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6 Must-Have Wool Items for Spring

March 2, 2020 Tags: alpaca wool, merino wool, throws & blankets, wool bedding, wool for spring, wool throw No Comments

Spring might finally have arrived, but it’s not quite time to put away the warm woolly jumpers and extra wool blankets. The evenings still have a distinct chill, and in many places snow is forecast over the next few days. This transition between seasons often sees balmy days one week and a snap frost the next, so we’ve rounded up 6 must-have woollens to keep you cosy, but not overheated, until summer properly sets in.

1. A thin merino wool base layer

The key to Spring dressing is to wear lots of layers. You can easily take things off if the sun comes out, and you’ll stay warm if the temperature is still wintery. Merino wool makes a great choice as a base layer as it’s soft to touch and helps wick away moisture from your skin. Choose a good quality garment and care for it properly, and it will last for many years to come.

2. Some toasty wool socks

While some might be desperate to get out their sandals, we aren’t quite ready to give up our snug wool socks just yet. A luxurious pair of alpaca wool socks will keep your toes toasty at night, and are great to wear inside walking boots for Springtime hikes.

3. A cosy wool throw

There’s nothing like curling up on the sofa in front of the fire, cozied-up in a soft wool throw while the Spring storms do their thing outside. Choose something lightweight yet warm, and it will work right through Spring and even into Summer if you’re a keen camper or like to sit outside in the evenings.

4. A stylish wool beret

Berets are timelessly stylish, and perfect for this changeable weather. A pure wool beret will protect your hair from a Spring shower whilst also looking chic and adorable. Channel your inner French woman and pair your beret with a trench coat, so that no matter what the weather, you always look polished and together. We love this zingy yellow felted beret for a pop of Springtime colour.

5. A wear-with-anything wool scarf

Keep yourself warm and ever-elegant with a wool scarf this Spring. Whether you’re riding the daily commute or walking in the wild, a scarf is the perfect accessory to any outfit.

6.Wool bedding

As well as being hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, wool also has temperature-regulating properties, making it ideal for bedding. A wool-filled pillow or duvet will keep you snug without being too hot as the seasons change.

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Natural Bedding

January 24, 2020 Tags: choosing wool throws, improved sleep, natural bedding, Natural Fabrics, sustainable fibre, wool blankets, wool for skin No Comments

Modern life often makes a good night’s sleep seem impossible, with the intrusions of late-night emails and constant external noise. But there are steps you can take to ensure you get a better quality of sleep, and help improve your overall ed health with fildena – https://nizagara-online.net/fildena and wellbeing. And as the average person spends around one third of their lives in bed, it’s important that your sleeping environment is as healthy and nurturing as possible.

Here are five reasons why you should choose natural bedding as part of optimising your sleep:

Better sleep – Synthetic fabrics and padding release chemicals that can disrupt sleep and cause insomnia. Choosing linens, organic cotton and wool bedding ensures that you get deeper, more restorative sleep, without harmful pesticides or ingredients.
Fewer toxins – Not only does natural bedding help you sleep better, it also reduces the amount of toxins in your bedroom. If you’re trying to create a sanctuary-like space to relax in, you wouldn’t fill it with overpowering perfumes or chemicals, so why bring these in with your bedding? These chemicals, such as fire retardants, can trigger asthma and cause eye discomfort. But natural bedding is kind to the skin and non-toxic.
Keeps you more comfortable – Wool throws and mattress filling help regulate your body temperature, keeping your comfortable all night long. If you stay at optimum temperature you’re less likely to wake up during the night. Natural bedding can also help prevent excessive night sweating.
Good for the whole family – From young babies to the elderly, all can benefit from natural bedding. Linen and super soft wool feels lovely against the skin, and keeps you snug in colder weather.
More sustainable – Wool and linen bedding is more sustainable than synthetic bedding as it’s biodegradable and requires fewer resources to grow and process. These textiles are highly durable and long-wearing, which reduces the amount of fabric thrown away into landfill.

To read more on the environmental benefits of wool textiles go here, and to read about different types of wool try this or this.

