Can I shrink a wool jumper but not shrink it too small?

[foxytocin]

MIL made me a lovely cardigan but it is just too big to get away with wearing. Is there a way to shrink it but not too small?

I'd hate to ruin it completely. Imo it is about a size 12 but I am more a size 8.

sounds like I can't shrink it then.

If you felt it, it'll get stiffer as well as smaller. The fabric gets firmer and it may not be suitable to wear as a cardi...

Also, if it's machine washable wool (or some other kind of fibre) it won't felt at all.

I think you need to admit to MIL that it doesn't fit and give her the chance to re-knit it. As a knitter, I'd prefer someone did that than never wear the thing or felt it into oblivion!