We just bought a house which has Aluminum sidingIts in very good shape except for a few dents, and one small hole.Should we paint the existing aluminum, or replace it with vinyl?
It will get softer with normal use and washingThere is no need for hair conditionerIt is an acrylic fiber and will be unaffected by itJust some downy to help with static and you'll be fineIt's the chemicals and excess dyes that make it stiff and as they wash out, the yarn becomes soft (but they will not fade).
The Red Heart should not be much softer after being washed as it is nowIf you was really soft yarn for the blanket you can in all probability exchange it for the Red Heart soft yarn 5 ounces 256 yards or of you really want something that is exceptionally soft I have purchased Joann Sensations Boucle for $7.99 for 11 ounces and it is 853 yards.
Washing an acrylic yarn will get it somewhat softer, and adding a small amount of conditioner might help tooAny softener (sheets, or the liquid kind in the washer) will help a littleBut with inexpensive acrylic yarn, which is really made of chemicals and plastics, the yarn will usually maintain some stiffnessAnd if you wash it repeatedly, sometimes it will lose it's body, yet still remain stiffSo, next time, make sure you buy a yarn that is super soft and washable (cottons and washable wools soften over time)I think it's also important to consider how tightly you knit too- if the blanket is kind of an open weave, or is done on a large needle, it will feel softer than if you make the rows and stitches on small needlesUse a size larger than recommended on the label and it might helpGood luck with your project!
I would not go through the expense of new siding.Paint the old siding with a flat paint.Repair the hole and the dents before painting.Use a good quality latex paint.
