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Alpaca Throws

4 Beautiful Ways to Style Your Wool Throw

March 30, 2018 Tags: , , , , No Comments

A pure wool throw is one of those things that every household should have. Versatile, stylish, cosy and long-lasting, a wool throw is more than just a blanket.

It’s a comfort when you are ill and tucked up in bed. It’s something to snuggle up with your loved ones under on Film Night. It’s a fort. It’s a picnic blanket to lie back on in a summer’s field. It’s something to wrap yourself in around a campfire. It’s a way to freshen up a tired sofa or bedroom. We wouldn’t be without one. Or two.

Here’s four beautiful ways to style your wool throw:

1.Draped over a sofa

wool throw sofa style

Draping a wool throw over the back or seat of your sofa will brighten up the sofa and can unify the colour scheme of the room. If you have a minimalist, neutral room then a simple throw in mustard and grey can add a gentle wash of colour without dominating the room. If you love bold colours go for contrasting tones and patterns with a wool throw in multicolours. And it will be readily on hand if you need a bit of extra warmth in the evening while you read, talk or catch up on a box set. If you want extra textures add some pure wool sheepskins and linen cushions.

2.Out on a picnic

Wool is hardwearing, anti-bacterial and can be easily spot-cleaned, which makes a wool throw an ideal picnic blanket. Simply roll up, add some napkins, plate and cutlery, and you’ve got an Insta-worthy picnic right there. Choose an alpaca or merino wool blanket for extra comfort as you recline and watch the clouds scud across the sky, or share some fresh bread and cheese with friends. When you’re done, just give the throw a good shake and wipe off any spills, then store ready for your next outdoor adventure.

3.On your bed

wool throw linen throw

A lovely way to create a calm mood in a bedroom is to use similar colours in your bedlinen. Crisp whites or soft blues and greys will still the mind and help you feel rested. A throw in complementary tones will add to this harmonious feel. Here we’ve styled a bed in supersoft linen bedlinen and added a throw in a slightly darker colour to keep things simple but to add a layer of luxurious colour and texture.

4.Over a chair

Use a lovely wool throw to disguise an old upholstered chair if you want a change of scene but don’t want to go the whole hog and get it reupholstered. Easy to wash and care for, a wool throw will cover all manner of sins on a piece of pre-loved furniture. They also look welcoming and homely folded neatly over the arm of a chair or sofa, as if inviting guests and family alike to get comfy and make themselves at home.

How do you use your wool throws at home? Any fun or stylish uses we haven’t thought of?

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From Lambs to Lagom: Why wool is everywhere this Spring

March 16, 2018 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

There are few more happy-making things than seeing new lambs frolicking in their fields. As Spring approaches we take a celebratory look at why wool is everywhere this season, from lambs to lagom.

lambswool spring

Lambswool

Fluffy white lambs are one of the traditional Eastertime symbols, adorning cards and merchandising everywhere. We love their carefree tumbling and their gangly legs, and they represent rebirth and renewal as the seasons turn. While these new additions won’t be shorn in their first year, their fleeces will be perfect for shearing next year. This will produce the supersoft lambswool so beloved by fashion and home textile makers. The older sheep will be shorn shortly after the lambing season is over, ready for the warmer weather. This wool will then be sorted, washed, picked and combed in preparation for dyeing. The lifecycle of your wool throw or cosy sweater begins with these little bundles of fun gambolling around the countryside.

