Day 23: Ultimate guide to women's sweaters

My Project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts

Day 23: Ultimate guide to women's sweaters

For today's prompt writers were given freedom of choice. They could write about anything they wanted. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to write about sweaters in preparation for fall and winter.

Shopping for sweaters is relatively easy.  You want something to keep you warm and you want something in a nice color.  But what will the sweater be used for?  There is a big difference between a sweater to go skiing with and a sweater to wear around the office.  While a sports sweater has to be super warm, a sweater to wear indoors doesn’t need to be all that heavy.

Size

Many women avoid pulling on a sweater because the store is hot and the dressing room is even hotter, but sweaters need to be tried on.  A sweater might look good on the rack, but will it fit you?  It may be too tight or hang on you like a potato bag.  It may be too long or too short or there might be something wrong with the arms.  To be absolutely sure that the sweater is comfortable you need to try it on.

Color

Black and navy blue may be slimming colors that hide dirt and stains, but chances are you will grow bored with them.  Be prepared to have some color variety in your sweaters.  If you like blue, try different shades of blue; if don’t like white, settle for cream; if you already have several plain sweaters, try something with a motive.  Have a look at the colors of your skirts and pants and buy sweaters that will complement those colors. 

Style

When shopping for a sports sweater it might be a good idea to go for something with a high collar, something to keep your neck and ears warm.  On the other hand, when choosing a sweater to wear at home or around the office, a light sweater with a round neck or a V-neck might be better.  A round neck or a V-neck sweater gives you the option of wearing a variety of blouses or shirts underneath.  As an added bonus, should the office get too warm, you can take the sweater off.

Washability

Pure wool and cashmere sweaters are beautiful and soft, but expensive. Generally, they need to be hand washed or dry-cleaned.  When selecting a sweater, look at the label and see if it is machine washable.  Sweaters should generally be washed in cold water or on the delicate cycle.

You also might want to look if the sweater can be tumble dried.  Some sweaters need to be dried laying on a flat surface, which depending on the material can take up to 24 or even 48 hours. 

Material

When looking at a sweater’s label, look for words such as washable, breathable, anti-wrinkle, anti-pilling, anti-shrink, anti-static, quick dry and eco-friendly. 

There you have it. Now when you go looking for sweaters you’ll know what to look for and what to avoid.

www.connymanero.weebly.com

Fall has blown into town

I put flannel sheets on my bed, retrieved my winter socks and dusted off my fleece slippers.  It seems that with the arrival of October, the temperature has drastically dropped.  

What people like about the fall is beyond me.  Some get quite lyrical about it, admiring the trees and their color changing leaves.  Sure, the trees are beautiful, but the way the wind was blowing yesterday and this morning they won’t have their beautiful leafs for long.

Even though I can’t quite say that it’s grown cold, it has become rather chilly.  Chilly enough for me to have changed my shoes for boots and my cotton jacket for a woolen one.  

From now until April, or even May, I won’t be able to sit on the balcony in the canopy swing anymore; and the cats won’t be able to go outside in their kitty run.

Oh I can’t bear the thought that it will only go from bad to worse.  Flowers will completely disappear, the bare trees will soon be covered with frost and I will need to wrap myself in layers of clothing.  For the next couple of months I will need a proper winter jacket, a hat, a scarf and gloves. 

Next there will be snow and ice and with it all kinds of dangers.  I will no longer walk to the subway station, but slip and skid my way over there, desperately trying to stay vertical.  I dislike the fall and I hate the winter.

So what am I doing in Canada?  Good question.  While living in South Africa, I longed for a proper winter.  I missed the cold that brought snow and ice.  In the 15 years that I lived there, I just never got used to celebrating Christmas under a blazing hot sun.  Back then I wanted snow and ice.

Come to think of it, I like the seasons the way they are in Canada just fine.  The spring ... chilly and wet; the summer ... short but hot; the fall ... windy and somewhat depressing; and the winter ... deep freeze cold.  

I need a cup of hot tea.