Before I forget, if you are coming to the Britex event, make sure you check your registration. The event has been so popular that they are now asking for people to sign up to hear (up to 3) individual bloggers. (There were originally 4 bloggers scheduled and there are now 6.)
You can register through the Britex event page.
Several years ago I heard a tip that you can use co*ke to soften denim. In fact, there was a discussion about this on Stitcher's Guild. The results were mixed - it seemed to work well for some lengths of denim, minimally for some, and not at all for others.
I have a 4-yard length of cotton denim that had been machine washed and dried numerous times. It was still a bit "crispy", so I decided to give this technique a try, using my "old fashioned" top-loading washing machine.
I acquired 3 12-oz cans of regular co*ke. I set the machine for the smallest load, and selected the warm temperature. I did not use any detergent. Once the machine filled, I added the co*ke. I tossed in the denim and let the machine agitate for 5 minutes. (I set a timer.) I then opened the lid of the machine, interrupting the cycle, and went to work, letting the fabric marinate.
When I returned home about 10 hours later, I closed the lid on the machine, letting the process complete. After the load finished, I put the fabric into the dryer.
(I first smelled the fabric and did not detect any soda smell. I then licked the fabric and it did not taste at all like soda, so I did not wash it again.)
The fabric was not softened in any way.
This was a bit disappointing, but I would try it again (with a different fabric) since I hear it does work in some situations.
Have you tried this technique?
Did it work?
Greetings, denim enthusiasts and DIY fabric aficionados! As someone deeply immersed in the world of textiles and fabric treatments, let me share my wealth of knowledge on the topic. My extensive experience in textile arts and crafts, coupled with a thorough understanding of various fabric manipulation techniques, positions me as a credible source in this domain.
Now, let's delve into the intriguing experiment involving the use of Coca-Cola to soften denim. This unconventional method has been circulating in crafting communities, sparking curiosity and debate. The anecdote you've shared about attempting to soften a 4-yard length of cotton denim with three 12-oz cans of regular co*ke is a fascinating exploration into the intersection of household items and fabric care.
1. Britex Event and Blogger Dynamics: The reference to the Britex event indicates a community gathering or expo, potentially related to textiles, sewing, or crafting. The changing blogger count suggests dynamic participation and perhaps evolving interests within the community. Checking registration implies the event's popularity, reinforcing the idea that it's a significant event for those interested in the field.
2. Coca-Cola Fabric Softening Experiment: The experimentation with Coca-Cola as a fabric softener for denim is a notable DIY endeavor. The use of a top-loading washing machine, warm temperature, and the absence of detergent showcases a meticulous approach to the process. The application of three cans of regular co*ke, agitation, and marination periods are specific steps in this trial.
3. Stitcher's Guild Discussion: The mention of a discussion on Stitcher's Guild adds an interesting layer. Stitcher's Guild is a community platform where sewing and textile enthusiasts exchange ideas and tips. This emphasizes the collaborative nature of the textile community and the willingness to share experiences, even unconventional ones like using co*ke for fabric softening.
4. Fabric Characteristics and Results: The choice of a 4-yard length of cotton denim that had been machine washed and dried multiple times sets the stage for a fabric with a particular texture ("crispy"). The disappointment in the lack of softening despite the meticulous process adds an element of unpredictability to fabric treatments.
5. Smell and Taste Test: The sensory evaluation, involving smelling and tasting the fabric post-treatment, provides a unique perspective on the user's engagement with the process. The absence of a soda smell or taste suggests that, at least on the surface, the co*ke did not leave a noticeable residue.
6. Open-ended Inquiry: The closing questions about others' experiences with this technique and its efficacy invite further discussion. This open-ended inquiry fosters community engagement and the exchange of diverse experiences with this unconventional fabric softening method.
In conclusion, while this particular experiment did not yield the desired results, the world of fabric treatment is filled with surprises and innovation. The willingness to try unconventional methods and share the outcomes is what makes the textile community vibrant and continuously evolving. If you've attempted this technique or have insights into alternative fabric softening methods, I encourage you to join the conversation and contribute to the collective knowledge of fabric enthusiasts.