Lagom

Replacing ‘hygge‘ as the new Scandi-inspired trend, ‘lagom’ offers more than a moment of comfort or happiness. The concept of lagom comes from Sweden and is a longer-term idea of finding balance and peace by just having enough. Translated it means ‘just the right amount’. To live with lagom means to avoid excessive consumerism, to create a balance between work and personal time, to be moderate and frugal. It has inspired people to live more sustainably, choosing clothes and homewares that have a reduced impact on the environment. Like natural wool. Living more sustainably means buying good quality items that will have a long lifetime, things that are produced with are as free from harm as possible. Wool is a durable, long-lasting material, and means that those investment pieces, like wool picnic blankets or baby throws, will keep on looking beautiful for years. There’s a simplicity to wool that chimes perfectly with the idea of lagom. Just right.

pure wool throw

Lightweight wool

As the weather warms up you may not need your really chunky knitwear but there is still a place for woollies. Spring can bring sudden changes in temperature, with snowfall and frosts still a possibility. The answer here is to wear layers and to include lightweight wool garments made from merino wool. This is less bulky whilst retaining all the benefits of wool: temperature regulation, moisture wicking, durable, dirt-repellant. You can get highly sophisticated sportswear ‘skins’ made from merino wool to wear as a base layer, or opt for a simple transitional piece like a merino sweater paired with a linen shirt or bigger cardigan if it’s chilly.

Lazy evenings

Despite the fact that the evenings are lighter for longer, there is still something delicious about curling up indoors under a warm, soft wool throw after a long day. Whether you love to read or catch up with the latest Instagram stories, creating a moment of stillness and cosiness in the evening is great for your wellbeing. It’s not quite warm enough to sit outside in the evenings where we are, but it won’t be long. And you can be sure we’ll have blankets, hot drinks and food at the ready.

mauricio-fanfa

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7 Fun Ways to Celebrate the New Year

December 29, 2017 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

With the festive season now in full swing, it’s time to turn our attention to New Year’s Eve. You may have a traditional way of seeing in the new year, but if you are looking for some fresh ideas about how you can celebrate the coming of 2018, read on. We’ve chosen 7 fun things you could do, with something for everyone from nature-lovers and homebods to party people.

fun ways to celebrate new year's eve

1.For a romantic New Year’s Eve à deux

If you feel exhausted by the idea of yet another busy party with fildena 100mg pills, why not stay in with your partner for the night? Share the cooking and have something unusual for dinner. Then snuggle up under a cosy blanket with a bottle of Proseco and a classic festive film, like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ or ‘When Harry Met Sally’. String up a sprig of mistletoe for a midnight kiss and the perfect romantic way to usher in another year.

2.For nature-lovers

In Japanese culture the first sunrise of a new year holds magical powers, bestowing good fortune for the coming months upon those who witness it. Steal away for the night to somewhere with an incredible view, and watch the sunrise. Take hot water bottles, a flask of soup and a drop or two of something warming, and sit under a woolly throw gazing at stars until the dawn breaks. You could choose somewhere dramatic like Stonehenge in the UK, the breathtaking Cape Inubo in Japan, mystical Ayers Rock in Australia or Bryce Canyon in Arizona. Or for something closer to home, simply head for the nearest beach, high hill or tranquil riverside.

sunrise new years eve

3.For party-animals

Some people just love to gather together their favourite people and celebrate in style with food, drink and music. For a party that embraces the fun aspect of fancy dress without causing your guests costume-induced stress, you could throw a ‘Hats, Tatts and Tashes’ party. People can come in a hat (of any kind, from a flamboyant sombrero to a jaunty top hat), or wear a fake tattoo (or sporting their real ones) or choose to adorn themselves with a novelty moustache. Simple bits of dress-up like this give your guests the perfect ice-breaker without making them go to too much trouble. Though there will always be someone who comes in all three.

4.For the escapists

You might want to get away from it all and escape to a country retreat for some peace and seasonal hygge. These cottages look divine, or you could hire a larger house and go with a couple of other families for a fun weekend away. Think scenic countryside, roaring log fires, good places to eat nearby, beautiful walks and lazy mornings with the newspapers and lots of coffee.

5.For the time-poor

If you are having people over for dinner on New Year’s Eve but realise you just won’t have time to cook, several companies will deliver or prepare (and you collect) delicious dinner-party-ready meals with a homecooked vibe. Whether you choose to fess up or pretend you whipped up the feast yourself is your own business… Try Cook in the UK or Magic Kitchen in the USA.