How to Remove Red Wine from Wool

December 17, 2019 Tags: caring for wool, christmas, cleaning blankets, cleaning wool throws, how to remove stains wool No Comments

As the festive season gets into full swing, the chances of a red wine spill increase. We’ve all seen it (or done it!) – the casual gesture that unexpectedly sloshes wine out of the glass; or the over-enthusiastic turn on the dance floor that ends up knocking someone’s drink over. Whether you’ve got friends round for mulled wine and mince pies, or you’re curling up in front of a Christmassy film with a glass of red and your favourite cozy wool throw, this is peak stain time. But fear not, we’ve got all you need to know about how to remove red wine from wool.

Thanks to its natural dirt and odour-repelling properties, wool is pretty easy to care for and doesn’t attract marks like other fabrics. But despite this, accidents can still happen. It’s best to wash your wool throws and blankets as infrequently as possible – you can refresh them by airing outdoors, brushing gently and if necessary washing. Always use a gentle cycle or wash by hand in cool water, and use an appropriate wool detergent. For spot cleaning stains you’ll need some extra tools in your cleaning kit, so read on to find out more.

This advice applies to wool blankets and throws, as well as wool carpets and rugs. It’s important to remember that you should always refer to the individual item’s care instructions, and spot test any stain removal method on an invisible area to check for color changes.

How to remove wine from a wool blanket or carpet

Method 1: Surgical spirit

Blot the stain with a lint-free, absorbent cloth
Combine 3 parts surgical spirit with 1 part water. Dab onto the stain as soon as possible after the spill has occurred
Cover with an absorbent pad soaked with the mixture and leave to work. Replace as needed until the stain has disappeared
Rinse with cool water and air dry

Method 2: Salt

Blot the stain and sprinkle with salt to cover the whole marked area
Once the salt has absorbed all the liquid, vacuum the area to remove residue. This should lift the stain

Method 3: Vinegar

Combine 1 tbsp white vinegar with 1 tbsp washing up liquid and 2 cups of water
Pour over stain
Blot with liquid detergent
Rinse area with cool water, or wash throw as per care label

Method 4: Baking soda

Pour water or white wine over the stain and then blot up
Mix baking soda with water to create a spreadable paste
Cover the stain with a thick layer of paste, then place a clean tea towel over. Press with a book on top and leave overnight
Scrape up the residue and vacuum the area

Wet Cleaning

If these solutions still don’t work and you need professional help to remove a wine stain from wool, try to find a local wet cleaner. Wet cleaning works without using the harsh, toxic chemicals used in dry cleaning. This means it’s far healthier for the person doing the cleaning, as well kinder to the planet and your wool garment.

The wet clean process starts with spot cleaning a stain. The garment is then washed in a specially designed machine, with the right environmentally-friendly detergent. Finally, it’s dried in a gentle dryer or line, steam shaped and hand finished.

For more on how to wash wool and how to care for your wool throws go here and here.

We hope you have a very happy, spill-free Christmas holiday and a wonderful New Year!

Beautiful Wool Throws for Christmas: a Gift guide

November 22, 2019 Tags: alpaca throws, buying woollen throws, christmas gifts, christmas presents, wool blankets, wool in winter No Comments

With the festive season getting closer you might be starting to think about buying gifts and getting a head start with your Christmas shopping. As the weather turns chilly and everyone feels like hunkering down indoors, a wool throw or blanket makes the ideal present. So we’ve got a wool throw gift guide to help you choose the perfect one.

For the time-poor mother

Busy mums often find it hard to make time to relax. Give a hardworking mother a supersoft, irresistibly snug wool throw for Christmas and encourage her to slow down a bit. She’ll love getting cosy under this 100% wool blanket, crafted from pure, long-wearing wool and featuring a subtle, timeless tartan pattern. It’s available in a range of colours too, so you can find the perfect match for her home interior.

For the outdoorsy sister

If you’ve got an adventure-loving sister who likes nothing better than camping under the stars or hiking up in the mountains, this alpaca throw is a great choice. Soft to touch but durable enough to withstand being stuffed in a backpack for an outdoor trip, it’s crafted from a blend of warm wool and gentle alpaca. And it will last for years, making memories alongside her as she explores the great outdoors.

