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wool blanket

Softening a Wool Throw

December 7, 2020 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

Do you have one particular wool throw that you love for its colours and pattern but that just feels too itchy to use? We at WoolMe produce sumptuously soft throws and blankets, but if you buy one elsewhere that isn’t pleasant on the skin, we’ve got the solution. Discover how to soften a wool throw and make it ultra-cosy and huggable.

how to care for wool throw

The softness of a wool throw will depends on the structure of the wool fibres. Different types of wool have varying sizes of fibres, measured in microns. The lower the micron value, the softer the wool. If you have a wool throw or blanket it’s probably partly due to having coarse fibres. But some chemicals used in wool processing can result in wool feeling uncomfortable to touch. To return it to its natural, pretreated softness, try this clever hack:

Learn this wool throw softening trick

  • Fill your bathroom tub with lukewarm water and add 1 tablespoon of a gentle, no-rinse wool detergent containing lanolin. This is a natural softener derived from sheep that creates the protective layer of waxy substance that is found on their wool fleeces. For an extra softness boost, add a nut-sized portion of leave-in hair conditioner to the water, and mix.
  • Gently swoosh the water around to combine the detergent and conditioner.
  • Place your wool throw in the tub and hold it under the water for a few seconds to ensure the fibres absorb the wash solution.
  • Leave the wool throw to soak for 15-20 minutes. Really thick wool may need to soak for up to half an hour.
  • Remove the throw from the tub, gently pressing out any water. Do not wring or pull the fabric. Lay it flat between two bedsheets or towels somewhere sheltered and warm to dry out. Avoid direct sunlight when drying any woollen garments.
  • Once your wool throw is dry it should be super-soft and snuggly. Perfect for curling up with on the sofa this Winter, or for adding an extra layer of comfy warmth to your bed. If you want even more softness, repeat the process.

how to soften a wool blanket

Knowing how to soften a wool throw is particularly useful if you have young children or sensitive skin. You can use the same technique on woolly jumpers or scarves too, just make sure you don’t pull the garment out of shape when wet.

Understanding how wool fibres work and how to care for wool products means you can get the best from your textiles. Not only will they feel lovely against your skin, they will stay strong and last longer, making them a sustainable choice for the modern home.

Find out more about looking after wool throws and blankets here.

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Merino Wool Throws – How to Unshrink

November 1, 2020 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

It’s the worst feeling isn’t it? You open the washing machine or dyer and realise your favourite wool sweater, cosy winter socks or beautiful merino wool throw has shrunk. But don’t despair. We can show you how to unshrink a sweater or wool throw and restore it to its former glory.

Shrinking a wool throw or a garment often happens when it is washed or tumble dried in unsuitably warm temperatures. It is still may be possible to restore the original size of your merino wool throw or garment. Depending on a range of factors, it is possible to increase your throw or sweater by as much as a size and a half using this process (which can also work for other wool knit objects).

So, what is this magic-sounding process? Follow these steps to unshrink a wool throw, and remember to be gentle with your wool throws, blankets and clothing in the future.

How to unshrink a sweater or wool throw

  • Fill a bath tub with lukewarm water – there should be enough water to cover the item you wish to unshrink.
  • Now a little trick: Take your hair conditioner and add a generous amount of it to the water. If you also want to freshen the wool throw, and some mild detergent. The secret is that the hair conditioner will relax and loosen the wool yarns. This will allow you to re-size the blanket or knit item without deteriorating its shape. Agitate the water well with your hands to dissolve and mix the detergent and hair conditioner.

unshrink merino wool throw

  • Submerge your merino wool throw or garment in the water and gently knead it for some time. Once you’ve worked the conditioner and detergent mixture into the fibers, drain the water from the bath tub.
  • Gently press the throw against the bottom and sides of the tub to remove the excess water, then take the item out from the tub.
  • Lay the throw flat on a large bath towel or linen throw (or any large piece of fabric) and place another piece of fabric on top. Press down  and continue to squeeze water out of the throw until both the upper and lower pieces of fabric have absorbed most of the moisture. If necessary, repeat this with dry pieces of cloth or towels.

unshrink wool throw

  • Now the important part. Lay the wool throw on a flat soft surface (e.g. a rug or bed) and gently pull it back into the desired shape and size. Stretch it very gently in all directions, trying to make the edges straight and symmetrical. If you are unshrinking a wool sweater or cardigan, concentrate your efforts on the sleeves, bottom edges and neckline – or any areas you think have shrunk the most. Allow the item to lie flat for a few minutes, then repeat the stretching one or two more times before it dries completely.
  • To end the procedure, wash the throw in cold water by hand or using a gentle machine cycle on low temperatures to remove the leftovers of hair conditioner. Reshape it again and lie flat to dry before using.

