WOOL PROPERTIES
Important to communities since prehistoric times, sheep were originally valued for their meat & milk. Over time and with selective breeding the sheep's coats grew from short and coarse origins, to longer length, softer fleeces. This wool fibre was then long enough be spun into yarns or various thicknesses and qualities, which could be woven or knitted into various textiles for the home and wearer. Wool textiles were usually softer, were warmer than flax garments, and the wool fibre’s ability to absorb colour, allowed it to be dyed in both a greater variety & intensity of shades.
Wool Textile Development...
From a practical view, a single person with the help of a dog could manage relatively easily large herds of sheep.
Sheep rearing had advantage in that poor quality land unsuitable for cultivation could still be good for grazing flocks. Sheep were also adaptable, surviving both in dry and moderately mountainous environments as well as humid and windy grassland areas.
This development of the wool textile industry, changed not only the individual’s appearance, it also grew economies and increased trade.
Textile technologies developed, as did production methods, tool & techniques, all of which combined allowed for an increasing array of wool home & clothing textiles to be produced.
And why do so many of us enjoy wool....
BIODEGRADABLE
Environmental awareness is important, we are all well aware of the “islands of plastic”. With Wool, when disposed of in soil, it will naturally decompose in a short time, breaking down to release valuable nutrients into the ground.
TRANS-SEASONAL COMFORT
Wool is a hygroscopic fibre. As the humidity in the air changes, the fibre compensates absorbing and releasing water vapour. Wool constantly reacts to changes in body temperature, maintaining its wearer’s thermos-physical comfort in both cold and warm weather.
BREATHABLE
Wool fibres are crimped, when spun in a yarn & made into garments, this tightly packed “crimping” contains millions of tiny pockets of air. Combined with the fibres unique structure allows it to absorb and release moisture (up to 30% of it’s weight), keeping the wearer comfortable. This also has a positive impact on sleep quality, with various studies showing that wool provided comfort by cooling when it was warm, and providing warmth when it was cool.
ALLERGIES & FLAME RETARDANCY
Wool is naturally safe. It is not known to cause allergies and does not promote the growth of bacteria. Thanks to its high water and nitrogen content, wool is naturally flame-retardant, having a far higher ignition point than many other fibres.
wool today
Even after thousands or years, research still continues to be done on wool, it’s chemical structure, insulating and moisture absorption properties. Having worked with wool & cashmere fibres for many years, worn, gardened & slept in them, they truly live up to their reputation of comfort, softness & warmth.