For your garden-loving dad

If your dad likes nothing better than getting his hands dirty pulling weeds and potting on seedlings, a wool throw might be just what he needs. Perfect for keeping warm in his shed or on a coffee break outside. It will also double as a picnic rug in summer, so he can prepare a feast of homegrown bounty to share. This one is in a beautiful mossy green – just right for a green-fingered garden fanatic.

For your best friend

What could be nicer than giving your best friend a gift she can wear for months each year? Something that keeps her warm and cosy, and makes her feel cherished. Something that reminds her of the support of her dear friends who know exactly what colours she like to wear and what suits her best. The answer: a luxurious wool scarf.

For the man in your life

A thoughtful gift is a great way to let someone know you love them. Treat the man in your life to a sumptuous, supersoft cashmere throw that you can cuddle up under together. Whether bingeing on your favourite box set or cosying up in bed, add another layer to your relationship.

For more Christmas gift ideas go here, and for more on why wool is a natural choice in winter go here.

And if you’d also like to send warmth to a stranger in need, you can get involved in a UNHCR initiative in collaboration with Kniterate. This British start-up are working alongside the charity and Twitter to generate funds and publicity by offering to weave 500 names into scarves that they will distribute to refugees in North Africa. These people face extreme winter weather and have inadequate housing and clothing. Find out more about knitting for refugees here.

Why Wool is Better For your Skin, as Well as the Planet

October 25, 2019 Tags: choosing wool throws, improved sleep, natural wool, soft wool, Wool care, wool for skin, wool throws No Comments

Many of us are becoming more aware of the horrifying amounts of plastic waste found in our seas and rivers. Some of the particles that find their way into the animal food chain are tiny fibres from polyester and other synthetic fabrics, released when we wash our clothes or bedlinen. Using only natural materials, like cotton, linen and wool in your home can help prevent releasing more plastic into the environment. And these fabrics can also benefit your skin. In this post we’ll be talking about why wool is better for your skin than synthetic fabrics.

Read on to discover why:

Wool is kinder to skin
Your skin will feel less sweaty when you wear wool
Wool blankets help regulate your body temperature, keeping skin comfy
Wool is beneficial for excema sufferers
The idea of wool being an alergen is false

Why wool is kinder to your skin

Recent research has explored how our skin reacts to wool compared with polyester. The study found that the patches of skin exposed to prolonged contact with wool were more hydrated and less inflamed than the areas covered with polyester. Meaning wool is a great choice if you tend to suffer redness and dryness, or if your skin is sensitive.

No more shiny, sweaty skin

Wool wicks away moisture from the skin and releases it back into the air, keeping your skin hydrated but not damp. Superfine wool base layers and wool scarves and hats will keep your skin moisturized but not sweaty or shiny.

Wool blankets regulate body temperature

Not only does wool let your skin breathe, it also traps and then releases heat, keeping your body at the optimal temperature. One UK study stated that as well as sleeping under woollen blankets we should also consider using wool duvets as an alternative to synthetic or feather and down fillings. Again, this is because wool has been proven to keep your body temperature steadier as you snooze, making for a better night’s sleep.

Excema sufferers can benefit from wool

Contrary to the perception some people have of wool being itchy, it can actually be beneficial for people suffering with skin conditions like excema. A study published in 2017 revealed that when people in the trial wore superfine merino wool next to their skin, their symptoms improved. Essaylamba.com researchers think this is connected to how wool displaces moisture from the skin that can result in overdrying, redness and soreness.

Wool is not an alergen

It has been claimed that wool can cause allergies, but researchers have established that this is a myth. Instead, they attributed any symptoms of itchiness or discomfort to the size of the fibres in a fabric rather than the fact that it was wool.

So, for comfortable, calm and happy skin, try wrapping yourself if a cozy wool throw this Fall, or snuggling under a soft wool blanket. Your skin will thank you for it. And you’ll be doing your bit to help the environment too.

What’s the Difference Between Types of Wool?

March 16, 2019 Tags: alpaca wool, angora wool, cashmere, cashmere blankets, choosing wool throws, different types of wool, merino wool blankets, mohair throw, wool throws & blankets No Comments

Don’t know your merino from your mohair? Don’t worry, in this handy guide we’ll explain the differences between the most often-used types of wool. So you can make the right choice, whether you’re looking for a beautiful cosy blanket or a sumptuous sweater.