6.For the family

If you are celebrating with the kids gather up some classic board games and spend the evening being silly together. These games are always hilarious: Articulate, Headbandz, Twister, Cranium Junior and Cluedo. Order take-away pizza for a proper treat, so everyone can join the fun without someone dashing out to stir things in the kitchen. Get some indoor sparklers for a bit of midnight countdown excitement.

family new years eve

7.For the morning after

If New Year’s Eve just doesn’t do it for you but you’d like to celebrate somehow, you could hold a New Year’s Day brunch instead. Invite friends round mid-morning and keep a rolling pot of coffee on the stove. Serve fresh orange juice and ready-made frozen pastries that you can warm up at the last minute, sling some sausages and bacon in a low oven and serve with scrambled eggs and toasted bagels. Go for minimum fuss and maximum chilled-outness.

Whatever you do and however you spend New Year’s Eve, we at WoolMe hope you have a very happy 2018. Wishing you a year filled with joy, good health and prosperity.

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Do You Recycle Your Wool Textiles?

December 8, 2017 Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

If you are doing a pre-Christmas clear out to make room for new lovely gifts, stop for a moment before you throw anything away. It might be that that ancient jersey with a hole in the sleeve, the much-loved wool throw that has become a bit threadbare or those cashmere socks that have shrunk in the wash, could have a whole new life. Here are some thoughts on how and why we should recycle our old wool textiles.

It has been estimated that around 3.3million tonnes of textile waste goes into landfill every year in the USA alone. Whilst wool makes up only a small percentage of this, reusing and recycling 2million tonnes per year of unwanted textiles could reduce carbon emissions by the same amount as taking 1million cars off the road. Pretty mind-blowing, no? Wool is a natural fibre and is the most easily reused of all textile fibres. In fact we have been recycling wool for hundreds of years.

So if you want to know what to do with your old woollies, this is the lowdown.

recycle wool textiles

Upcycling wool

If you are crafty, or have clever friends, give your old woollen textiles to them. Wool can be felted and made into all sorts of things, or unravelled and re-knitted into something new. Pinterest and Etsy are brilliant for inspiration for up cycling projects – if you’re quick you might even have time to make some decorations or Christmas gifts!

upcycling wool christmas - recycle wool

Donating wool

Giving woollen textiles to charity shops and goodwill centres can prolong the item’s life by several years, and avoids filling up landfill. Because of its natural durability wool lasts longer than other fibres, meaning your unwanted things can have long, happy lives elsewhere. You can often donate by filling charity bags for collection.

Recycling wool

Wool is perfect for recycling and new technologies have made this process even more efficient. Valuable or top quality woollens are closed-loop recycled, which means they are deconstructed and the fibre is reused as yarn in new items. Poor quality items are open-loop recycled, where they are taken apart and the wool is used in completely different products. Examples of these wool bi-products are fire retardant mattress padding, blankets and car sound insulation. These new uses can increase the lifespan of the wool fibres by up to 10 more years, which is pretty neat.

how to recycle wool

Discarding wool

As a last resort, wool can be discarded into landfill. Thankfully, as all its carbon comes from the plants eaten by sheep it is biodegradable and will fairly quickly decompose. In fact wool actually adds its nutrients back into the soil, making this far less damaging for the environment than throwing out other synthetic materials.

And once you’ve sustainably disposed of your old items and invested in some beautiful new textiles, you can prevent further waste by only washing them when absolutely necessary, buying good quality products that will have a longer lifespan, and then reusing or recycling these at the end of their time with you.

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Sort Your Holiday Shopping with our Gift Guide

November 28, 2017 Tags: , , , No Comments

If you are beginning to think about (or panic about) buying your Christmas or Holiday season gifts, we’ve got just the thing. Here is our simple guide to the perfect present: a woollen throw. Whether you are shopping for your mother or your teenage son, we’ll show you why one of our throws will make a great gift.