With these simple steps you might just be able to unshrink your merino wool throw or lambswool blanket. To avoid this happening again, always read the manufacturer’s care instructions and use mild detergent. For tips on washing wool throws in washing machine here.

 

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And Breathe! Why Wool is the Natural Choice

January 17, 2019 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

Do you ever find that sometimes the simplest solution is right there, under your nose? While scientists and researchers strive to develop ever-more innovative new fabrics and materials for fashion and interiors, we think the best and most natural choice is one that we’ve used and enjoyed for thousands of years: wool.

Not only is wool a more sustainable, biodegradable fabric than synthetics, it also works in harmony with your body. So you can stay comfortable, warm and cosy without overheating. The main reason that we don’t get unpleasantly hot (unlike when wearing some manmade fibres) with wool is that it allows your skin to breathe. In fact, it’s almost as if wool itself is breathing. Here’s how it works:

Wool’s natural absorbency

why wool lets your skin breathe

Wool has a very high absorbency, which means it wicks away sweat and moisture from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. This moisture is slowly released back into the air, meaning you avoid the chills and shivers that can occur after exercise when you start to cool off. As the body’s humidity reduces, the process of absorbing moisture creates warmth within the wool – it has been claimed that 1kg of dry wool can generate the same amount of heat as an electric blanket heated for eight hours!

By releasing warm moisture into the air, rather than allowing it to stick to the skin, wool helps regulate your body temperature. As moisture is released and heat is generated, the ensuing evaporation cools the body.

Insulating properties

wool base layers thermals

Because the fibres in wool are crimped, they trap air in tiny pockets. This creates an insulating layer, which is why wool is not only great for clothing and blankets, but also makes excellent wall insulation in the home. This is why wool is often found in jackets or used to create fine undergarments for people in extreme or changeable temperatures, like mountain climbing.

Odour resistance

Another amazing quality of woollen fabrics, according to azithromycin.net is the anti-microbial function. Thanks to wool’s ability to release moisture back into the air more quickly and effectively than many synthetics, sweat doesn’t stick around long enough for bacteria to form. Which means no unpleasant odours, just a fresh feeling. Whether you’re skiing at altitude or riding the rush hour commute, choosing wool means you’ll stay just the right temperature.

So, whether you’re looking for a lightweight base layer, a wool scarf for winter, or want to find a cosy wool throw to hunker down on chilly evenings, wool is the natural choice. From finest luxurious cashmere to sumptuously soft merino wool, there’s a good reason why humans have loved and used wool throughout history. It’s not only temperature-regulating, it’s also easy to care for. Simply follow the care instructions on each garment, dry flat and out of sunlight, and gently remove any pilling. If looked after properly your woollen blankets and clothing will last for years, keeping you cosy and comfortable whatever the weather – and life – may throw at you.

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Your Ultimate Wool Throw Gift Guide

November 13, 2018 Tags: , , , , , , , , 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

luxury wool throw gift - wool throw guide

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

alpaca wool throw - wool throw guide

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

mohair throw christmas - wool throw guide

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

cashmere throw christmas gift

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?

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Why Wool is Good for You

February 1, 2018 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Wool is definitely one of the most popular natural materials known but not many of us know the actual benefits of using wool products daily. If you have not known a lot about wool get ready for some knowledge – we are about to introduce you to wool, the durable natural material.

Wool

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Things You Did Not Know About Merino Wool

January 22, 2018 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Merino wool is considered to be one of the finest and softest types of wool available. On top of its unique qualities merino is great for all seasons and is even considered as one of the best bedding materials. Today we are presenting you some additional info about the unique type of wool – merino.