Mohair

Harvested from the angora goat, mohair is silky, soft and highly insulating. Often used for baby clothes, suits and blankets, mohair is resilient and dirt-resistant. Garments made from mohair have a lovely drape and the fibres take dyes particularly effectively, as well as having gorgeous natural colours.

Merino

Merino sheep are generally found in Australia and New Zealand. The fibres of this wool have small scales, making it a lightweight, fine wool that is perfect for base layers and blankets thanks to its great temperature-regulating properties.

Cashmere

One of the most luxurious types of wool, cashmere comes from the supersoft under layer of wool from the Kashmir goat in India, Tibet, China and Mongolia. Thanks to its softness and warmth cashmere is beloved for its silky feel in scarves, clothing and cashmere throws. Due to its rarity it tends to be more expensive and is less durable than other types of wool.

Lambswool

Taken from the first shearing of a lamb when they are six or seven months old, lambswool is very smooth and soft. It’s also resilient, hypoallergenic and perfect for garments that are worn next to the skin, or for bedding. It can only be harvested once, which makes it more expensive that ordinary sheep wool.

Alpaca

Once originally found in South America, fields of these fluffy, camel-like creatures are now commonplace around the world. Alpaca wool is silky and supersoft, with great insulating properties. It’s often used in blankets, knits and sportswear, and has a lovely range of natural colours. As well as being comfortable to the touch, alpaca wool is strong and pill-resistant.

Angora

Harvested from the angora rabbit, this wool is not to be confused with mohair, that comes from the angora goat. Due to its hollow fibres, angora is very lightweight and fine, and is often blended with other types of wool to make it less fragile. It has great temperature-regulating properties, is warm and cosy, and is resistant to odours.

Wool

If a garment’s label lists it as composed of ‘wool’ it refers to ordinary sheep wool. The scales on this wool are larger, which can make it feel itchy, but it is cheaper and very warm, making it great for larger pieces like wool throws.

To read more about the benefits of wool go here and here.

Why Wool is Wonderful in the Bedroom

February 15, 2019 Tags: bedroom decoration, improved sleep, interior design, sustainable fibre, thermal properties of wool, types of wool, wool blankets, wool throw No Comments

Like your favourite pair of jeans or simple white t-shirt, some things can be counted on to work, time and time again. A wool throw or blanket is one of these trusty companions, whether used as an extra layer of warmth on your bed or tucked over the sofa for cosy evenings in front of the TV.

There’s really nothing better, and simpler, to add to your home. And you can even use a wool throw as the starting point for your interior decoration, particularly in the bedroom. Start with finding the best quality, most luxurious blanket you can get, then pick out colours from the pattern or, if it’s in a block colour, use this as the basis for your palette. Draped over your bed in winter it will pull together the whole space, and in warmer months you can use it instead of the duvet or fold it over just the bottom section of the bed.

A wool throw is a timeless addition to your home, and can create a cosy, homely feel in the bedroom. Conjuring up memories of childhood picnics, travel adventures, camping trips and family movie nights, there is something wonderfully nostalgic about a woolly blanket. And it’s perfect for an intimate, quiet space such as a bedroom.

Whilst the initial outlay may be more than the price of a synthetic throw, you will get many years more use from a quality wool throw, as well as all the inherent natural advantages of this magical fibre.

Not only is wool a sustainable choice for bedding, it can actually help you sleep better. This is due to wool’s temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties, which keep you comfortable and sleeping more deeply. Research has also shown that not only do people sleep more deeply with wool bedding, they also fall asleep more quickly. And all members of the family can benefit too: studies have revealed that babies also sleep more soundly when lying on top of a wool underlay or topper.

Bedrooms can attract high levels of condensation, particularly in winter, as we release lots of water as we breathe throughout the night. A wool blanket is mildew and mold resistant, so will keep your bedroom looking and smelling fresh. Wool is also antimicrobial, naturally fire-retardant and very easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for bedding.

