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merino wool

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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6 Must-Have Wool Items for Spring

March 2, 2020 Tags: , , , , , 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.

spring woollens

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

alpaca 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

wool scarf spring

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.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Natural Bedding

January 24, 2020 Tags: , , , , , , 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.

why choose natural bedding

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
natural bedding better sleep

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

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How to Remove Red Wine from Wool

December 17, 2019 Tags: , , , , 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.

removing red wine from wool

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

how to remove wine from wool

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!

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

October 25, 2019 Tags: , , , , , , 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

wool better for sleep

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. 

wool kinder to skin

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. 

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What’s the Difference Between Types of Wool?

March 16, 2019 Tags: , , , , , , , , 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 wool throw

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

lambswool types of wool

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

wool throws

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.

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Why Wool is Wonderful in the Bedroom

February 15, 2019 Tags: , , , , , , , 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.

wool throw

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.

wool blanket bedroom interior design

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.

bedlinen wool blanket

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.

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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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How to Deal With Pilling and Bobbling on Wool

December 11, 2018 Tags: , , 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.

how to get rid of 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.

prevent pilling wool

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.

pilling wool sweater

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

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5 Perfect New Wool Throws for a Cozy Fall

October 11, 2018 Tags: , , No Comments

As the days get shorter and the evenings begin to feel distinctly chilly, it’s time to think about getting your home ready for a cozy Fall. With more time spent indoors, whether curled up on the sofa watching a movie, or tucked up in bed with a breakfast tray and a good book, Fall is all about hunkering down. Whilst we don’t advocate full-on hibernation (we all need to get outside and move!) there is nothing we love more at this time of year than snuggling up with our loved ones in the warmth of a beautiful woollen throw in front of a fire.

And just in time for Fall, we’re excited to present our new collection of supersoft wool throws and blankets that will keep you toasty and transform your room. Inspired by the colours of Fall these throws come in rich, earthy tones that reflect fallen leaves, still winter seas, woodland mushrooms, wet grass, pumpkins, autumn sunsets, moss and moody skies. With a wide choice of colour, wool and pattern, there really is something for every home.

Everest throw

cashmere wool throw fall

Crafted from 100% pure cashmere our Everest throws are deliciously soft and oh-so warm. In a range of 7 muted colourways these throws work with all interior decor schemes, adding warmth and depth to a minimalist space, or adding a note of tranquility to a busy room.

Eva throw

cashmere throw shawl

Another pure cashmere beauty, the Eva throw is the epitome of simple, pared-back elegance. The three gentle colourways look just as lovely used as shawl as draped over your bed or sofa.

Emilio throw

blue cashmere throw

In beautiful cool, jewel-like blues, from turquoise to aqua, the Emilio cashmere throw will become a staple of your Fall preparations for Winter. It will lift a simple decor palette and evoke a feeling of coastlines, endless skies, clear rivers and ice cool lakes.

Ernesto throw

merino wool cashmere throw - wool throws

Our Ernesto throw is comprised of 20% cashmere and 80% merino wool, a blend that gives ultra-softness and durability. You can choose from three subtle colourways, which each have a reverse side side in grey/ taupe and contrast fringing.

Tito throw

patterned wool throws fall

Echoing the russet tones of autumn leaves, sweeping sunsets and wood fires, the Tito throw comes in a gorgeous earthy colourway blended with a grey base. There are also grey and gentle green options, each creating a lovely texture and understated pattern to the blanket.

With all of these wool throws you can change up the feel of a room, or create a warm nest in which you can feel supported, comforted and nurtured. They make ideal gifts, whether for a student embarking on a new life adventure in their own home, for an elderly relative who is starting to feel the cold, or for a precious girlfriend who needs to feel surrounded by warmth and friendship. And they are the perfect way to treat yourself, too.

To read more about the qualities of, and how to care for cashmere go here. For tips on how to style your wool throw, try this.

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