me, and when I told him the only reason it wasn’t pilly was that I’d given it a go-over with my fabric comb that morning he sucked his breath in through his teeth and told me that they were terrible, and actually made things fluffier, which made them MORE pilly, which when I think about it makes sense. He then gave me the rundown on this device: it’s mains-operated which allows it to have a little suctiony fan to pull the pills up into the grill for maximum de-pillage. The replaceable blades are wicked sharp, and I’ve discovered (from experience, sob!) that you have to be REALLY careful not to run it over a fold or you’ll risk snipping a little hole in your sweater.
After I de-pilled my skirt I was so excited I pulled out every cheap cardigan and sweater in my wardrobe, and spent a cheerful evening in front of the telly shaving every little pill off.
Bloody hell, does it make a difference!
Anyhoo. That’s my exciting story (not really) about how I made my old stuff look new again.
Uh…that’s amazing and I never even knew gadgets like that existed! I have so many cardis that could benefit from this. Nice post!!!! (PS that brooch looks cute)
Thanks Kate! Bring em over next time you come to visit!
Your outfits are always so adorable! You put things together that I’d never think of putting together and you make it work! & I have one of those devices, they’re fab!!
Thank you, Rebecca!
Don’t you love it? It’s great for vintage and second hand clothing, too.
Love it!
I just pull out the old lady shaver, but this is something I should invest in.
I love your outfit and the brooch is adorable!
I’d heard you could just do it with a regular razor. I keep buying the fancy ones with all the moisturiser around them, so I haven’t tried it.
I didn’t know good quality fabric shavers existed! I may have to invest… The ultra-crappy Woolworths one only works well the first time, I’m afraid.
I’d heard that, Bec. This one’s been great, and I’ve used it pretty comprehensively already
I have to get one of those. So many pilly things that I haven’t had the heart to throw out but are really to daggy to wear. $50 money well spent.
Thanks Benette – I thought so (retrospectively!)
Wow, what a change. I have a lovely Leona Edmiston dress that’s pilled on the hips- odd yes, and I’m wondering if I could do this?
Hi Shell, I don’t see why not! I tried it on a few tatty t-shirts and it worked there too. Just make sure that you keep the fabric taut!
Ohhhhhh maybe I should get one of those! I hate when things get pilly, and I’ve got quite a few shirts that have gotten that way in the side-boob area, from my arms brushing past them.
Oh my good, Side boob pillage is the WURST, isn’t it?!
Ooooh, I might have to get one! I hate how pilly & ratty stuff starts to look, & getting my cardigans & stuff back into good shape sounds lovely! Thanks for the excellent tip!
My pleasure, Molly! I was so surprised by how effective it was, actually.
Now I want a clothes shaver. I have so many jumpers that look terrible due to piling, especially from the handbags/backpacks I carry.
I don’t think I’ll ever look back, Suze! It just makes things look new and fresh again
I was just going through my cardigans this weekend wishing there was something I could do that would work to depill them, thanks for the tip! I’m definitely going to ened to invest in this if I want to save my sweaters.
I’m so pleased with this one! It’s surprisingly cathartic to do, too 😀
Beautiful outfit! Love it 🙂
http://www.awayfromhere-blog.de
Thank you, Alina!
Cute post! I was wondering about those fabric shaver thingies and have been surprised at the cost of the highly-rated ones on Amazon.com. People give them rave reviews, though – and now I see why. (Although in Arizona, I don’t have a substantial sweater cache – we’re walking into 8 months of HOT here – and a fabric shaver would go straight into my pile of interesting but obsolete appliances.) 🙂 PS – love that skirt on you!
LOL, thanks Edith!
I would have probably just keep plugging away with my fabric comb which was only a few dollars, except for the fact it didn’t work on the scuba fabric! A couple of other people I know recommend just a regular shaver!
Great, I am now thinking about buying one 🙂
However, I saw this recently. I thought you might like it:
Confetti!!!!!
http://www.stories.com/de/We_love/Vika_Gazinskaya_Other_Stories
Very cute! Too small for me, tragically, but I love the print
Whereabouts is the fellow located in Queen Vic? I’m very interested! Thanks!
When I went he was in the last aisle to the west of the market (the car park side) about halfway along 🙂