HELP--caring for animal skin

topic posted Tue, July 21, 2009 - 7:44 AM by  offlineAdrienne
Share/Save/Bookmark
Advertisement
i know this is terrible, but i recently purchased an animal skin.

long story short, it is a huge old pelt from a llama or goat of some kind, a woman used it for years before donating it to a reuse/upcycling shop by my house. it is a huge pelt, about the size of a blanket, and both the fur and the skin on back are in good shape--got it for less than $10

all moral dilemmas aside, i am trying to determine how best to sew in into costumes and "care for" it. for example, it is one large piece comprised of many smaller pieces sewn together, and some of the joins need to be re-sewn by me. also, i am not sure if i need to oil, or otherwise clean, the skin backing. i should not wash it, right?
also, can i dye something like this? it is a natural grey color now.

i am planning to sew some leggies, a belt of some kind, and even a furry dance bra.

any advice on sewing it, cleaning it, storing/caring for it, or dyeing it is much appreciated.
posted by:
Adrienne
New York
Advertisement
Advertisement
  • Re: HELP--caring for animal skin

    Tue, July 21, 2009 - 8:02 AM
    Depends on the fur and what it is backed on - sounds like it is a straight up pelt? Sew it with some sturdy thread. Clean it by brushing, and hand washing with something gentle, if it gets a horrible spot.
  • Re: HELP--caring for animal skin

    Tue, July 21, 2009 - 8:47 PM
    Yes well I am familiar with this dilemma, I recently was give 2 lawn size trash bags of vintage salvaged real fur coat/ coat collars and remnants everything from got, mink, Ermin, chinchilla, rabbit you name it.

    so do not wash it though spot cleaning is fine, mink oil on the back leather side is good, keep it cool and store with moth ball or ceader blocks, heat and bugs will destroy it. You can sew it just like any thing else use a leather needle.
  • Re: HELP--caring for animal skin

    Wed, July 22, 2009 - 10:53 PM
    It's not horrible in the least.
    That pelt is probably older than you are, and has been a comfort to many through the years, so continue its use in good conscience.
    And no, do not 'wash' it!

Recent topics in "Burning Woman"

Topic Author Replies Last Post
t-shirts that make you go hmm. thriver 6 December 26, 2009
santacon 2009 thriver 36 December 23, 2009
Building infastructure on the playa sati 1 December 19, 2009
Got an opinion? Let me have it! Suzyque 0 December 15, 2009