[ellisr]

Depending on the yarn most of my knitted stuff washes in the machine on a cool gentle wash and easily threw on the line and stretched back into shape after dry. I have tried washing smaller versions and they are fine I would actually say better after a wash.
The only thing I ask to be hand washed or dry cleaned is items from handspun wools.
I always pop a note in with simple washing instructions but it is common sense with wooolens.
My large items I sometimes pop to the laundrette as there machines are just larger and give a good wash and normally take my quilts ect at the same time once a year.
I think if you spend a couple of hundred pounds on a handmade item you do naturally take a little bit more care when cleaning.

[Mad Goatwoman of Madeley]

The pair I use for the lap rugs are 50cms so they sound good but I no longer knit with metal needles as they are too harsh on my hands for the amount of knitting I do, bamboo or wood is a much better knitting experience.
I have just ordered a new pair that will be 1m long (I have them made for me) so I can knit some blankets for kingsize beds that have been requested

Thanks for the advice. Ellisr. 

[SmallTimeSmallholder]

Hi Girls (re crochet hat)
think he'll wear it OK, only moan so far is that his head's getting cold! 
STS