A stunning wool throw will not only enhance the look of your bedroom, it will help you feel better too, improving your quality of sleep and making you feel safe and snug.

How to Deal With Pilling and Bobbling on Wool

December 11, 2018 Tags: caring for wool, how to prevent pilling, Wool care No Comments

If your wool clothes or home textiles have annoying bobbling or are looking older than they should, we’ve got some tips on how to prevent and get rid of pilling. Caused by broken fibres bunching together to form tiny balls, pills and bobbles often occur in areas of high friction, like the cuffs and armpits of sweaters. Pilling is more common in mixed fibre textiles, especially those that include polyester. Synthetic fibres are more prone to bobbling, so choose natural fabrics like linen or wool whenever possible.

Once a garment has bobbles the little balls will just keep on getting bigger, as other broken fibres from different items are attracted to them. This can result in pills that are different colours than the original garment, as bits of fluff and fuzz from other things become attached to the existing bobbles.

Thankfully, pilling is pretty easy to deal with. Firstly, it’s important to try to avoid it in the first place. Here’s how to avoid pilling on wool garments:

Wash the item inside out on a gentle/ wool cycle, or hand wash if possible. The less friction it meets the less it will bobble.
Use a specialist detergent for wool or delicates.
Don’t overload your washing machine as this can damage the fibres, and wash delicates with other similar items rather than harder-wearing garments like denim, or things with zips.
Use a fabric conditioner. This will coat the wool fibres and reduce static and friction.
Air dry, don’t tumble dry. Heat and friction will damage the fibres and cause pilling.
Never use bleach on wool items as this weakens the fibres and can make them more likely to break and pill.

If your beloved wool sweater or woollen blanket does have some bobbling and needs perking up, here are some tips on getting rid of pilling:

Use a fabric comb or electric fabric shaver to carefully remove the bobbles.
Using a sharp standard razor, hold the garment taut and gently shave off the pills. Collect the cut-offs with a lint roller or adhesive tape.
For mild pilling adhesive tape, a head lice comb or a velcro hair roller are effective (and cheap) ways to remove pills.
If you’re travelling and need a quick bobble fix, use the rough part of a velcro fastening to remove bobbles from an item.

For more tips on how to care for wool clothes and throws, and on how to treat stains go here and here.

Your Ultimate Wool Throw Gift Guide

November 13, 2018 Tags: alpaca throws, christmas gifts, merino blankets, mohair throw, wool blanket, Wool for Christmas, wool guide, Wool Throw Guide, wool throws No Comments

If you’re trying to get ahead of the game and make a start with your Christmas gift buying, here’s our ultimate gift guide. We can help you choose the perfect wool throw for your family members or friends, and give them a gift they can enjoy for years to come. In fact, we can’t think of many better things to give at Christmas than a soft, snuggly blanket crafted from the finest materials that will keep your loved ones feeling cozy and pampered. A new wool throw will become part of their own Christmas and wintertime traditions, from curling up under it to watch a holiday movie, to tucking in an excited child who has just hung up their stocking for Santa.

So, here’s what we’re putting on our present-buying list this year:

For Mum

Busy mothers can find they’ve barely stopped all day. From the pressures of work to the demands of small children, this time of year can be even more exhausting than normal. Even mums of grown-up kids can still find it hard to properly unwind. Give a mother in your life the gift of a peaceful, precious, moment of relaxation with this supersoft throw. Encourage them to take time out for themselves with a book or a podcast, tucked up and cared for, instead of doing all the caring.

For a mother who loves being in Nature a wool throw is a great present. They can lie back on it and watch the clouds or spread out a picnic feast for friends in the park. It will keep them warm on chilly evenings round a campfire, and can provide an impromptu sleeping blanket for a slumbering babe.

For Dad

If there’s a dad in your life who loves the outdoors, whether fishing, hiking or camping wild, give him one of these warm, durable alpaca blankets as a companion on his adventures. For dads who like to hunker down with their kids reading stories, a wool throw will not only keep them all snug, it can double as a fort if attention wanders.