Merino wool

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Playing with Wool: Four new crafts to learn this winter

January 19, 2018 Tags: , , , , , No Comments

Now that the excitement of Christmas and New Year is over we thought it would be fun to find some winter wool crafts to keep us all busy through the long, dark evenings. There’s something rather wonderful about being quietly ensconced on the sofa, curled up under a cosy wool blanket and being creative rather than just passively watching the TV. Here are some ideas for things to do with wool that will not only keep you entertained whilst you craft, but that will make lovely new things for your home and wardrobe.

wool yarn knitting craft - wool crafts

Latch-hook rug making

With the recent resurgence in all things 1970s in fashion and interior design how about embracing the trend and having a go at latch-hook rug making? Popular as a hobby since the 1930s rather than merely done out of necessity (as it had been for hundreds of years), latch-hook rug making became super fashionable in the 1970s with the introduction of cheaper acrylic yarns. It’s a brilliant way to use up and recycle old wool, whether oddments left over from other projects or unravelled wool from old sweaters.

Rugs are made by pulling strips of yarn through a base fabric (usually hessian or canvas) using a hinged hook to create a knot. You can follow a painted canvas if you want more guidance, or work on a blank background from a pattern. There are instructions on how to do latch-hook rug making here, along with lots of interesting historical information. It looks like the perfect craft to do on a rainy winter’s day.

crafting with wool winter - wool crafts(pic and rug design by Sarah Hartwell)

Wool felting

Another great way to recycle old woollen garments or blankets that have seen better days, wool felting will remind you of school science lessons when you magically turned something into another substance. Wool is composed of scaly fibres which, when heated and rubbed together or washed in hot soapy water, will shrink and bond together irreversibly. Think of your favourite cashmere sweater, turned to a doll-sized accessory by an accidental hot wash, or the angora socks that found their way into the tumble dryer by accident. The stiffness and matted feel comes from this binding of the fibres into wool felt.

To create felt deliberately you simply apply this same principle. You can knit something in wool and then machine wash on purpose to turn it into felt. You can ‘wet felt’ by hand, teasing and then rubbing the fibres together vigorously in soap and water. Larger scale operations produce felt by using a barbed felting needle. Once you’ve got the felt you can make endless lovely things, from purses to teddies, brooches to Christmas decorations. You’ll find some ideas and more suggestions here.

wool craft - felting

Knitting

Once you’ve learned the basic technique knitting is a fantastic craft. You can click away whilst cozied up in front of the TV, or use your commute to develop a new skill and make something for yourself. Scarves and hats are good things to try first, and then you can build up to more complex patterns once you’ve mastered the basics. It is relaxing and calming too, and a lovely way to make personal gifts for loved ones. Head over to this beautiful blog for inspiration, and check out Ravelry for ideas and patterns. There are lots of tutorials on Youtube, and your local library will have pattern books that you can borrow.

Crochet

Quicker than knitting and just as fun, crochet is a great way to make things, from cushion covers to rugs, as well as scarves and gifts. Using yarn and a crochet hook you simply learn the appropriate stitch for the project, building up to more complex patterns once you are confident with the basic stitches. This is a good place to start.

wool craft - crochet

If you want to take your wool crafting out of your home and meet other creative people this is the time to take up making. There are lots of lovely-looking craft cafés springing up all across the world, where people can meet and make things as they drink coffee and talk. An international community that is growing around creativity and wanting to learn something new, and where you can find inspiration for all sorts of projects. For readers in the US this website has lots of resources about wool craft, as well as a fun podcast. Just search online for ‘craft cafés’ in your local area and you will come across places like this in Leeds, UK.

Whilst a full-size wool throw might be a bit ambitious, there’s nothing to stop you whipping up something easy and beautiful, as well as learning a new skill. The perfect way to start a new year.

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Decorating Your Home for Winter

December 31, 2017 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

With winter being the cosiest season of them all you might find yourself desperately gazing at the electric fireplaces and wool socks at the stores. While there is no way to enjoy winter for longer you can still enjoy the cosy season in style. Here you will find some tips on decorating your home for winter to warm up both your body and soul.

sheepskin

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Benefits of Sleeping Under a Wool Throw

May 22, 2016 Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments

While summer is getting closer and closer every day the weather surely is playing tricks on us making us wear lightweight dresses one day and warm jackets the other one. With weather getting warm most of us start thinking about throwing our warm clothes and sheets into the darkest corners of our closets.

sdbdg

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