All our throws are made from top quality wool, which means they look and feel luxurious, and perfectly treat-y. They will last for years, keeping your loved one cosy and warm for many more seasons to come, which makes a wool throw a great alternative to disposable items with no longevity.

For a parent

Finding the right gift for a parent can be tricky. But whatever their age or stage in life, they will appreciate something sumptuous for their home, and something that will also keep them warm during the colder months. For a dad who likes to go fishing or camping, or putting his feet up in front of the game on a Sunday afternoon, our Luigi throw is a great choice. Made from a soft blend of wool and alpaca fibres, it has a timelessly classic plaid pattern that echoes nostalgic tartan rugs and country living. Or treat your mum to one of these exquisite cashmere Everest throws in an elegant herringbone weave. Perfect for snuggling up on the sofa, draping over shoulders or legs on cool summer evenings outside, or bringing along on picnics with friends.

dad gift wool throw - Gift Guide

For a teenager

If your teen has left home and started college, a decent wool throw is a brilliantly versatile gift. They can sling it over their beds for some extra winter warmth without having to splurge on heating bills, or take it to festivals in the summer where it can double as a nighttime blanket and rug for lounging on in the sunshine. Wool needs less washing than other fabrics, so this is a good low-maintenance present for teenagers who may spend more time socialising than doing the laundry. Choose something neutral that will work with whatever room they move to, like one of these supersoft Paula wool throws in grey stripes.

mother teen gift guide

For a grandparent

Tuck your grandparent up safe in the knowledge that a wool throw will help regulate their body temperature. Older people can often feel chills even on milder days, so having a cosy blanket handy is always useful. Go for something classic and simple, like our plait-designed merino Alessandra throw, or add a splash of colour to their day with something bold and patterned.

grandparent gift wool throw

For a partner

Gift the man in your life a gorgeous baby alpaca wool throw to snuggle up under with a glass of wine and a box set. Quiet time spent together can be hard to find amidst the busyness of life, but you can show how much you value cosy, simple moments with a present like this charcoal Bella throw. For her, how about a super-fine, luxurious cashmere throw? Choose a muted tone or natural colour to make sure it works with a range of bedlinen or sofa cushions.

There you have it, holiday gifts all wrapped up. No stress, no fuss and for many years of pleasure. Happy shopping!

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How to Bring the Beautiful Colours of Fall Into Your Home

November 10, 2017 Tags: , , , , No Comments

As the seasons change it’s the perfect time to reflect the shifts in colour and shape we see around us by making subtle changes in our interiors. Whether that means some new cushions in deep greys, a new set of linen bedlinen in muted taupe, or a cozy wool throw in leaf-brown. The big colour for this autumn is brown, mirroring the fallen leaves, woodland mushrooms and earthy hues as Nature hunkers down for winter.

We’ve put together these mood boards, using browns and greys, and lots of snuggly wool and natural materials, to help you find some fall inspiration:

Fall Colour Inspiration

fall colours interiors

Fall Interior Inspiration

wool fall autumn

To capture the feeling of coziness and drawing in, of the darker evenings and regenerative paring back, a simple wool throw is ideal. Easy, versatile and long-wearing, a throw in brown, grey or orange tones will mirror the colours of fall, whilst providing warmth and homeliness as we spend more time indoors.

Here’s a selection of our stunning wool throws in just the perfect fall shades. Like all our products, these are expertly crafted, super soft, brilliant value and enduringly pleasing to touch.

