This morning, opening the tumble dryer nearly set off fireworks as I discovered my most-loved jumper had been reduced to roughly one-third of its original dimensions.
“You could still squeeze into that!” remarked Mr AMR, utterly missing the issue — which was that he, as per usual, had tossed all the damp laundry straight into the dryer without checking for delicate items. Now, I’m not about to criticise Mr AMR’s household abilities because he’d have a good laugh — he’s far more adept than I am at maintaining order and managing chores — but I firmly believe that the destruction of a cherished garment warrants public exposure.
The jumper in question is the Lindsey Rib Stitch from AND/OR at John Lewis. I received it during a photoshoot in September and have basically worn it daily ever since. I adore the shade, the easy fit, the fact that it’s dense and chunky without feeling restrictive or heavy, that it extends over my hips, and that the central rib detail prevents my chest from resembling enormous melons.
Fortunately for Mr AMR, the rib stitch was still listed on John Lewis* when I dashed to the site immediately after my shocking discovery. Even better, it was discounted — £40 down from £78. I considered buying two, but my cousin Anna talked me out of it, as she doesn’t believe in purchasing duplicates. (Though surely today’s event supports the case for the ‘double buy’?)
Mr AMR has helpfully proposed that in the future I dry clean my special items rather than machine-wash them. “If you don’t want your clothes ruined, maybe don’t put them in the wash.” I find that suggestion similar to me saying something like “If you don’t want to get kicked in the testicles, don’t get into bed.” I mean, using the washing machine is normal and unavoidable. Just as getting into bed should be free from the risk of being kicked in the balls. It simply requires a bit of care when transferring wet, freshly washed loads into the dryer — quickly sorting through to spot woollens, silks, lurex, sparkles, and anything that might behave comically under high heat and tumbling.
By the way, I shrank one of my sparkly star tops last week, and when it came out it was even too small for Angelica! Don’t tell Mr AMR — he’s currently in a sort of “domestic debt” situation with me, where I feel I can justifiably ask him to do an unwanted chore. Because he owes me. So shhh.
You can find the Lindsey Rib Stitch Jumper online here* for £40. It also comes in red — I resisted because it tends to wash me out, for lack of a better term, but it’s a lovely festive shade!
Photographs were taken on location at the superb No15 Great Pulteney Hotel in Bath.
This article originally appeared on A Model Recommends under the title “Sunday Tittle Tattle: Honey, I Shrunk The Best Jumper of 2017.”
