So I’m clearing out some of my parents old clutter and I’ve come across a poncho and gaucho blanket brought back by some relative in the past. There are no labels on the thing and it seems to be handmade. Parents THINK it’s either wool or alpaca but an internet search has shown that they could be anything including acrylic.
They got the things 25(ish) years ago (total guess on their part I’d say - so argue between 20-30 years ago).
Is there any way to find out what these things are made of? I’d like to sell them and want to know how much I can honestly ask for.
In the same vein they had two wool blankets. Very nice and heavy in phenomenal condition and at the very least 40 years old. Does anyone know how to price these out if you want to sell them? Eg, what am I supposed to know about textiles that buyers ask?
thanks!
bring the poncho to someone who is familiar with fabrics. Alpaca, sheep wool, and acrylic look, feel, and smell quite different from each other, and a knowledgeable person should be able to tell.
If there are a few loose fibers you can sacrifice, you could try a burn test. It won’t tell alpaca from wool, but acrylic is easy to distinguish by the way it melts.
puzzlegal: what would I look under to find such a person? I’ve a few universities nearby but I’d need to narrow down to find out who to call.
xnylder: will try this to make sure it’s not synth.
Jo-Ann Fabrics would be a good starting place. If it were me, I’d take it to one of the costume designers I know, but really any quality seamstress or tailor would be able to point you in the right direction.
Search completed items on ebay for wool blankets and see what similar items have sold for recently. That should give you a truer market value for such items.
If you can’t tell the difference between wool and acrylic, there’s not much help that many of us can be for you.
what am I supposed to know about textiles that buyers ask?
The most important things will be easy… size and condition. Describe them like you’re talking to a friend and be over-careful to point out any damage, stains, etc. The more pictures the better including plenty of closeups. Show the detailing of the edges and talk about how they feel and smell. Wouldn’t hurt to tell the story of how you found them stored away for 25 years, etc.
You could take them to any decent fabric store during regular weekday business hours and ask to speak to the manager. They will be able to tell you what they’re made of and if they’re handmade or not and if you expect to to get the best price, you’ll need to know those things.
Not to be coy, but things truly are worth whatever someone will pay and spending a few hours honing your sales copy can make a very significant difference in how much you make. Nobody buys a blanket because they want a blanket; they buy a blanket because they believe it will make their life better in some way. Don’t sell the blanket, sell the happiness it will bring. These items have a story and people love stories. Just saying…
Do you have a community calendar where you live? It might list a spinner/weaver meeting. They’d be a great help in deciding which fiber your items are made of and whether they are handwoven. Alpaca has a less distinctive smell when wet than does wool. Wool fibers should have some crimp and stretch to them; alpaca is more like hair. But there are sheep breeds that are pretty hairy, too.
An independent yarn store, if you can find one, is also a good resource and the owner may know some handspun knitters.
thanks all! blankets are def. wool. Poncho gonna look for those in the know as per suggestions.
As for looking on ebay, already did - that’s why I’m interested in confirming. Pristine conditions and the one example I saw online they were asking for a lot of money for a used poncho with some damage. Totally worth it to sell if someone wants the original thing in great condition.