The Roberto wool throw in taupe

The Bella baby alpaca throw in grey stripe

The Roberto throw in steel grey

The Marcello merino throw in brown

The Bella baby alpaca throw in latte

The Marcello merino throw in orange

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5 Essential Ingredients For a Snug and Cozy Autumn

September 27, 2017 Tags: , , , , 1 Comment

With the weather turning cooler and the nights getting longer, it’s time to turn inwards and focus on ways to make our homes super snug and cozy for Fall. Making a home feel cozy is not just about paying attention to how things look or getting some wool blankets. It’s also about the smells, the tactile fabrics and the light that all contribute to that fuzzy glow. Remember the feeling when you were a child of coming into the house after playing in the snow, or running about outside in the cool air, and walking into a fuggy kitchen, full of the scents of cooking and warmth from the stove? That’s what we are aiming to recapture. A sense of safety and calm, of coming home.

We’ve gathered together a list of our 5 key must-haves for the ultimate in making sure you have a warm and inviting home that feels like a shelter in any storm.

Fire (or candles)

cozy-fall-home-fire - WoolMe

If you are fortunate enough to have an open fire or woodburning stove, now is the time to stack your logs and get the chimney swept. There is nothing that compares to the sight and sounds of a fire blazing in the hearth, and there is something deeply rooted about our wish to gaze into the flickering flames. If you can’t light fires in your home, try lighting a fire in the garden or on the beach if you can, just to connect to this ancient need for heat and light. Candles also bring the same soft light and cozy feel to a room, so stock up on good quality ones and light them as soon as the sun starts disappearing.

Wool blankets

Wool blankets - WoolMe

Essential for cozying up on the sofa in front of the TV, or slinging over your bed for some extra warmth, wool blankets or throws are great investment. Pure wool will regulate your body temperature and keeps you snug without overheating. Thanks to its anti-bacterial properties it’s easy to care for, and will last for years if looked after properly. In the summer your wool throw can double as a picnic rug, meaning you get maximum use out of it. Choose soft, muted colours for a minimalist look, or go for something bright to add a pop of colour. Go here for more on how to choose a wool throw.

Baking

Baking-snug-home - WoolMe

The smell of freshly baked bread is the ultimate in comfort for the senses. If you have time in the evening or over the weekend, make a large batch of dough and divide into smaller portions. Freeze these in bags so you can just defrost it in the morning and throw it in the oven later. Sharing fresh bread with friends and family is one of life’s joys, and will make your home feel magical. If bread isn’t your thing, think about dishes you can bake that are easy and have a satisfying aroma. Even if you only have time to whip up some store-cupboard biscuits, the scents and heat from the oven will warm your soul as well as your house.

New bedding

pure-linen-bedlinen - LinenMe

In the colder months, more than ever, our bed needs to be just the right temperature – not so hot that we are uncomfortable, but warm enough to let us sleep deeply and peacefully. Investing in some new bedlinen, preferably in a natural material like linen, will help you get a decent night’s sleep on those long winter nights. Opt for rich, deep tones if you want to add some autumnal colour to your bedroom, or keep things simple and calming with neutral shades. Buy top quality bedlinen that will last for years and that is practical (easy to wash and dry), so you can hunker down in a meltingly soft bed and sleep like a (well-behaved) baby.

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How to Choose the Right Wool Throw

August 21, 2017 Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

how-to-choose-wool-throw

With the end of summer in sight (sorry!) our thoughts are turning to cozying up for autumn. We can almost smell the woodsmoke and hot chocolate already. If you are thinking of investing in a new wool throw for your home but need some help choosing the right one, here’s a handy guide. Whether you are looking for an extra-special luxe blanket, or a hardwearing wool throw for the family to snuggle up under, we can help.