For the traveller

For the travel-loving, active person in your life a trusty wool throw can be packed up in their bag of essential kit and will double as a picnic blanket, shawl and extra bedding if they’re sleeping out under the stars. Whether bundled into a backpack or rolled up in a tote, every adventurer needs this versatile piece of kit. And not only are our throws practical and hard-wearing, they’re great-looking too.

For the interior design fan

If you need a gift for an interiors fan who loves browsing Pinterest for ideas on home improvements or flicking through the latest Elle Deco, then look no further. A beautiful mohair wool throw can instantly refresh the look of a bedroom or sitting room. Draped, tucked or folded, this is the ideal gift for someone with their finger on the design pulse.

For the lover of fine things

For someone who loves the finer things in life, a cashmere throw is the ultimate luxurious gift. They will love the exquisite softness and quality of our cashmere throw, and you will love the price. This is a keepsake gift to treasure for now and well into the future. A truly special present.

For someone who is all of these

Really, most of us love to surround ourselves with beautiful things made from the best, natural, materials. We want to feel loved, safe and sheltered, as well as to protect those around us. Sometimes we feel like hibernating and other times we crave adventure. A Woolme wool throw can do all of this, whatever mood we’re in and whatever life brings us in that moment. Which makes it pretty much the perfect gift for everybody, no?

5 Reasons Why Wool is Not Just for Winter

April 13, 2018 Tags: benefits of merino wool, cashmere throws, home decorating with wool, wool base layers, wool for spring, wool throws, wool throws for picnic, wool yarn 1 Comment

Despite the seemingly endless winter there are definite signs that Spring is afoot: tulips and primroses dotting gardens and lanes, longer evenings, ducklings paddling along behind their mamas, loud and joyful birdsong, and when the sun does shine there’s a power to it that just isn’t there in winter. It might seem like the time to be packing away your woollen blankets and clothes, storing them carefully for the Autumn. But don’t rush for the suitcases and packing bags just yet. Wool is not just for Winter.

Here are 5 reasons why we love wool in the Spring and Summer too:

1.Chilly evenings

Even late into Spring the evenings can still have a chill in the air. Once the central heating goes off and you’ve burned all your firewood it can be lovely to reach for a cosy woollen blanket as you read in bed, or curl up on the sofa in front of a movie. A natural wool throw will help you make this transition from fully heated house to flinging open the windows, keeping you warm when it’s time to hunker down.

2.Outdoor adventures

spring wool throw

As Spring gets underway we start planning camping trips and picnic outings. A wool throw is never far from hand on these outdoor adventures, whether used as an extra layer over a sleeping bag, or as the base for a casual picnic with friends. And woolly socks are pretty much essentials if you are sleeping outdoors as they will keep your feet toasty all night long, which means you will sleep better. Wool helps to regulate body temperature and wicks moisture away from your body, meaning you won’t wake up sweaty and overheated.

3.Stylish interiors

A less-than pristine sofa or chair can be given a new lease of life with the simple addition of a wool throw. Choose contrasting colours to make a statement, or opt for something neutral that adds a note of muted texture and tone. If you don’t want the expense of re-upholstering a chair, a throw is a great way to get the look you want at a fraction of the price. And if you change your mind in the future you can simply use the throw elsewhere and replace it with something new.

4.Sporty layers

merino wool base layer

Merino wool is much-loved by sportspeople, from runners to cyclists, hikers to climbers. Thanks to its superfine yarn it can be spun into lightweight layers that are ideal for wearing as a base layer, providing some extra warmth but with no extra bulk. Wool is anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking so you will feel fresh and dry, and if there is a sudden downpour it will keep the rain off you while you dash for shelter.

5.Getting crafty

Now might be the time to take up a new craft or hobby, like knitting or crochet. These crafts are easy to learn and can be very relaxing. You can take your project with you wherever you go too, from the bus ride to work to sitting in a children’s play area watching your kids. Natural wool is a great basis for simple garments like scarves and cushion covers, and once you’ve honed your skills you can use the huge range of different woollen yarns to create beautiful handmade items that you – and others- will really treasure.

So, whilst it might be a good time to retire your chunky woollen sweaters, don’t rush to pack away the wool. There’s plenty more use for those wool throws, cosy socks, fine base layers and balls of yarn yet.

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