The terms “wool throws” and “wool blankets” seem to be synonyms of the same thing – a textile covering made of wool. Is that really so? What are the differences between a wool throw and a wool blanket? While the exact definitions are still subject to discussion, there are some general guidelines for the terms, so let’s see them.
A wool throw is most often used for our indoor life – to cover up while taking a nap, wrap oneself while reading or watching TV, placing neatly on an armchair as an interior detail etc. But wool throws can be very handy outdoors as well. Lets talk about camping!
First of all, we do not recommend taking one of your precious alpaca throws or angora throws out to the woods! One always has a cheap wool throw bought in second-hand shop or discounted wool throw maybe with some defects around the house. Pack those for your camping trip! As long as they are made of pure wool, they will do the job perfectly.
As you all probably know alpaca throws are made out of alpaca animal (which are bread in the mountains of Peru) wool. Being soft and smooth as well as very warm, alpaca throws are appreciated addition to every home.
Items made from alpaca wool fibers can retain heat and regulate the body temperature and therefore they are perfect companions in chilly winter weather.
Interesting fact is that the age of the animal does not determine the softness of the fur – both young and old animals provide alpaca wool that is suitable to make very soft products like alpaca throws, alpaca blankets, alpaca garment.
Curling up on a sofa after a hectic day with a warm and cozy wool throw is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Similar to slipping into a nice warm bath – heavenly. Quality wool throw provides luxurious comfort and helps to relax. If this is what you wish to your closest – include wool throws and blankets to your Christmas gifts list.
Wool throws & blankets are used not only to cover oneself on chilly evenings – they are perfect as duvets in colder months. Or as an extra layer on a top of a duvet. There are only little alternatives to a pure wool throw to keep one warm at night. Unlike man made bedding, wool blanket won’t slide around and end up on the floor, sleeping under a pure wool blanket is like being gently hugged you as one sleeps. Wool has natural breathing properties. It traps warmth in the winter, but also lets air flow through wool, preventing one from overheating in the summer.
When shopping for blankets the natural wish is to select the best one. As wool throws and other blankets are quite costly to buy, it’s wise to know beforehand what types of throws & blankets exist and then decide which one we exactly want. So, check out the list:
Alpaca throws and clothing are on high demand and popular for several reasons. The alpaca wool fibers are similar to ones of sheep but warmer and do not have poky fibers that make other wool fabrics itchy and not that comfortable to wear.
Alpaca wool products make a perfect choice for those who have skin and other allergies but still want to wear wool or use it at home. Sheep’s wool is full of lanolin and this makes it unsuitable for allergic people or those with sensitive skin to wear. Simple as it seems, this is still an important reason that contributes to popularity of alpaca throws, blankets, clothing and accessories.
Wool and products made of it (like wool throws, blankets, wool clothing) are experiencing a revival some last years as the textile market is in a great demand of natural materials. Wool throws and blankets were used for many centuries to keep people warm. By discovering and implementing the method of cutting and combing people started the extensive use of wool to make things that bring warmth and coziness as well as protection. Throws and blankets are among the most popular wool products. Angora, alpaca throws, even cashmere throws found their places is many homes.
To consider oneself a wool-educated person, one has to know the main attributes of wool.
Every autumn and winter, lots of people look for at least one or two additional layers to put on in order to keep warm and stay healthy. Very often a layer of those is made from wool – sheep wool. Unfortunately, it is apparent that most people have never heard of alpaca wool, angora wool or cashmere wool.
Alpaca animal resembles a llama and both originated in the southern Andes, areas that today are part of Peru and Bolivia. In later years alpacas have been most successfully exported to many other countries – e.g. the United States, Australia, and are now bred for their exquisite wool.
Alpaca is an animal of the camelid family which lives in the high altitudes of the South American Andes. They are gentle creatures appreciated for their ability to produce a superb, heavy fleece of fine, strong fiber that is considered one of the most luxurious in the world. Alpaca fleece is used to produce a variety of products and 100% alpaca throws are among the most popular. Alpaca wool lacks lanolin and this makes it hypoallergenic. And the presence of tiny air pockets in the fiber ensures not only lightness of the wool, but also its excellent insulation properties. All this results in quality alpaca throws that are unbelievably soft and ideal for keeping one nice and comfy when there’s a chill in the air!
Alpaca wool comes in a variety of colors – solid white, black and different shades of them as well as mixes of brown and grey in between.
It is difficult nowadays to imagine a home without a wool throw or two. Although many types of wool are used in wool blankets and throws production, alpaca throws are considered among the best. Apart from superb qualities of alpaca wool, alpaca throws are appreciated for their smoothness and elegant looks.
You can read about the qualities of alpaca wool yarn in one of our previous articles. But in short – alpaca wool is collected from a South American animal alpaca that is grown in the Andes specifically for their high quality fiber which had been used for textile items and clothing for ages.