For a luxe, exquisite wool throw

Cashmere is what you are after. Long renowned for its ultra-softness and incredible warmth, cashmere is the ultimate in luxury wool. Our cashmere throws are crafted from top quality cashmere wool, and spun into meltingly soft throws that are perfect for the bedroom or for lounging on the sofa (you might want to keep it all to yourself though). A cheaper option is one of our cashmere/ merino throws, made from a combination that blends the best qualities of the two types of wool into one gorgeous, superfine blanket.

cashmere-throw-blanket

For a great all-rounder

If you are looking for a versatile, hard-wearing throw that can withstand family life without stinting on style, go for a pure wool throw. These are perfect for cuddling up in front of the TV, or throwing on the grass for a picnic, or draping over a bed on a chilly evening. Wool will keep you warm without being stuffy, and has inherent anti-bacterial properties, so you can keep cleaning to a minimum. A good wool throw will last for years, meaning you could be investing in a family heirloom, with all the memories of family picnics, holiday film-watching and being tucked into bed woven into every fibre.

wool-throw

For some subtle pattern

If you want to bring some pattern into your interior, without going for all-out bold, statement pieces, one of our alpaca throws might be just what you need. Crafted from a blend of wool and supersoft alpaca yarn, these throws have a subtle plaid pattern and come in three delightful muted colour ways. Ideal for complementing the minimalist/ Scandi-chic look with a gentle swathe of colour.

alpaca-throw

For sustainable, long-lasting softness

Merino wool is used worldwide as an insulating material – from thermal undergarments to bedsocks – and with good reason. It is incredibly warm yet very soft and lightweight, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skins or who find pure wool a bit itchy. Our merino throws are produced from sustainably sourced wool and will last a lifetime if properly looked after, making them an ideal addition to an environmentally-friendly home in need of a pop of colour or some extra softness.

merino-wool-throw

For something bright and cosy, with a hint of luxury

Our mohair throws come in a delightful red and blue colourway, and are crafted from a blend of superfine merino wool and luxurious mohair. The design is bold yet charming, inviting you to curl up with a book under its warmth, or stand outside on a winter’s evening staring at the stars with it draped around your shoulders. Charming, unusual yet ultimately homely and cozy. What else could you need?

mohair-throw

And the fantastic thing about all these wool throws is that even if the sun shines on well into September, you can use them for wild camping nights sleeping outdoors, or impromptu picnics on the beach, or building the best sofa forts the summer vacation ever saw. Season upon season, a wool throw will bring you joy and comfort.

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10 Fascinating Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Alpacas

May 5, 2017 Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

These funny-looking creatures are becoming a common sight peering over hedges or trotting around farms, and they have long provided us with their exquisite yarn. From baby alpaca throws to couture high fashion garments, alpaca wool is loved for its incredible strength and its delightful softness. Here are 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about alpacas.

1.Alpacas are a species of domesticated camelid originating in the high Andean plains of South America, but are now kept and bred in over 17 different countries worldwide. This is due to their fabulous yarn and the fact that they are pretty low-maintenance animals.

peter-hershey-180768

2.There are two types of alpaca: the huacaya (mainly used in woollen processes, for clothes and textiles) and the suri (which has a fleece more suited to worsted weights used in suiting and coats).

3. Alpaca wool fibre comes in 22 natural colours, making them the most colour-diverse animals used by humans.

4.The super softness of the yarn comes from the fact that each fibre has fewer scales than sheep’s wool. This also gives alpaca wool its lustre and smooth-to-touch surface.

5. Sir Titus Salt first introduced alpacas into the British market in 1836, and the yarn was very popular with well-to-to Victorians.

6. The average alpaca produces 2.4kg of fibre each year and they live for around 15-20 years.

alpaca-yarn

7. Archaeologists have discovered alpaca mummies dating back to the 15th Century

8. You can take alpacas for walks, treks and sponsor them. Here’s our friend Ali walking Timmy the Alpaca in the middle of Storm Doris.

walking-alpaca

9. A baby alpaca is called a cria. Our baby alpaca throws are not made from the fleece of crias, it is just the name given to the extra-fine fibres we use.

10. Alpaca wool was originally used for Incan royalty. It retains its luxurious reputation to this day, whilst also being a practical yarn. Which is why we love it.

 

 

For more about the benefits of different types of wool, go here. And to find out about walking an alpaca try here.

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