Cleaning a Helen Bond Carruthers Cashmere Sweater

[Marie Krout]

I have a blue Helen Bond Carruthers Cashmere Sweater with what I believe was a white applique design. If the applique was white, it is now cream. Does anyone know how to clean this item so that I can offer it for sale?

Thanks,

Marie

 

[catseyevintage]

Marie,

I would send that sweater to a quality dry cleaner and ask for special handling. Why do you think the applique design wasn't cream originally? Is the color even throughout?

 

[Marie Krout]

Marie,

I would send that sweater to a quality dry cleaner and ask for special handling. Why do you think the applique design wasn't cream originally? Is the color even throughout?

The buttons seem to be white so I'm thinking that the applique should have been white too. Can I post a picture to see what you think?

 

[catseyevintage]

Yes, please. Closeups of the applique work and the buttons, as well as shots of the complete sweater - front and back - would be helpful. What are the buttons made of?

 

[Marie Krout]

Sorry for the delay but I am attaching pictures of the sweater. Please let me know what you think!

Thanks,

Marie

 

[foofoogal]

Beautiful sweater. The appliques look like chenille? Is it or embroidered thread like cotton?

 

[Marie Krout]

Beautiful sweater. The appliques look like chenille? Is it or embroidered thread like cotton?

I believe it is embroidered thread like cotton.

 

[catseyevintage]

Beautiful sweater in a beautiful color. The applique work doesn't look discolored to my eye. I'd take it to a specialty dry cleaner, or if you don't have access to one, you can always sell in it's uncleaned condition.

 

[joules]

Lovely sweater, and the appliqués appear to be an ecru color.

A great candidate for a trusted dry cleaning establishment.
Those round pearl-like buttons were often used on cute cardigans from that time, and complement the overall look of the sweater. A winner!

 

[catseyevintage]

I've owned many vintage cardigans in different colors with those type of buttons - normally they are glass or plastic with a faux pearlized coating.

 

[pastperfect2]

Given that Carruthers used antique appliques from shawls, etc. I doubt it was true white when it was put on the sweater. Unless it's stained or spotted, I'd leave it alone.

 

[Marie Krout]

Does anyone have any suggestions as how or where I could sell it?

Thanks,

Marie